This study examines the history of Japanese Americans in the Southwestern states of Arizona and New Mexico during the first half of the twentieth century. It traces the developments of these Southwestern communities, the racism experienced at regional, state and local levels and the communities' responses and determination to establish a future for their children regardless of the obstacles they faced. Although much of the study focuses on the World War II experiences in Arizona and New Mexico, racism against Japanese immigrants did not begin with Pearl Harbor. Thus this study traces the development of anti-Japanese policies throughout the first half of the twentieth century and the many ways Japanese Americans worked to build stable lives for themselves and optimistic futures for their children.

Utilizing oral history collections, diaries, interviews, newspapers and archival sources, this dissertation studies the unique characteristics of Southwestern Japanese American communities and the ways they responded to the anti-Japanese sentiment in their states and cities. These communities' World War II experiences varied depending on which side of the military zone they lived and the response of local leaders and neighbors. Despite the life-altering circumstances they encountered during the war, however, Japanese Americans found ways to maintain a sense of identity and hope, even in the face of relocation, loss of property and increased racism.

The Japanese American experience in the Southwest represents a unique chapter in the history of race in the West. While Japanese immigrants faced similar struggles to other people of color, including job discrimination and violence, they also faced the unique challenges of alien land laws, naturalization restrictions, and doubts about their loyalty to America. This study concludes that in moving further "east" from California to the Southwest in search of opportunity, Japanese Americans persevered despite racist laws and policies with the belief that their children would inhabit a future as equal Americans.