Japanese-Americans in the Bay Area express concern over Trump’s plans to revive a racist law for mass deportations, recalling past injustices.
Bay Area: Japanese Americans are really worried about Trump wanting to bring back an old law. This law was used to round up their families during World War II.
If he goes through with his plan for mass deportations, it could lead to a lot of legal battles and protests. Plus, it might hurt the economy. Trump seems focused on immigration, especially from the southern border, and he wants to show his supporters he’s serious this time.
Japanese Americans are raising alarms about the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. Susan Hayase, a member of the community, said it’s upsetting to see this law being brought back. She and her husband, Tom Izu, are working on an exhibit at the Japanese American Museum of San Jose about the Redress Movement, which sought reparations for the internment of Japanese Americans during the war.
Over the years, some politicians have tried to repeal this act, but efforts like Rep. Ilhan Omar’s Neighbors Not Enemies Act didn’t go anywhere. During Trump’s last term, Japanese Americans pointed out the similarities between their past and the treatment of migrant families at the border.
The museum is also celebrating Korematsu Day on January 25, honoring Fred Korematsu, who fought against internment. His case was a landmark Supreme Court decision that has been criticized for legalizing racism.
Korematsu was arrested for refusing to go to an internment camp, and while the court ruled in favor of the government, his name was cleared years later. The Redress Movement played a big role in that. Current Chief Justice John Roberts even referenced Korematsu when ruling on the Trump administration’s Muslim ban, acknowledging that the original decision was wrong.
It’s unclear how the Supreme Court will handle Trump’s actions, but there will likely be legal challenges about whether the Alien Enemies Act can be used during peacetime. Izu and Hayase are currently training undocumented immigrants in the Bay Area on what to do if ICE shows up at their door.
Hayase expressed concern that many people don’t see the connection between today’s issues and what Japanese Americans faced 83 years ago.
