FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 21, 2021

Media Contact:

Sarah Garfinkel, West End Strategy Team
sgarfinkel@westendstrategy.com; 202-765-4290

National Council of Jewish Women Applaud Initial Biden Executive Actions Addressing Immigration

WASHINGTON — National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) CEO Sheila Katz issued the following statement in support of several executive actions that President Joe Biden enacted on his first day in office:

“National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is thrilled that many of President Biden’s first executive orders are on the list of priorities we presented to the new administration. These first actions reinforce the idea that America can be a place where everyone is welcome, regardless of where they are from, how they worship, or their immigration status.

“NCJW was vocal throughout the last four years against xenophobic policies such as the Muslim Ban, which restricted entry into the United States from majority Muslim nations. The Biden administration’s executive order to reverse the ban, in addition to the policies to realign immigration enforcement, halt border wall construction, and suspend Remain in Mexico (which effectively barred asylum seekers from the US), will bring our nation one step closer to a humane and just immigration system and protect those most at risk. 

“We also applaud the Biden administration’s reaffirmation of its commitment to the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and the countless families who rely on the program to live, work and thrive in the country in which they were raised. This is the first step towards providing Dreamers, and millions of other undocumented Americans, with a permanent path to citizenship, as outlined in the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021, soon to be introduced in Congress. NCJW is committed to creating a future where every person – particularly the women, children, and families who are most marginalized – can live safely and without fear in the United States, regardless of their immigration status.

“Our Jewish values compel us to welcome the stranger, for once we were strangers. With the assistance of these executive orders, NCJWadvocates will continue to fight back against xenophobic, anti-immigrant, and anti-refugee policies to ensure that our country continues to be a welcoming place.  

“Yet, there is still much work to be done to fulfill the American and Jewish ideal of being welcoming to all. While we applaud the administration’s commitment and action, we call on Congress to pass the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 and NO BAN Act (which would prevent future blanket entry bans based on religion), reunite families separated at the border, rescind the public health order closing our nation’s borders, address the 70,000 people already in the Remain in Mexico program, and reduce funding for the detention and deportation machine.  These actions will help families stay together and recognize the dignity of every person, regardless of their immigration status or citizenship. It is imperative that we continue to open our communities to those fleeing violence or seeking better lives in the United States.”

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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.