Leaders sign immigration letter

More than 30 U.S. Jewish leaders signed a letter urging
the U.S. Congress to work on immigration reform and counter anti-immigration bigotry.
Gideon Aronoff, president of the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which spearheaded
the letter, said U.S. border control must be tempered with the nation’s
reputation for being “welcoming.”

The letter, signed by among others the leaders of
the American Jewish Committee, the Anti-Defamation League and United Jewish
Communities, addresses concern for those who come to America’s borders seeking
“safe haven” from persecution.

“It’s really crucial that Democrats and
Republicans work together, so we can cross the finish line this year with a bill
that is both humane and practical,” said Lisa Shuger, director of the HIAS office in Washington. “Tensions have already surfaced over what is
likely to be the most contentious issue in the debate — whether or not those
coming in the future to work should be given a path to citizenship and how many
can get on that path — as well as how to craft a workable legalization program
for the 12 million undocumented immigrants already here.”