Argentina and other South American countries opening their doors to refugees

Posted on Mon, Apr 16, 2007 at 11:10 am

Source: UNHCR

(Buenos Aires, Argentina)– Mauricio* smiles as his young daughter plays with a cuddly toy in their small, cosy apartment in Buenos Aires. His wife Liliana* tells visitors excitedly about her hopes of working in a beauty salon. Only a small map of Colombia in a corner of the room hints at the suffering that Mauricio, Liliana and their three children have been through to get here.

The family are among a number of Colombians who are being resettled in third

HIAS: Strive Act a Real Step Toward Achieving Sensible Immigration Reform

Posted on Tue, Apr 17, 2007 at 11:09 am

(Washington, D.C.)- Today, HIAS - the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society - praises and thanks Representatives Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) and Luis Gutierrez (D-Ill.) for their efforts to come up with a workable, sensible, and humane immigration reform plan that lives up to America's tradition as a welcoming nation.

The STRIVE Act of 2007, a bipartisan bill introduced by Representatives Flake and Gutierrez, combines the promise of legal status for people who have a record of contributing to the nation's economy and communities,

Letter from the CEO

Posted on Mon, Apr 23, 2007 at 11:06 am

by Gideon Aronoff, HIAS President and CEO

In 2006 we celebrated our quasquicentennial this year – that’s 125 years of rescue, resettlement, and reunion. One hundred and twenty-five is a remarkable milestone for any organization, but for HIAS and the American Jewish community, it is an accomplishment of which to be immensely proud.

We derived our mission from the teaching Kol Yisrael Arevim Ze ba Ze (all Jews are responsible, one for the other), the Torah’s injunction to welcome the stranger and

HIAS Calls for CNN to Fire Lou Dobbs After Comparisons to Nazis

Posted on Fri, Apr 27, 2007 at 11:01 am

(New York City)– HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, which has helped more than 4.5 million people in its 125-year history, is calling for the dismissal of Lou Dobbs, the CNN personality, who on Monday suggested that immigrant rights groups use propaganda tactics reminiscent of the Third Reich.

“Comparisons to Nazis – especially in this day and age – are abhorrent,” said Gideon Aronoff, president and CEO of HIAS. “Mr. Dobbs has crossed the line between responsible television commentary and

HIAS Welcomes Senate Compromise Immigration Package as Starting Point

Posted on Mon, May 21, 2007 at 10:59 am

by Gideon Aronoff, President and CEO

Amendments Necessary to Fulfill Promise of Comprehensive Immigration Reform

HIAS – the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society – welcomes the announcement that President Bush and Senate Republicans and Democrats have come together to deal with the issue of earned legalization for immigrants working and contributing to our society. While we feel that it is essential that this debate move forward, HIAS remains extremely concerned about a number of provisions that undermine family reunification and fail to create

Famed Russian-American Violinst Albert Markov Keynote speaker at HIAS Scholarship Ceremony June 4

Posted on Thu, May 31, 2007 at 10:51 am

Performer and Teacher, Markov was a HIAS Immigrant
Recipients include 61 from New York; 45 from California; 7 from Illinois; 7 from Ohio

(New York City)– One hundred and fifty immigrant students from all over the world now living in the United States will be awarded scholarships from the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society in a ceremony June 4 in Manhattan. HIAS immigrant and world-famous violinist Albert Markov is scheduled to be the featured speaker at the event.

Markov immigrated to the United

Head of Boston Technology Investment Firm elected new Chair at HIAS

Posted on Wed, Jun 06, 2007 at 10:47 am

Board of Directors Updated at Annual Meeting

(New York City)– The head of a Boston technology investment firm has been named chair of the board of directors of HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, at the organization’s annual meeting here June 4. With offices on five of the world’s continents and headquartered in New York City, HIAS has helped to rescue and resettle more than 4.5 million refugees since it began operations in 1881.

“I am truly honored to be taking this

HIAS Commends Senate for Protecting Asylum Seekers But Disappointed that Family Amendments Were Defeated

Posted on Thu, Jun 07, 2007 at 10:41 am

(New York City)– HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, commends the U.S. Senate for passing Senator Joseph Lieberman’s (I-Conn.) amendment to the comprehensive immigration reform bill that affords protections to asylum seekers. Last night, the Senate voted to pass the amendment, titled the “Secure and Safe Detention and Asylum Act,” by unanimous consent, meaning no senator had objections to the amendment.

“By unanimously passing this amendment, the Senate has sent a strong signal reaffirming this nation’s obligation to treat asylum seekers

HIAS Disappointed in Collapse of Senate Immigration Reform Process; Calls on White House and Congress to Cross the Finish Line a

Posted on Fri, Jun 08, 2007 at 10:40 am

Statement From: Gideon Aronoff, President and CEO

Last night, the United States Senate failed to produce a comprehensive immigration reform bill that would have given hope to the millions of separated families and undocumented workers living in the shadows, made our borders more secure, and brought order to our broken, dysfunctional immigration system. We are extremely disappointed that the Senate was unable to overcome politics to produce the kind of solution that this nation deserves.

We commend those Senators who stood their

Senate Inaction On Comprehensive Immigration Reform: A Loss For America; A Win For No One

Posted on Fri, Jun 29, 2007 at 10:34 am

by Gideon Aronoff, President and CEO

HIAS – the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society – is extremely disappointed in the Senate’s failure to move forward with a comprehensive immigration bill that would have helped millions of immigrants and their families. Giving way to partisan politics, the Senate blocked an opportunity to change the status quo of illegality, exploitation, and human suffering. Instead of delivering a real solution, the Senate delivered a huge blow to making progress.

While we are deeply disappointed that so