U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY) has revived legislation that calls for an apology for the internment of Italians by the American government during WWII. Additionally, the legislation requests the establishment of grants to fund the introduction of comprehensive Italian American history curricula in U.S. schools.

Suozzi broke the news on June 12 at the 2nd National Italian American Summit Meeting, which was organized by the Conference of Presidents of Major Italian American Organizations. Watch his remarks, here. The tragic story of Italian internments unfolded in 1941. U.S. authorities questioned the loyalties of Italian residents, fearing the formation of “Fifth Column” movements. U.S. leaders acted quickly to enforce restrictions against not only Italians but the Japanese and Germans, native-born and naturalized citizens.