By: Chaim Yehuda Meyer

The United States of America is a nation of immigrants. Jews in this country have benefited from the immigration system as today’s refugees seek to do. This land proved a safe haven for the Jewish people through a Spanish Inquisition that lasted until 1834. The Russian pogroms of the late 19th and early 20th centuries brought many Jews here as well. As World War II ravaged Europe, the United States welcomed some of our people but closed its borders to many more. We cannot let that repeat itself again. A rising tide raises all Jews: when we achieve legal victories it’s a win for all. Why not allow others to afford themselves of the benefits of this great country?

The United States’ legal system for immigration is one that many people seek to avail themselves of. Let’s make that system work for hard working people with no criminal background or history who just want to live freely. It is harmful and wrong to use terms such as “illegal aliens.” People are seeking asylum, going through the legal process and waiting for their day in court. There are no guarantees their relief will be granted. But while they are in immigration proceedings, they are paying taxes, have ties to the community and are feeling safe with family. As President Ronald Regan said, “[A]nyone, from any corner of the Earth, can come to live in America and become an American.” Indeed, America is not uniform: we can retain our religious identity but still be proud Americans.

As America celebrates its 250th birthday this July 4th let us show hakaras hatov for the opportunity it has afforded us to live as Torah Jews. We can also appreciate the need for other peoples and groups who seek the safe haven of these shores. So long as they have no criminal background or history, others should be able to avail themselves of our immigration system and laws as well. At the same time, we should not be too comfortable here. The ultimate protection comes from Hashem. So long as we keep His Torah we merit to live here safely and anywhere else in exile. (And yes, until Moshiach comes Jews in Israel are also in gallus).

Noted Jewish poet Emma Lazarus’ timeless words are etched on the Statue of Liberty: “Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning yo breathe free.” Lazarus was a descendant of Sephardic Jews fleeing persecution in Portugal. She went from referring to Jews as “they” to “we.” It’s easy to “other” people until we face similar circumstances. Emma herself faced antisemitism. “Kol Yisroel chaveirim; we’re all in the same boat,” as Rabbi Shmuel Kunda sang. “If one of us drills a little hole then none of us can float.”

My own Rabbi Shimshon Sherer gave the invocation before the U.S. Senate on June 29, 1999 blessing their work and citing to Dovid HaMelech’s words: “Those who sow with tears shall reap with song.” (Tehillim 126:5). We have enjoyed the benefits of the United States but yearn for our permanent home, Eretz Yisroel. Yes, we celebrate America’s independence but know that for us it is not permanence. By doing for others may we merit to dance with Moshiach soon.

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About The Author

The author is an attorney and writer living in Brooklyn, New York. Mr. Meyer practices in the immigration and family law fields.

He can be reached at [email protected]