Snoqualmie Valley History The Motomatsu Familys Battle Against Washington States Alien Land Bill

In the early 1900s, George Motomatsu immigrated to the United States and became a dairy farmer in Cherry Valley, Washington. Japanese immigrants like Motomatsu were prohibited from owning land due to discriminatory laws, which forced them to lease land instead. On January 6, 1921, George and Ishi signed a lease for 240 acres, just two days before the Alien Land Bill took effect. This bill restricted non-citizens from leasing or renting agricultural land, further complicating the lives of Japanese farmers. The Motomatsu family's successful farming efforts triggered jealousy and increased racial animosity among white Americans.

The legislation aimed to remove Japanese control over land, reflecting the systemic racism of the time. By planning to buy land in their American-born children's names, Japanese immigrants sought to navigate these restrictive laws. Their struggle provides insight into the challenges faced by immigrant communities in early 20th-century America.