On December 29, 1942, an opinion poll asked Americans what should happen to the internees after the war. The level of opposition to their return suggests a fair amount of public support for internment, since presumably opponents of internment would allow all to return after the war:

"Do you think the Japanese who were moved from the Pacific Coast should be allowed to return to the Pacific Coast when the war is over?"

Would allow all to return: 35%

Only Japanese who are citizens: 26%

Would allow none to return: 17%

Undecided: 22%

Opposition to return was higher in Western states.

Source: Public Opinion Quarterly, Spring 1943, p. 177