1890s
The first Japanese immigrants arrive in the United States. Judged incapable of assimilating into American society, they are prohibited from becoming citizens.

1913

California passes the Alien-Land Act, prohibiting land ownership by aliens ineligible for citizenship.

1924
Congress passes the National Origins Act, barring immigration by aliens ineligible for citizenship.

1940
The Census finds 126,947 Japanese in the United States; 79,642 are native-born citizens.

December 7, 1941
The Japanese attack the American Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and launch offensives against the Philippines and Hong Kong; authorized by a blanket presidential warrant, Attorney General Francis Biddle directs the FBI to arrest a predetermined number of "enemy aliens" classified as dangerous. Among those arrested are 737 Japanese.

December 8, 1941

The United States declares war on Japan.

December 11, 1941

1,370 Japanese classified as "dangerous enemy aliens" are detained by the FBI.

December 29, 1941
All enemy aliens in California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Utah, and Nevada are ordered to surrender all...