The 1996 JACL convention and the welfare bill’s impact on legal immigrants

Vol. 123, No. 4, August 16, 1996. 12 pages. View this issue

The August 16, 1996 issue followed two stories at once. In San Jose, Helen Kawagoe of the Gardena Valley Chapter was elected JACL national president as the Denny Yasuhara era ended, and Harry Honda was named interim editor after Richard Suenaga resigned. At the same time, JACL and other Asian and Pacific Islander American organizations criticized President Clinton’s decision to sign the welfare reform bill, which bars SSI and food stamps to legal immigrant non-citizens. Bob Sakaniwa spoke for JACL, and Al Muratsuchi added the Pacific Southwest District’s view. Reports on the English-only bill and on anti-Asian violence ran alongside.

Also inside: the House passed bills for the Manzanar National Historic Site and a Japanese American memorial in Washington, D.C. Michigan prepared to honor Justice Frank Murphy’s Korematsu dissent. Bill Hosokawa and Bill Marutani wrote columns, and chapter scholarship winners were announced.

What’s in this issue

National

• Clinton Signing of Welfare Bill Criticized by AP Organizations, by P.C. Staff, page 1. A coalition of Asian and Pacific Islander American organizations, including JACL, expressed disappointment in President Clinton’s decision to sign the welfare reform bill, which bars SSI and food stamps to legal immigrant non-citizens. JACL’s Bob Sakaniwa criticized the bill for balancing the budget on the backs of legal residents who pay taxes but are not represented politically.
• English-Only Bill Passes House, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The House of Representatives passed H.R. 123, the English Language Empowerment Act, which prohibits federal government communication in languages other than English and repeals language assistance provisions of the Voting Rights Act. The National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium condemned Speaker Newt Gingrich for pushing what it called a divisive and hypocritical measure aimed at Asian immigrants.
• No. California Hate Incidents Up 10%, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Asian Law Caucus announced findings of the third annual audit of anti-Asian violence, recording 458 reported incidents nationally with Northern California incidents rising 10% from 1994 to 1995. The report attributes increased violence to anti-immigrant hysteria surrounding Proposition 187 and debates on immigration reform and affirmative action.
• Severity of Anti-Asian Violence Is Increasing, Report Says, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium’s third annual audit found hate crimes against Asian Pacific Americans grew slightly in 1995 and were more likely to be violent, with Southern California experiencing an 80% jump in incidents. The report blames immigrant scapegoating by elected officials and cites specific incidents of racially motivated violence including police brutality and death threats.
• Summary of Recommendations, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The National Asian Pacific American Legal Consortium’s audit report outlines eight recommendations to address anti-Asian violence, including federal legislative action, tougher hate crime statutes, and increased investment in community education. The report also calls for accountability from elected officials who engage in immigrant scapegoating and race-baiting rhetoric.
• Asian Law Caucus Denounces House Vote for English-Only Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 4. The Asian Law Caucus denounced H.R. 3898, the English Language Empowerment Act, passed by the House in a 259-169 vote, calling it unnecessary, discriminatory and harmful. Staff attorney Gloria Guinto stated the legislation would create two classes of people and urged President Clinton to veto the bill if it reaches his desk.
• PSW Condemns Provisions of Immigrant Welfare Reform Bill, by P.C. Staff, page 5. JACL’s Pacific Southwest District condemned the welfare reform bill’s provisions targeting legal immigrants and urged the public to call President Clinton to veto it before it was signed. Regional director Al Muratsuchi said Japanese immigrants working legally in the U.S. would be denied assistance even after paying taxes for years.
• Findings: Data Continues to Be Difficult to Obtain, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The audit report notes that hate crime data remains incomplete and limited due to widespread underreporting, with eleven states failing to collect hate crime statistics in 1995. The report cites discrepancies between police-reported incidents and audit findings, such as New York City where only 20 incidents were officially reported versus 60 uncovered by the audit.

JACL

• All Aboard: Kawagoe Takes JACL Helm as Yasuhara Era Ends, by Staff reports, page 1. At the JACL National Convention in San Jose, Helen Kawagoe of the Gardena Valley Chapter was elected the new JACL national president, leading a new slate of officers including Richard Uno and David Hayashi in the only contested races. The transition marks the close of the Denny Yasuhara administration as new leaders take on old and new challenges facing the organization.
• Honda Named Interim PC Editor, by P.C. Staff, page 1. Following the July 31 resignation of Richard Suenaga, the JACL National Board appointed Harry Honda as interim editor of the Pacific Citizen at its Aug. 7 meeting. Suenaga will help transition duties while JACL searches for a permanent replacement, and no interruption in publishing is expected.
• Clinton Snubs Organization, Says Leaders, by P.C. Staff, page 1. JACL leaders expressed disappointment after President Clinton, in town for a campaign tour, declined to make an appearance at the JACL national convention despite a private meeting with organization leaders. Leaders like Denny Yasuhara and Claire Omura said they simply asked him to greet delegates but received no commitment, feeling snubbed by the administration.
• Stricter Guidelines for JACL Funds OK’d, by P.C. Staff, page 1. The National Council approved a bylaw amendment establishing stricter guidelines for the administration of JACL’s endowment and protected funds, which total several million dollars across various funds like the Legacy Fund and Scholarship Fund. The amendment creates a new National Investment Policy Committee to oversee consolidated investment of the funds while preserving individual fund restrictions.
• The JACL National Budget, 1997-98, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL National Council passed the 1997-98 national budget on Aug. 9 in San Jose, detailing revenue and expenditure projections totaling over $2.7 million for the two-year period. The budget breaks down costs including personnel, PC operations, allocation to districts, and national convention expenses.
• Board Brings Closure to Severance Issue, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The JACL National Board closed out a 1994 staff size reduction issue at its Aug. 7 meeting, receiving a final report from National Legal Counsel Tom Hara and approving release of expenditure information to the membership. The severance package total paid to affected former employees was $62,674.08, with additional legal costs of $6,807.22.
• MPDC Honors Yasuhara, Names New Officers, by P.C. Staff, page 3. The Mountain Plains District Council honored outgoing National President Denny Yasuhara with a testimonial gift at its Aug. 9 meeting and elected new officers for the biennium. Emilie Kutsuma was re-elected district governor, with Tom Migaki as treasurer and Gloria Shinkawa as secretary.
• Convention Snapshots, by P.C. Staff, page 3. Photo captions capture moments from the JACL convention including the outgoing National Board’s farewell, delegates enjoying social dance events, and a discussion between CCDC governor Travis Nishi and other leaders. More stories and photos were promised for the next issue.
• New Mexico JACL Marks 20th Year, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The New Mexico JACL chapter celebrated its 20th anniversary with a black tie affair in Albuquerque, honoring past chapter presidents and featuring keynote speaker Rep. Steve Schiff. The event highlighted the chapter’s ‘Turning Leaves’ oral history project documenting Issei and Nisei contributions to the state dating back to 1880.
• Text of the JACL Bylaw Amendment, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The full text of the JACL bylaw amendment establishing the National Investment Policy Committee is provided, detailing the structure, purposes, and governance of segregated endowment accounts. The amendment specifies committee composition, terms, and reporting requirements for managing JACL’s various trust funds.

Commentary

• Final Thoughts, by Denny Yasuhara, page 3. Outgoing JACL President Denny Yasuhara reflects on his tenure, thanking JACL staff for their dedication during a period of transition and uncertainty. He urges the organization to remain vigilant against anti-Asian violence and discriminatory legislation, emphasizing that chapters and members are the core foundation for JACL’s future.
• Buyer Beware, by Bill Hosokawa, page 8. Hosokawa recounts a story of a Japanese friend who was overcharged by a contractor after receiving only a verbal ‘ballpark’ estimate, illustrating cultural differences in doing business. He advises that written itemized estimates and legal protections are essential in American business dealings, contrasting with more trust-based Japanese customs.
• Saddle Oxfords, by Bill Marutani, page 8. Marutani reflects on evolving youth fashion trends over generations, from ragged jeans and sagging pants today to the deliberately unwashed corduroys and saddle oxfords of his own Nisei youth. He also recalls encountering zoot suit-wearing young men at Tule Lake internment camp in 1942, noting how each generation’s fashion rebellion surprises the more traditional folks.

Incarceration & Redress

• Redress Workshops Set for California, Hawaii, by P.C. Staff, page 5. The Office of Redress Administration announced a tentative schedule of workshops in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Honolulu to provide one-on-one assistance with redress cases. ORA administrator DeDe Greene will provide updates on recent events, having delivered payments to over 79,900 eligible individuals so far.
• Manzanar Land Transfer, JA Memorial Bills Pass House, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The U.S. House of Representatives passed two bills authorizing land transfers to create the Japanese American Patriotism Memorial in Washington, D.C., and a National Historic Site at the former Manzanar internment camp. Rep. Robert Matsui, chief sponsor, said the bills honor Japanese American WWII soldiers and educate future generations about the internment tragedy.

Military & Veterans

• Michigan to Recall Murphy Dissent Against Internment, by P.C. Staff, page 6. The State Bar of Michigan will dedicate a Michigan Legal Milestone honoring the late Justice Frank Murphy’s dissent in Korematsu v. United States, which he argued fell into the ‘ugly abyss of racism.’ Fred and Kathryn Korematsu will attend the Aug. 16 ceremony in Harbor Beach, Michigan as guests of honor.
• Murphy Career and Korematsu Dissent Detailed, by P.C. Staff, page 9. The article details Justice Frank Murphy’s distinguished career as a public servant including roles as Detroit mayor, Michigan governor, and U.S. Supreme Court justice, and explains his forceful dissent in the Korematsu case rejecting the internment as racial discrimination. The Asian American Bar Association passed a 1995 resolution honoring Murphy, and its president will speak at the Michigan dedication ceremony.
• WWII Nisei Volunteers Hailed, by P.C. Staff, page 10. The 34th Infantry ‘Red Bull’ Division honored the 100th Infantry Battalion and 442nd RCT at their 1995 Chicago reunion with a proclamation recognizing the tragedy faced by Japanese Americans and their unparalleled patriotism and courage. Sam Yoshinari, a 442nd RCT veteran, accepted the honor on behalf of the units.

Community

• 1996 JACL Scholarship and Community Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 7. Multiple JACL chapters across the country including Arizona, Berkeley, East Los Angeles, Eden Township, Riverside, Salt Lake, San Diego, South Bay, Stockton, West Los Angeles, and Wisconsin announced their 1996 scholarship recipients. The awards honored graduating high school seniors and college students for academic achievement, community service, and extracurricular involvement.
• APAN Student Leaders Awarded Scholarships, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Aiko Sebuchi and Michell Wong were awarded 1996 scholarships by the Asian Pacific American Network Chapter of JACL at a luncheon in Los Angeles. Committee members from APAN organized the event to recognize the students’ achievements.
• Drue Kataoka Receives Sequoia Chapter Scholarship, by P.C. Staff, page 9. Drue Kataoka, 18, was awarded a $500 scholarship by the Sequoia Chapter of JACL to support her freshman year at Stanford University. Kataoka is an accomplished flutist and sumi-e artist whose brush painting exhibit will debut in New Orleans in September.
• Personally Speaking: Summertime Awards, by P.C. Staff, page 10. This roundup column highlights numerous Japanese American individuals receiving awards and recognition, including Dr. James Fujimoto’s Distinguished Service Award, Eddy Tanaka’s retirement recognition, and six Nisei pioneers honored at Nisei Week festival. It also covers MIS Hall of Fame inductees Richard Sakakida, Harry Akune, Kan Tagami, and Gero Iwai.
• A Sansei Urban Philosopher, by P.C. Staff, page 10. Arthur Kawamura, son of Japanese Americans interned at Gila River, runs Centennial Farm, an educational exhibit in Costa Mesa where children learn about agriculture. Kawamura, a former Orange County Farm Bureau president, advocates for public understanding of farming and dreams of county food self-sufficiency.
• Seeking Ex-442nd Men Stationed in Japan, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Franklin Freehaug is seeking information about approximately 50 Hawaii-born 442nd veterans who served as interpreters at Tachikawa after the war, including Nobuo Nagata, Tony Takahashi, Roy Nitta, and James Hatakeyama. The article provides contact information for anyone with knowledge of these individuals.
• Seeking Michitake Hagio, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Ken Morrell of Santa Ana is seeking Michitake Hagio, a pre-camp friend from the San Juan Capistrano area believed to have been interned at Poston Camp I. Contact information is provided for anyone with information, along with details about an upcoming Poston III reunion.
• Seeking Members of Seattle Japanese Church, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Several individuals are seeking to reconnect with members of the Japanese Methodist Church in Seattle from 1946, including Katchi Akagi, Kathy Hasizume, and others who befriended JA World War II GIs stationed at Ft. Lewis. A reunion was planned for Sept. 5-8, 1996, with contact information provided.
• Korean War Vet Sought, by P.C. Staff, page 12. Martha Wray of Holiday, Fla., is seeking David Yamashiro, believed to be from Northern California, who served alongside her father during the Korean War in the 584th Medical Ambulance Company. Contact information for the Japanese American Korean War Veterans organization is provided.
• Familiar Faces? Topaz Third Grade Class Reunion Sought, by P.C. Staff, page 12. A photo of a Topaz internment camp third grade class, subject of the book ‘The Children of Topaz’ based on teacher Lillian ‘Anne’ Yamauchi Hori’s classroom diary, seeks to reconnect its members for a reunion. Contact information for organizer Roy Takeuchi is provided along with the names of many students pictured.

Obituaries

• Obituaries, page 11. This edition’s obituary section lists numerous Japanese American community members who passed away in July 1996, including their birthplaces, surviving family members, and community roles. Notable entries include James ‘Butch’ Kasahara, remembered for his rendition of the JACL Hymn, and Rev. Satoru Hori of Oakland.

Thank you for exploring the Pacific Citizen archive. The title, introduction and contents on this page were written by an AI model from scans of the printed issue, so they may contain mistakes. If you spot one, we would be grateful if you let us know.