Author Description

"Outstanding Book" - Gustavus Myers Center for the Study of Human Rights in the United StatesAmerican Book Award - "Outstanding Literary Achievement" - Before Columbus Foundation Between February and June 1942, the U.S. government relocated thousands of West Coast Italian and German aliens to so-called safe zones. These were law-abiding people who had lived in the United States for decades, including some with sons in the armed forces. Eventually, economic and political realities forced the government to reconsider the wisdom of the relocation program. 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. The testimonies of those who were the objects of the government's unfounded suspicions and accusations provide a vivid portrait of the times and illuminate a neglected episode."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.