New York – Agudath Israel Hails Obama Immigration Policy on Young People

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    New York – The immigration policy enunciated by the Obama Administration regarding individuals who entered the United States in their youth was applauded by Agudath Israel of America, a national Orthodox Jewish organization. Under the new U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directive, there would be “deferred action” for a period of two years in regard to some individuals who face removal from the country. Persons falling within this category will be eligible to apply for work authorization.

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    “The policy is both pragmatic and proper,” said David Grunblatt, Chair of Agudath Israel’s Legal Services Network Immigration Committee. “These foreign-born individuals were brought to this country as youngsters, were educated here, have contributed their talents here and continue to live here. They should not live in the shadow of being expelled from the U.S. to a country where they have never lived and might not even speak the language.”

    The DHS’ policy is discretionary in nature and is intended to be applied on a case by case basis to persons not above age 30. Eligibility criteria include: entry into the U.S. under age 16, continuous residence for five years, and current enrollment in school, graduation from high school or honorable discharge from the Armed Forces. Persons will not be deemed eligible if they have been convicted of a felony or significant misdemeanor, or otherwise pose a threat to national security or public safety.

    DHS has also made clear that “deferred action” confers no substantive right, immigration status, or pathway to citizenship.

    “The policy addresses an urgent and unfortunate situation — one that has affected many members of the Jewish Community that have sought our help but for whom little could be done,” concluded Rabbi Abba Cohen, Agudath Israel’s Vice President for Federal Affairs and Washington Director. “And, given our community’s history, we must be particularly sensitive that our immigration policies embody compassion and common sense. This is a positive step in that direction.


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    21 Comments
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    11 years ago

    Looks like Agudah is endorsing Obama for a second term.

    czyrankevic
    czyrankevic
    11 years ago

    why do yidden have to bud into everything its one matter when it is a jewish problem or issue but anything else remember al tisvada lerushis.

    11 years ago

    Rabbis should not mix into politics

    FinVeeNemtMenSeichel
    FinVeeNemtMenSeichel
    11 years ago

    Once again, the Agudah (who may be wonderful and ehrlich people who I have nothing against) are aligning themselves with a politician who is opposed to my personal, philosophical, political, moral and religious standings on an issue which I disagree with exponentially. Which describes me best?

    a) apikores
    b) self-hating Jew
    c) ein lo chelek leolam habah
    d) all of the above

    notsofrummie
    notsofrummie
    11 years ago

    As long as they work and pay taxes. Kol Hakavod. Just dont expect section 8, welfare checks, food stamps coming your way. If the government allows they need to have strict guidelines. I do not like when immigrants have their goverment money and assistance all set up before they leave their home country.

    Buchwalter
    Buchwalter
    11 years ago

    all of the above

    11 years ago

    The Aguda does not speak for me and they are wrong on this issue as they are wrong on other public policy issues. Illegal immigration is not good for the country nor is amnesty which is what this is. Yes we should be sensitive to immigrants. Just like my parents had to escape the Nazis legally and could not come to the U.S. without the proper documents and authorization and almost did not make it, so to the spanish wave from south of the border should be required to obey the law. And, yes children do suffer when their parents commit crimes and maybe if we sent back the kids their parents would think twice about breaking the law. similarly The Aguda should help extend the statute of limitations in New York for Child molestation. And yes maybe if the families of the molestors will suffer due to law suits and prosecution of the molestors, the molestors will have a greater motivation to control themselves.

    Buchwalter
    Buchwalter
    11 years ago

    I Jewish history there were periods during which part of world Jewry nearly was wiped out and with it the survival of Jews. 10th century the crusades, 15th century the inquisition, 18 century Chmielnecki and 20th century the destruction of European Jewry. I never went to Yeshiva but decided after my liberation to say again Elokaj Avrohom, Yitzhak and Yaakov and went to work. Most of the illegals in their profile wish to work and have goals how to earn a living. Instead we incalcate yes we learn and you support us. Wrong

    11 years ago

    When Agudah comes out in favor of laws protecting children in Yeshivas from predators, then I will be impressed. What on earth does Agudah have to do with this!

    greg8103
    greg8103
    11 years ago

    I am not sure why Aguda is getting involved in this issue, but my personal feeling is that there needs to be some kind of amnesty for Mexicans who came here in peace and just want a good life for their families. There is no way anyone is going to deport 11+ mil. people. But we defiantly do not need to import gangbangers and criminals. We have plenty domestic ones.

    Member
    11 years ago

    To the above, if you think that Judaism’s role is to stymie a president who is less than popular among some certain groups, you are out of touch with G-d and reality. Judaism proclaims honor and dignity and Mr. Obama is on the mark on his job in this department. Give him honor.