Ex Parte Shahid
United States District Court for the Eastern District of South Carolina
205 Fed. 812 (1913)

- Written by Katrina Sumner, JD
Facts
Faras Shahid (plaintiff) was a Syrian national who applied for United States citizenship. Although Shahid had been in America for 11 years, Shahid had a limited understanding of spoken English and no ability to read or write the language. Also, Shahid did not understand the characteristics of American government. Shahid was a married, Christian man whose wife and children lived in Syria. However, when Shahid was asked if he was a polygamist or a person who rejects government, Shahid said that he was. Because Shahid was questioned in English, rather than in Arabic, he did not really comprehend what was being asked. Shahid sought naturalization so that his family could come to America. Shahid’s complexion was slightly darker than the average mulatto born of one white and one Negro parent.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Smith, J.)
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