The 1982 immigration bill and the fifth preference, plus JACL’s own history

Vol. 95, No. 12, September 17, 1982. 8 pages. View this issue

The front page of this issue was about immigration. National JACL joined other Asian Pacific American organizations in urging the House Judiciary Committee to keep the fifth visa preference in the Simpson-Mazzoli bill, which allows brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens to be admitted. Harry Honda’s “Traditions” column placed that stand within JACL’s long involvement in immigration and naturalization. Related coverage included a Los Angeles forum where Rep. John Rousselot and Rep. Matthew Martinez heard from Asian American community members, and a front-page story on Harley-Davidson’s request for tariffs on Japanese motorcycles.

Other pages looked at JACL’s own story. Sachi Seko reflected on Bill Hosokawa’s book “JACL In Quest of Justice,” Tom Shimasaki defended Mike Masaoka in the Letterbox, and Joe Oyama reviewed “Go For Broke,” a pictorial history of the 100th Infantry and 442nd Regimental Combat Team. Also inside: California’s list of 145 Japanese Americans who may claim back wages under AB 2710, Linda Tsao Yang’s suspension as state savings and loan commissioner, and the verdict in the retrial of Chol Soo Lee.

What’s in this issue

National

• JACL Urges Retention of 5th Preference in Immigrant Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. National JACL joined other Asian Pacific American organizations in supporting restoration of the fifth visa preference in the Simpson-Mazzoli immigration bill before the House Judiciary Committee. The groups argued that eliminating the fifth preference, which allows admission of brothers and sisters of U.S. citizens, would disproportionately harm Asian immigrant families seeking reunification.
• First Cars, Now U.S. Motorcycle Co. Wants Protection From Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Harley-Davidson, the last major U.S. motorcycle manufacturer, petitioned the federal government for new tariffs on Japanese motorcycles to compete more fairly, citing a drop in market share attributable to Japanese imports. The company has laid off 1,600 employees and argues tariff relief would allow time to develop more competitive models.
• Asian Americans Protesting S&L Official’s Suspension, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Asian American leaders defended Linda Tsao Yang, California’s state savings and loan commissioner, after she was suspended by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. for alleged insubordination. The Asian Pacific Caucus sent a letter protesting the suspension, drawing comparisons to the treatment of other Asian American officials like Jerry Enomoto and Floyd Mori.
• Nobel Prize-Winner Says Japan Will Be No. 2 Economic Power, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Samuelson predicted that by 2000, Japan will surpass the Soviet Union to become the world’s second-largest economic power after the U.S. He urged Japan to continue focusing on economic rather than military power.
• S.F. Hospital Tests Hepatitis B Vaccine to Treat Asian Babies, by P.C. Staff, page 1. S.F. General Hospital Medical Center is coordinating a Bay Area clinical trial of hepatitis B vaccine for infants born to Asian women who are highly infectious carriers of the virus. The study, funded by Merck, Sharp and Dohme, aims to screen 1,400 pregnant Asian women and vaccinate at least 50 infants.
• Chol Soo Lee Acquitted of 1973 Chinatown Murder, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Chol Soo Lee, a Korean immigrant, was found not guilty of a 1973 Chinatown murder after a five-week retrial, with the jury citing reasonable doubt about eyewitness identification. Lee remains on death row for a separate murder committed while imprisoned, a case his defense argues resulted from his wrongful initial conviction.
• Japan Textbook Dispute Settled, by P.C. Staff, page 2. Japan’s two-month dispute with China and South Korea over history textbooks was tentatively settled after Japan agreed to revise controversial passages describing its wartime conduct by 1985. Both countries gave conditional approval to Japan’s commitment to correct textbook descriptions in the interim through teacher guidance.
• Republicans Block Appointment of Asian to Ca. Education Bd., by P.C. Staff, page 2. Dr. Allan Seid, Gov. Brown’s appointee and president of the Asian Pacific American Advocates of California, was not confirmed by the state Senate before it adjourned, as Republicans blocked numerous appointments to preserve openings for a potential Republican governor. Seid expressed hope he would be reappointed if Tom Bradley wins the gubernatorial race.
• Noguchi Begins His Defense, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Dr. Thomas Noguchi, the demoted Los Angeles coroner, began his defense before the Civil Service Commission after the county rested its case, with witnesses testifying to his contributions to forensic science despite budget constraints. Deputy medical examiner Dr. Eugene Carpenter praised Noguchi’s work despite funding difficulties following Proposition 13 cuts.
• S&L Official’s Suspension Draws Comparisons to Other Dismissals, by P.C. Staff, page 8. The continuation of the Linda Tsao Yang story details comparisons drawn by Asian American leader Georgette Imura between Yang’s suspension and the earlier dismissals of Jerry Enomoto and Floyd Mori under Gov. Brown. Imura criticized the pattern as insensitive and said Brown could no longer count on Asian Pacific support in his Senate campaign.
• Japan Firms Doing Well in U.S., by P.C. Staff, page 8. A JETRO survey found that more than 70% of Japanese manufacturing companies operating in the United States reported brisk business in 1981 despite the recession and high interest rates. The survey noted Japanese firms employed over 37,000 workers in the U.S. and most avoided layoffs during the economic downturn.

Community

• Asians Speak to Congressmen on Immigration Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Rep. John Rousselot and Rep. Matthew Martinez met with Asian American community members in Los Angeles to discuss the Simpson-Mazzoli immigration bill and its effects on family reunification and children. The forum was organized by Toshi Yamamoto, Ken Naramura, Lilly Lee, Lynne Choy Uyeda, Don Morey and Collin Lai.
• Facelift for JACL HQ, by David Nakayama, page 1. Alice Wong, daughter of National JACL staffer Jane Hara Wong, repainted the address sign and gate at National JACL Headquarters in San Francisco. She is among many Bay Area youths planning a full exterior renovation of the building.
• Northern Calif. JCCC Names Campaign Chairs for Vision 80’s, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Japanese Cultural and Community Center of Northern California announced Mayor Dianne Feinstein as honorary chair and Yori Wada as general chair for its $3 million Vision 80’s development campaign to build a new center in Nihonmachi. Wada brings extensive community service experience to oversee the volunteer campaign organization.
• Monterey JACL to Fete 50th Year, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Monterey Peninsula JACL will celebrate its 50th Anniversary with a banquet at the Monterey Holiday Inn on Sept. 18, featuring a photo display of local Japanese community history. Dr. David Yamada of Monterey Peninsula College will speak on the future of JACL.
• Asian Women’s Writing Contest Opens, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Organization of Pan Asian American Women is sponsoring a writing contest focused on the first generation of Asian Pacific American women in the U.S. Top entries will be published in Pan Asia News with cash prizes awarded, and the deadline for submissions is Nov. 15.
• Kitano to Speak at Whittier College, by P.C. Staff, page 4. Dr. Harry Kitano, UCLA professor of Social Welfare and Sociology, will fill the Nixon Chair at Whittier College from Sept. 20-24. He will speak on the wartime relocation of Japanese Americans and on interracial marriages and their impact on Asian family structure.
• Chicago JAs Aid Japan Flood Victims, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The Chicago Kyushu Association is sponsoring the Chicago Area Nagasaki Flood Fund to assist victims of recent flooding in the Nagasaki area, with support from numerous Chicago Japanese American organizations. Contributions can be sent to the Nagasaki Relief Fund care of the Chicago-Tokyo Bank.
• Legal Outreach Group to Start Fundraising, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Asian Legal Service Outreach (ALSO) announced its annual membership and fundraising drive beginning Sept. 20 in Sacramento. The nine-year-old organization provides free legal assistance and education to APA community members on issues like social security and employment discrimination.
• PC People: Business, Government, Health, Sports Notes, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Various Japanese Americans were recognized for professional achievements, including a Berkeley Co-op employee’s retirement party, three gubernatorial appointments by Gov. Brown to state advisory committees, and a counselor joining the University of Florida staff. A Kirkland, Wa. Little League team including player Taikan Sekine won the World Series by defeating Taiwan 6-0.
• BSA Troop 29 Slates Golden Yr. Reunion, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Boy Scout Troop 29 in San Francisco will hold its 50th Anniversary celebration and reunion on Oct. 1-3. Interested parties can contact Ted Uyemoto for more information.
• Placer Buddhists Set Food Bazaar, by P.C. Staff, page 7. The Placer Buddhist Church in Penryn, Ca. will hold its autumn festival and food bazaar on Sept. 25 and 26 at the church complex on Boyington Road. The event runs from 11 a.m.

JACL

• JACL Youth Program Receives $1,500, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The JACL National Youth Program received $1,500 in gifts for scholarships and student aid, including $500 from Jon Hiratsuka for a performing arts scholarship and $1,000 from Mr. and Mrs. H.G. Watanabe for the National Student Aid Program. The funds will help support students facing financial hardship.
• UCLA’s Kitano Chosen Nisei of Biennium, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Dr. Harry Kitano of UCLA’s School of Social Welfare was honored as the Nisei of the Biennium at the recent JACL National Convention for his pioneering work in ethnic studies and race relations. The Hollywood JACL Biennium Committee is hosting a reception for Kitano, whose achievements include numerous publications, honors, and his role as UCLA’s affirmative action officer.

Incarceration & Redress

• Names of Former State Workers Eligible for AB 2710 Released, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Assemblyman Patrick Johnston’s office released a list of 145 Japanese Americans who may be eligible to claim $5,000 in back wages from California under AB 2710, for workers fired by the state in 1942. Claims must be submitted by May 15, 1983, and only affected employees, not heirs, are eligible to file.
• Nisei Aging Project in Critical Need, by Bill Hosokawa, page 5. The Nisei Aging Project, started by the late Dr. Minoru Masuda at the University of Washington to study the needs of aging Nisei, lost $30,000 in federal funding for its final year of data compilation and analysis. The study examines how evacuation experiences, ethnic values, and family changes affect Nisei in retirement, and is now seeking public donations to complete the research.

Commentary

• Traditions, by Harry Honda, page 4. The editor discusses JACL’s longstanding involvement in immigration and naturalization issues, noting the organization’s recent support for the House version of the immigration bill preserving the fifth preference category. He emphasizes that JACL’s advocacy extends beyond convention resolutions to reflect ongoing tradition.
• PC Requests Chapter Dues Update, by P.C. Staff, page 4. With National JACL membership dues increasing starting FY1983, the PC is requesting chapters submit updated dues rate structures for compilation in the PC Directory. The new computerized membership renewal process requires this information for 1983.
• Letterbox: Shimasaki Letter, by Tom Shimasaki, page 4. Tom Shimasaki defends Mike Masaoka against claims he suggested Issei be placed in labor camps or branded by the government during 1942 JACL emergency meetings. He argues the 1942 meeting minutes were vague and that accusations against Masaoka are unfounded and irresponsible.
• Letterbox: Exchange Students, by Raymond Okamura, page 4. Raymond Okamura recounts a shameful incident involving the Berkeley-Sakai Sister City student exchange program, in which his friends the Nelson family were abruptly expelled as hosts after complaining about poor program organization. He suspects the real reasons included retaliation, prejudice against interracial families, and political bias, and calls for an apology and guaranteed future program spots for the Nelson children.
• Letterbox: ‘Angel of 24th St.’, by Saburo & Marion Masada, page 4. Saburo and Marion Masada thank columnist Sachi Seko for her tribute to Yuk and Mary Nakaishi, longtime members of the Ogden Japanese Christian Church known for their kindness to forgotten men and women. Mary Nakaishi was honored by the City of Ogden as the ‘Angel of 24th Street’ for her faithful service.
• JACL Story: A Wonderful Book of Memories, by Sachi Seko, page 4. Sachi Seko reflects on Bill Hosokawa’s book ‘JACL In Quest of Justice,’ recalling a personal memory of meeting Mike Masaoka in the 1940s in Salt Lake City. She praises the book as a compassionate history of JACL and its leaders, timely given the installation of the first Sansei National JACL president.
• 35 Years as a Thankless Task, by Bill Marutani, page 5. Bill Marutani reflects on the thankless nature of serving as National President of JACL, acknowledging past criticisms offered in a constructive spirit. He urges JACL leadership to focus on serving the welfare of all Nikkei rather than organizational self-preservation, and to support outside efforts that serve the same goals.
• Not ‘Da Kine’ of Pictorial History, by Joe Oyama, page 5. Joe Oyama reviews ‘Go For Broke,’ a 172-page pictorial history of the 100th Infantry and 442nd Regimental Combat Team written and edited by Chester Tanaka. The book documents the soldiers’ experiences with prejudice, their overseas deployment, and honors the 52 members who earned the Distinguished Service Cross.

Obituaries

• Shiro Matsunaga, by P.C. Staff, page 6. Shiro Matsunaga, 95, of Atlanta, Georgia, died recently; he was among the earliest Japanese American residents in the area, arriving in the U.S. in 1911 from Kumamoto-ken. He is survived by two sons, three daughters, 15 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.

Arts & Entertainment

• EWP Slates Play on Imperial Valley, by P.C. Staff, page 7. East West Players will premiere ‘Imperial Valley’ by Margaret DePriest on Wednesday, Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. The production marks a new work for the Los Angeles-based Asian American theater company.
• Wood Sculptor Slates Workshop/Lecture, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Renowned sculptor and woodcraftsman Toshio Odate will hold a seminar on Japanese woodcrafting techniques Sept. 24-26 at a Los Angeles woodcraft center. Tickets cost $15 and can be obtained by calling the center.

In-Depth

• Japan’s Working Women Demand Equality in Their Households, by P.C. Staff, page 8. As two-income families increase in Japan, working wives like Mrs. Hayashi and Mrs. Matsuda describe the burden of handling nearly all housework and childcare despite also working full-time jobs. Younger Japanese women, influenced by postwar American ideals of sexual equality, are increasingly unsympathetic to husbands who expect traditional service.

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