Rep. Chu Statement on Japanese American Day of Remembrance

Washington, D.C. – On February 19, 1942, President Franklin Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, which led to the forced imprisonment of over 120,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. Over seventy years later, not a single accusation of espionage against Japanese Americans has been proven. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement on the anniversary of that order:

“The tragic incarceration of innocent Japanese Americans during World War II was a shameful chapter in our nation’s history that demonstrated our susceptibility to wartime hysteria and racism. It led to civil rights violations so unconscionable that Congress later apologized for it. We must never forget how we embraced prejudice during that time. But sadly, there are new demagogues who want us to do just that. Instead of seeing the incarceration of Japanese Americans as a mistake of the past, some politicians today are citing it as a positive example to be used against American Muslims and Syrian refugees. This resurgent xenophobia and anti-Muslim rhetoric is deeply troubling. Not only does it inspire hatred and violence, but it also weakens our country.

“Diversity drives our economy and forms stronger, more dynamic communities. But due to the hate speech being espoused against Muslims, hate crimes against these communities are on the rise. We cannot afford to forget the horror of Japanese incarceration, just as we cannot afford to forget the other incidents of violence and discrimination against other communities of color throughout our nation’s history. As we commemorate this Day of Remembrance, let us rededicate ourselves to rejecting xenophobia and turning towards unity.”