WASHINGTON - Representative Xavier Becerra (CA - 31) issued the following statement today regarding comments made last week by Rep. Howard Coble (NC - 6), where the North Carolina congressman stated that the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II was a justifiable act:
"The internment of Japanese Americans during World War II represents a dark period in our nation's history. I was disheartened to learn of Rep. Coble's remarks justifying this internment."
"To further suggest a comparison to present day Arab-Americans is equally unfortunate.
"On the eve of commemorating the 61st anniversary of the signing of Executive Order 9066, this country and its Congress should reflect on the injustices brought upon 120,000 people simply because of the color of their skin when they were ordered interned.
"Fifteen years after the passage of the Civil Liberties Act, which provided an official apology and redress to most of those confined in U.S. internment camps during World War II, we still have unfinished work to be done to rectify and close this regrettable chapter in our nation's history."