

Enemy Aliens
Oct 29, 2024
The podcast delves into the harrowing experiences of Japanese Peruvians during WWII, highlighting unjust internment and the devastating impact of racial prejudice. It examines the Alien Enemies Act's historical roots and its dangers in modern politics, particularly amid rising nativism. The struggle for justice and compensation for affected individuals is poignantly discussed, emphasizing the importance of civil liberties. The chilling effects of executive power throughout history raise critical concerns about the potential misuse of authority and the ongoing fight for human rights.
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Shibayama Family Internment
- Art Shibayama's family, Japanese Peruvians, were forcibly interned in the US during WWII.
- This was due to the Alien Enemies Act, highlighting its potential for misuse based on ethnicity, not individual threat.
Alien Enemies Act Overview
- The Alien Enemies Act lets the president detain/deport non-citizens from hostile nations without hearings or individual threat assessment.
- It aims to prevent wartime spying/sabotage but poses risks of misuse.
Peruvians and the Act
- The Alien Enemies Act's application to Peruvian Japanese during WWII was unusual, as they were brought to the US against their will.
- The Act applied once they were inside the US, despite not seeking entry.