Gurfein Testifies in Washington on Revision of Immigration Laws

Murray I. Gurfein, president of the United Hias Service, today testified on behalf of all major Jewish organizations before the House Judiciary Sub-Committee on Immigration urging the liberalization of the existing immigration law which is based on the “national origin” quota system.

The Sub-Committee is currently considering changes in basic immigration policy, incorporated in a bill, which would abandon gradually over a five-year period the present system of quotas based on the national origin of applicants. Criteria would be set based on the skills and abilities of applicants. Special consideration would be given to relatives of persons already living in the United States, and to refugees.

The total number of immigrants authorized in a given year would be increased only marginally, but the proposals would effect drastic changes in the national origins of those admitted. Many quota allotments that are not filled under the present law would be put to use. “We wholeheartedly endorse this bill as recommended by the late President Kennedy, by President Johnson, and supported by many members of both parties in the Congress,” M. Gurfein said.

The United Hias Service leader, accompanied by James P. Rice, executive director of the agency, cited the 80 years’ experience of the United Hias in resettling migrants in the United States. He told the Sub-Committee that newcomers have made significant contributions, to this country’s progress. Mr. Gurfein then read a letter which referred to the achievements of a recent refugee, an Egyptian Jewish physicist, who invented an electronic device used in the capsule of Aeronaut Gordon Cooper.

“We are for this bill because it is workable and because it is in our national interest. We are for it because it redresses long standing grievances inherent in the very nature of the national origins quota system. We are for it because in our humble view, it will raise up the image of this country in every part of the world as the champion of fair opportunity and equal rights, “Mr. Gurfein said.

In addition to United Hias, Mr. Gurfein represented the American Jewish Committee, American Jewish Congress, Anti-Defamation League of B’nai B’rith, Jewish Labor Committee, Jewish War Veterans of the U. S.A., National Council of Jewish. Women, National Community Relations Advisory Council, Synagogue Council of America, Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America, and United Synagogue Council.