This Day in History: 0000-08-12
August 10, 1988- “Reparations for Japanese American Internees” “U.S. House of Representatives Resolution 442 was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan, which provided for a payment of $20,000 to each surviving Japanese American who was interned at American camps during the Second World War. It also provided for a $1.25 billion education fund, among other provisions. It sought to address the injuries caused to Japanese Americans by the internment of those citizens during the Second World War. Approximately 110,000 Japanese Americans had to liquidate their assets on three days’ notice and relocate to remote prison camps.”
1959 - “Asian American Elected to U.S. Senate for First Time
” Hiram Fong, who was one of Hawaii's most prominent and successful businessmen at the time, was elected to represent Hawaii in the U.S. Senate. He became the first Asian American elected to the legislative body. He was also the first Asian American to seek the Republican party's nomination for resident of the United States. Fong was the first in a long line of Asian American elected officials to represent Hawaii, including Daniel Inouye, Daniel Akaka and Mazie Hirono.