CAPAC Members Recognize the 36th Anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tomorrow marks 36 years after the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was signed into law, which granted reparations and a Presidential apology to every citizen or legal immigrant of Japanese ancestry incarcerated by the United States government during World War II. Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements:
CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):
“As we approach the 36th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, we reflect on the devastating effects of mass Japanese American incarceration, and the harrowing reality that the removal of innocent fellow Americans—including several of my colleagues and their families—from their homes, businesses, and communities occurred during our lifetime. We also remember the late Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, co-founder and former Chair of CAPAC, who was a fierce advocate for AANHPI communities and championed the passage of the Civil Liberties Act into law. As we recognize the anti-Asian hate that unleashed terrible suffering throughout our history and that continues to manifest in policy today, we must remember pioneers like Norm and continue their work to fight and win. We must better educate Americans on AANHPI history, including the incarceration of Japanese Americans, raise our voices against dangerous anti-Asian rhetoric, keep xenophobia out of our laws, and build a nation where everyone has the opportunity to achieve their American dream.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“36 years ago, the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 was signed into law providing reparations to Japanese Americans who were wrongfully detained by the United States government during World War II. While no legislation can fully heal the trauma of this wrongful mass detainment, these reparations were an important step in moving our country forward from this dark period of racial profiling, xenophobia, and fear. On the 36th anniversary of this historic bill, we continue to fight against anti-Asian hate, and reaffirm our commitment to American values of equality and justice for all.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“The Civil Liberties Act brought about redress for members of my family who were subjected to the incarceration of Japanese Americans during World War II. Importantly, this Act stated that the U.S. committed a ‘grave injustice’ to members of my community. Today, injustice persists towards the AANHPI community brought about by intolerance. On this important anniversary, I hope my colleagues join me in continuing to work towards a United States without anti-Asian hate.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“While no sum of money can reverse the horrors of Japanese American internment, the passage of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988 acknowledges the harm inflicted on Americans of Japanese descent during World War II. On the 36th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, we recognize this profoundly dark period in American history when, fueled by xenophobia, the U.S. government forcibly incarcerated tens of thousands of Japanese Americans. In remembering this horrible period, we must remember that our fight against institutional injustice and discrimination is not over.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Executive Order 9066 was a gross human rights violation that devastated families. On the 36th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act of 1988, we must reflect on the injustice done to the Japanese American community during WWII and stand against any anti-Asian rhetoric that remains today. It is our responsibility to create a vision of American leadership free from prejudice, xenophobia, and bigotry in all forms.”
Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):
“Today we reflect on the 36th anniversary of the Civil Liberties Act, which formally apologized and provided reparations to the more than 120,000 individuals of Japanese ancestry that were forcibly removed and incarcerated. This anniversary serves as a reminder that we must not let racial prejudice and hatred into our government policies ever again. I join my CAPAC colleagues in uplifting all members of the AANHPI community and ensuring we continue to govern in an inclusive way.”