When the Japanese were forced to leave their homes and businesses within 48 hours, they could bring only what they could carry, so most of their belongings were either left or given away. What was left was eventually stolen or damaged. The Japanese-Americans’ homes were searched without warrants, and they were never told of their crime, nor were they allowed a quick and public trial. Japanese-Americans were not brought before a court of law, and they could not call upon any witnesses. They were forced into guarded “relocation” camps behind barbed wire. In these camps, Japanese internees were forced to live in small, unsanitary, and intolerable living conditions, as a cruel and unusual form of punishment. Freedom of religion and speech were tightly constrained, for they could practice only Christianity and English was the only language allowed. In addition, they were denied the right to vote, and were severely restricted on what they could say in newspapers and at meetings. The salary of even professional Japanese descendants was $200 per year at most. Individuals who demanded for their rights to be recognized were seen as “troublemakers” and sent off to isolation camps. Medical care and food was inadequate, and hospitals were understaffed and unprofessional. In conclusion, the Japanese-Americans’ rights were completely violated.
Internment Experiences