A recent court ruling determined that reparations may be paid to certain children born after their Japanese-American parents voluntarily evacuated from the West Coast or after they were released from internment camps. The department hopes to determine the qualifying dates of birth by March.
In the case, Ishida vs. United States, the court held that the children were "deprived of liberty" and entitled to redress because of their inability to return to their parents' original place of residence.
The Justice Department's Office of Redress Administration has received claims from about 1,300 people who may be affected by this case and expects many more will qualify for redress. More specific eligibility requirements should be finalized by March.
Other people may qualify for reparations as well. Children under the age of 21 who were involuntarily returned to Japan during the war, who were not emancipated, and who did not enter active military service for Japan during World War II, could also receive reparations.
The department found that because they were children, they did not have the capacity to voluntarily choose to relocate to Japan during the war.
People who voluntarily evacuated the West Coast between Feb. 19, 1942, when related security measures were authorized, and March 2, 1942, when forced relocation and internment were authorized, may also be eligible for redress if they evacuated as a result of pressure from the federal government. An estimated 10,000 Japanese-Americans voluntarily evacuated then.
Records show more than 120,000 Japanese-Americans were evacuated, relocated or interned during the war. More than 3,000 of those have not been located.Those who believe they are eligible under the new categories should call the Office of Redress Administration's Helpline at the toll-free number: (888) 219-6900. Or write office at P.O. Box 66260, Washington, D.C. 20035-6260.
Include the following information: full name, name used during internment, date of birth, address, telephone number, and place of internment, relocation or evacuation. Claims should be sent as soon as possible. By law the office is to close by Aug. 10, 1998.