OPINION: In favor of Invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798: A call for national safety

As one can see, my support for The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 comes with a critical understanding shaped by personal history. My father’s family was unjustly detained by the Roosevelt administration in 1942 under Executive Order 9066, which led to their removal from their California home. My father, an American citizen born at Terminal Island, California, in 1930, and his siblings were all American citizens, yet they were uprooted from their lives. My paternal grandparents had lawfully immigrated from Japan in the 1920s to build a future for their family.

I vividly remember my father recounting his experiences in a concentration camp, recalling the fear and uncertainty he felt as he walked home from school, only to be met by police cars and men in suits. The devastation of being ordered to sell their belongings within 48 hours — my grandfather’s fishing business sold for a mere fraction of its value — has left an indelible mark on my family’s history.

After enduring the internment, my father, at the age of 16, faced the daunting challenge of going to Japan for the very first time, where he was met with disdain for being an American citizen.

He took on various odd jobs to save enough money for a boat ride back to America. Having been removed at the age of 11, he had only completed 5th grade. However, he dedicated himself to studying and eventually earned his GED diploma before serving honorably in the U.S. Army Air Corps (now known as the U.S. Air Force) until his retirement in 1969.

This Act was established to protect our nation during times of war by allowing for the detention and removal of individuals who pose a threat to our safety, even in the absence of due process. Historically, this law has been invoked during critical moments, including World War II when it was used to intern individuals of Japanese descent. Recently, on March 15, the Trump administration invoked this act to expedite the deportation of an alleged Venezuelan gang involved in unlawful activities. While a federal judge has temporarily halted this action, the administration’s goal is clear: to target specific groups and prevent further criminal activity.

I stand for measures that prioritize the safety of our families and communities. In times of perceived threat, it is only reasonable to consider the use of such provisions if they can protect citizens from harm. The focus should be on maintaining the security of our nation, and if invoking the Alien Enemies Act can help achieve that, why not embrace it as a tool for safeguarding our populace?

The contrast between my family’s experience and the current invocation of the Alien Enemies Act is stark. While I promote measures that enhance national security, we must remain vigilant to ensure that such actions do not unjustly target individuals based on their heritage or background. It is crucial that we balance the need for safety with the principles of justice and fairness that define our nation. In doing so, we can ensure that the invocation of the Alien Enemies Act serves its intended purpose: protecting our country without repeating the mistakes of the past.