Immigration Article of the Day: Muhammad Ali: The Passport Issue by Joyce A. Hughes

Muhammad Ali: The Passport Issue by Joyce A. Hughes, Northwestern Public Law Research Paper No. 19-24, North Carolina Central Law Review, Forthcoming 

Abstract

This Article focuses upon the required surrender of his passport after Ali’s conviction for refusing to submit to the draft. This occurred during the Vietnam war so the situation of African-American service persons is noted. Also Ali’s situation is compared to the passport difficulties of historic African-Americans Paul Robeson and W.E.B. DuBois as well as Caucasian defendants convicted during the Vietnam War era in the Chicago Seven Trial. The requirement for opposition to all wars for conscientious objector status is noted as well as Ali’s ultimate Supreme Court victory. The article suggests that race played a role in Ali’s required passport surrender.

KJ