The Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies applauds today’s decision of the Supreme Court of the United States to uphold the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Today’s 5-4 ruling will protect from deportation hundreds of thousands of immigrants brought to the US as children. These young people known as Dreamers, many of whom have no memory or lived experience in their countries of origin, have grown up in the US where they have secured education, launched careers, and become part of the fabric of our society.
NJHSA member agencies provide essential services for immigrants and refugees and their families each day, including resettlement, education, career and mental health services. We do so, not only as a network of human service providers, but with a deep respect for Jewish tradition which includes the value of embracing the stranger and with the knowledge that these services are also core to the fundamental values of our country, the pursuit of liberty, freedom and justice for all. Together, we breathe a collective sigh of relief with the Dreamers and their families and urge Congress to now provide a pathway to citizenship for them.
Judy Halper, Board Chair
Reuben D. Rotman, President & CEO