In recognition of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, the Federal Bar Association Chicago Chapter, Asian American Bar Association of Greater Chicago, and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois proudly present Love vs. Country: How One of the First Asian American Lawyers Lost and Regained Her Citizenship. The program tells the remarkable story of Sau Ung Loo Chan, who, a century ago, spent ten years fighting to reclaim the citizenship her own government had stripped away.
One of the first Asian Americans to attend Yale Law School, Chan fell in love with a man who, like her, was a U.S. citizen by birthright but, unlike her, could not prove it due to family dynamics and the San Francisco earthquake of 1906. Under the laws of that era, American women automatically lost their citizenship when they married a non-citizen, and Chan lost her citizenship when she and her husband got married. It took years of hearings and advocacy, but Chan ultimately regained citizenship for herself, her husband, and their child. Her arguments were so persuasive that immigration authorities offered her a job, and she went on to become the first Asian American woman lawyer in Hawaii, where she built a career advocating for immigrants and testified before Congress to amend U.S. immigration laws.
This in-person program features Chicago practitioners and judges performing reenactments of key moments in Chan's legal battle, giving attendees an in-depth look at her life, her legal strategy, and the lasting significance of her case. Chan's legacy speaks directly to today's conversations about birthright citizenship, justice, and civil rights, and her story remains as relevant now as it was a hundred years ago.
The program takes place on Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 4:00 to 5:00PM in the Ceremonial Courtroom of the Dirksen Federal Courthouse at 219 S Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60604. Immediately following the program, attendees are invited to stay for a reception featuring drinks and hors d'oeuvres. The event is open to the public, and attendees may receive 1.0 hours of CLE credit (pending approval).
Register at https://www.fedbarchicago.org/events-cle-opportunities/love-vs-country-how-one-first-asian-american-lawyers-lost-regained-her-citizenship
