This delayed them from becoming American citizens because they had to settle their debt first. Despite this, thanks to the naturalization law of 1790, they were able to obtain citizenship. This law stipulated that “Any alien, being a free white person, who shall have resided within the limits and under the jurisdiction of the United States for a period of two years, may be admitted to become a citizen” (Naturalization Act of 1790). This differs from the Chinese in that the Chinese have been blocked by every means possible from obtaining their American citizenship. Both immigrants arrived at the same time and held similar jobs. They also worked hard to contribute to America, such as building the transcontinental railroad, but the Irish had first privilege because they were white. The fact that Takaki shares this again shows how the main narrative fails to convey the meaning of an American, as being white shouldn't be the main reason. The Irish were chosen because, as Toni Morrison observed, the Master Narrative states that "American has been defined as 'white'" and "To not be 'white' is to be referred to as 'white'." “Other” – different, inferior, and inassimilable” (Takaki, 4). Therefore, the Chinese were considered un-American because they were different. This in turn led white Europeans to believe that they are not worthy of being involved in America's history as far as the main narrative is concerned. Today, this country is made up of different races who have done much to build what America is today. These minorities are American, like the Chinese, but the Master Story could not see that these minorities