National Council of Jewish Women
2055 L Street, NW, Suite 650
Washington, DC 20036

Celebrating the First Step to Citizenship

March 18, 2021, Washington, DC-National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) hails passage of the American Dream and Promise Act in the House of Representatives. NCJW Chief Policy Officer Jody Rabhan released the following statement:

“As an organization devoted to improving the lives of women, children, and families, National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) celebrates House passage of the American Dream and Promise Act. Protecting immigrant youth, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, and Deferred Enforced Departure (DED) recipients — all included in the bill — is the first step toward a pathway to citizenship for the 11 million undocumented people living in the United States.

“The Torah teaches us to welcome the stranger, for once we were strangers in the land of Egypt. Securing permanent protections for undocumented immigrants is not simply an issue of politics, but one of morality. Millions of immigrant youth, TPS holders, and DED recipients are part of our communities. They own homes and businesses, attend school, worship in our congregations, and are vital to the economic strength of our nation. For many, the United States has been home for decades or is the only home they have ever known.

“We urge the Senate to follow suit and quickly pass the Dream Act and Secure Act to enable this critical step toward citizenship. NCJW is grateful to the tireless advocacy and leadership of directly impacted communities who have worked to get Congress to this point.”

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National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of 180,000 volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. Through a program of education, community service, and advocacy, our advocates across the country create lasting social change on our key issues of the federal courts; reproductive health, rights, and justice, and voter engagement. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.