Final answer:
Racism and prejudice had a significant impact on the U.S. response to the Jewish refugee problem and Japanese internment. Discriminatory policies were implemented, such as strict quotas on Jewish immigration and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
Racism and prejudice had a significant impact on the U.S. response to the Jewish refugee problem and Japanese internment. In the case of Jewish refugees, there was widespread anti-Semitism and xenophobia in America, with many people harboring negative attitudes towards immigrants and fearing that the refugees would take jobs and resources away from Americans. As a result, the United States imposed strict quotas and restrictions on Jewish immigration, making it difficult for refugees to enter the country.
Regarding Japanese internment, the U.S. government's decision to intern Japanese-Americans during World War II was largely driven by racism and prejudice. The perception that all Japanese-Americans could be potential spies or threats to national security led to their forced removal and incarceration in internment camps. This decision was fueled by a combination of racial stereotypes, fear, and wartime hysteria.