Throughline The Alien Enemies Act
92 snips
Apr 17, 2025 Daniel Tischner, a political science professor at the University of Oregon, dives into the fascinating history and implications of the Alien Enemies Act. He discusses how this 1798 law has resurfaced under President Trump's executive order, sparking legal battles and debates over immigration policies. Tischner explores past uses of the Act during major conflicts and its impact on civil liberties. The conversation highlights the delicate balance between national security and individual rights, shedding light on the evolving nature of executive power in America.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Origins During 1798 French Conflict
- The Alien Enemies Act was created amid fears of war with France and targeted non-citizens deemed hostile during declared wars or invasions.
- The Act reflects early U.S. anxieties about loyalty, especially toward French and Irish immigrants aligned with opposing political factions.
WWI German Internment Example
- During World War I, about 6,000 German non-citizens were interned in camps in Georgia and Utah under the Alien Enemies Act.
- Surveillance extended to registration, weapon confiscation, and community spying by groups like the American Protective League.
WWII Internment of Foreign Nationals
- In World War II, 30,000 foreign nationals including Germans, Italians, and Japanese were interned using the Alien Enemies Act.
- The mass incarceration of Japanese Americans, mostly citizens, required a separate executive order beyond this Act.