Who is subject to the regulations of Executive Order 9066?

Executive Order 9066, issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, did not define any particular group of people as specifically subject to its regulations. In fact, anyone could be subject to the order's regulations if so determined. Let's look at this more closely.

The order gave the Secretary of State and specified military commanders the authority to create military areas and exclude people from them. They were also authorized to accommodate excluded people and give them food, transportation, and other necessities.

The act does not designate a particular group of people, but it does say that the order comes from a fear of sabotage and espionage, so the implication is that the order would apply most to people suspected of those activities. The very end of the order specifically mentions “alien enemies,” but only with regard to the continuing responsibility of the Attorney General and Department of Justice to regulate their conduct except in the military areas designated by the order.

Who is granted authority and power by Executive Order 9066?

Executive Order 9066 was issued by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, and granted authority to the Secretary of War and any military commanders he designated. Let's look at this in more detail.

The president first recognized the possibility of sabotage and espionage; in response, he established the right of the Secretary of War and his designated military commanders to set up military areas in places they deem necessary. They also had the authority to restrict any person from these areas at their own discretion. The Secretary of State is authorized to accommodate excluded people and give them food, shelter, and transportation.

The president also authorized them “to enforce compliance” by using federal troops and agencies as well as state and local agencies. Finally, the president authorized executive departments and federal agencies to provide all assistance necessary to fulfill the order.

Notice that this order does not mention Japanese Americans; it was ultimately applied to the Japanese internment camps of World War II and validated their establishment.