Author Description

“Outstanding Book” – Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights in the United StatesAmerican Book Award – “Outstanding Literary Achievement” – Before Columbus FoundationBetween February and June 1942, the U.S. government subjected law-abiding people who had lived in the United States for decades, including some with sons in the armed forces, to surveillance and other forms of harassment.Of greater consequence, the government used hastily drawn, nonsensical demarcation lines to justify moving thousands of Italian and German aliens from their homes, jobs, and families to so-called safe zones.Other Italians, including American citizens, whose loyalty was deemed doubtful, were interned or excluded pending hearings.Stephen Fox combines interviews with Italian Americans, government files and newspaper accounts to reveal this previously untold chapter in American history."Under Siege!" illustrates how a national security crisis led to the use of group labels and challenged the government’s commitment to its libertarian ideals. The voices within will speak to students, scholars—anyone interested in civil liberties.