After the attack on Pearl Harbor – political debate began about the need to protect the country against another attack from the Japanese, the fear of espionage, and racism all led to the eventual passage of a series of executive orders.

Prior to the forced removal from the West Coast, assets were frozen, and the FBI led by J. Edgar Hoover had compiled a list of about 1500 people of Japanese ancestry that the FBI believed needed to be watched. These individuals were arrested the day after the attack. Many of them remained detained for the duration of the war.

In addition, On January 14, 1942, FDR issued Executive Order 2537 which required non-U.S. citizens from World War II-enemy countries—Italy, Germany and Japan—to register with the United States Department of Justice.

They were then issued a Certificate of Identification for Aliens of Enemy Nationality.

Then came Executive Order 9066. This granted the secretary of war and his commanders the power “to prescribe military areas in such places and of such extent as he or the appropriate Military Commander may determine, from which any or all persons may be excluded.” There was no specific individuals or locations listed in the order. It was broad and left up to interpretation.

It was quickly applied to just about the entire Japanese American population on the West Coast.  The War Relocation Board was created. 

Listen to this podcast on how this went down and what exactly was involved.

There is always more to learn, talk to y'all soon!

Jimmy & Jean