Fred Korematsu, a Japanese American, became a symbol of resistance against the unjust internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. In his fight against the government's actions, Korematsu argued that internment was unconstitutional because internees did not receive due process. He believed that the government's actions were based on racial prejudice rather than legitimate national security concerns.
Korematsu's case reached the Supreme Court in 1944, where the court ruled against him in Korematsu v. United States. The court upheld the government's internment policy, stating that it was a wartime necessity. However, Korematsu's fight did not end there. He continued to advocate for the rights of Japanese Americans and challenge the government's actions.
One of Korematsu's main arguments was that the internees did not pose a threat to the United States. Many of them were American citizens who had lived in the country for generations and had no ties to Japan. They were loyal to the United States and deserved the same rights and protections as any other citizen.