Independence Day is a time for celebration---barbecues, fireworks and vacations-- but it is also important to take a moment and remember that not everyone in our country is able to participate in this festive weekend.

 

Today at noon, we invite you to join us at the #ClosetheCamps Action happening at the JFK Federal Building. 

As Jews, many of us have stories of parents or grandparents who came to this country seeking a better life. This week, as we gather with our friends and loved ones, we are asking that you think about ways to take action for today's immigrants who are struggling to cross our Southern Border. 

Below are JALSA's Four for the Fourth: four  actions you can take RIGHT NOW to help immigrants.  

 

Together we can #ClosetheCamps, pass legislation in MA, and reunite immigrant families.

#1 - Stop HUD's Cruel Proposal to Break up and Evict Immigrant Families

In the latest attack on immigrants, the Administration has proposed a rule which would prevent mixed immigration status families from accessing HUD benefits. Families in which even one person is undocumented would not be allowed to live in public housing or use Section 8 vouchers. These families would be forced to make the intolerable choice between separation or eviction. More than 25,000 families, including more than 55,000 children who are U.S. citizens or have legal status, are at risk of being made homeless by HUD's proposal.

We have the opportunity to let our outrage be heard and stand in solidarity with those who need us. If you have any questions, wish to submit a longer comment, or wish to stay anonymous please email office@jalsa.org.

We are looking to submit comments from JALSA members about their immigration stories and why you believe that immigrant families should not have to choice between breaking up their families or leaving their homes. You don't need to be an attorney -- just submit your story!

Comments can be submitted here  and are due by July 9!

#2 - Our friends at HIAS have put together a handy action guide:

• Join a HIAS pro-bono legal delegation to the border;
• Organize a trip to the border to volunteer, for your synagogue or community;
• Take a look at in-kind contributions to you can make to HIAS, including the donation of airline miles to reunite separated families and space in your home for immigrants through airbnb.

#3 - Call your Massachusetts Legislators and ask them to support the Safe Communities Act and the Work and Family Mobility Act
Take 10 minutes and call your MASSACHUSETTS STATE Representative and MASSACHUSETTS STATE Senator asking them to:

 

1) Support the Safe Communities Act, which will prohibit Massachusetts police from co-operating with ICE and restore due process rights to immigrants; and  

 

2) Support the Work and Family Mobility Act which will provide Driver's Licenses to undocumented immigrants. 

To confirm who your MASSACHUSETTS STATE Representative and MASSACHUSETTS STATE Senator are, you can go to this link:  https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator 

#4 - Schedule an Immigration Strategy Session Facilitated by JALSA

JALSA staff members can come and provide an information strategy session for members of your synagogue, minyan, or havurah on the JALSA immigration legislative agenda! We can provide a comprehensive overview of State and Federal policy, and help create a personalized road map for YOUR congregation's involvement in this issue.

Please email eri@jalsa.org to learn more!