In one of Reagan's last actions as president, he ratified the Civil Liberties Act of 1988. Informed by the findings of the Commission on Wartime Relocation and Internment of Civilians, the Civil Liberties Act provided reparations (i.e., cash money) to Japanese Americans who were interned during World War II. It also functioned as an official apology and an admission of gross injustice by the U.S. government.

Though the damage caused by the internment of Japanese Americans would never be fully repaired—especially not with money—the act sought to at least seek restitution for and reconciliation with the victims.