What did the Californian Alien Land Act prohibit?

The Californian Alien Land Act specifically targeted the ownership of agricultural land by individuals who were classified as "aliens ineligible for citizenship." This category primarily referred to Asian immigrants, particularly those from Japan, who were legally barred from becoming U.S. citizens due to restrictive immigration laws and racially discriminatory policies at that time.

The Act aimed to limit the economic power and land ownership rights of these groups, thereby enforcing a system of racial exclusion that was prevalent in early 20th century California. By prohibiting these individuals from owning agricultural land, the law significantly impacted their ability to establish homes and livelihoods, contributing to social and economic marginalization.

Understanding this context helps clarify the significant implications of the law, which was part of a broader set of discriminatory policies that shaped land ownership and social dynamics in California during the era.