How are people from Italy considered "Not Caucasian" by USA until the '50's, even tho the Roman Empire was the birthplace of modern western civilization and governance?

Was it because of their Catholic religion or their orange skin?

>>17868510 (OP)
You wouldn't be trying so hard to race swap them if it didn't matter, so obviously they were white and it does.

>>17868510 (OP)
>Caucasian
>White
>Roman Empire
>Western civilization
>governance
>muh 50s
Rangeban all amerimutts