A Guest Column s , ,I1 Farmington Hi ll Inn ASSISTED ‘—'LIVING FOR SENIORS Immigration Reform Is Needed Now S ince its founding in 1893, the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) has been involved in service and advocacy on behalf of new immigrants. Today, NCJW works for comprehensive, humane and equitable immigration and naturalization laws that facilitate and expedite legal status for more individuals. Reform of the United States immigration system has become an increasingly prominent and contentious issue in recent years. Since the 2012 election, when Hispanic vot- ers showed their electoral strength, there has been bipartisan resolve to act on comprehensive immigration reform legislation. A comprehensive reform approach would address border security, employment practices, the status of undocumented immigrants living in the United States, and the system by which applicants for legal residency and citizenship are processed, includ- ing the current backlog of applicants. A just and humane immigration policy would secure the broadest possible path to legalization and citizenship for undocumented immi- grants currently living in the U.S.; preserve and work to advance fam- ily reunification; protect rights and working conditions for all workers; ensure that enforcement measures protect American and immigrant workers, advance due process and fair treatment and are consistent with American values; and accord the responsibility and rights required for full integration into American society. Such an approach would bring the estimated 11 million undocumented immigrants living in the United States and contributing to our economy and society out of the shadows. As Jewish women, the immigrant experience is a recent memory for many of our families and us. As rela- tives of those who came to the U.S. to escape violence or to seek a better life, we connect with immigrants coming today. We understand the need for comprehensive immigration reform, fair and non-discriminatory imple- mentation of current immigration and enforcement laws, and family-based policies that reduce backlogs and pro- mote reunification. We are also conscious that immi- grant women face unique disadvan- tages and lack access to adequate health care, economic supports and worker protections. They are especially vulnerable to violence and exploitation at the hands of employers as well as partners. NCJW supports measures such as the DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act), which failed in Congress, but has been passed by several states across the country as a way to expedite the path to citizenship and higher education for the best and brightest immigrant children. We hope that the newly elected Congress will work together during the next term to enact comprehen- sive immigration reform, including a direct and inclusive path to citizenship without unjust enforcement triggers, prohibitive costs, fees or penalties, or an enforcement-only approach that separates families and persecutes those seeking opportunity and a better life. To learn more about immigration, please join the NCJW/Greater Detroit Section for an important program on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. The program will feature a panel including immigration attorneys, an undocumented immigrant and a rep- resentative from the Department of Homeland Securities. The program will take place in the NCJW offices at 26400 Lahser Road, Suite 306, in Southfield. There is no cost, but you must register to attend. Visit ncjwgds.org or call the office at (248) 355-3300 to register. ❑ 24-Hour Personal Care Staff 3 Delicious Meals Daily Individually Tailored Care Plans Medication Administration Bathing Assistance Daily Housekeeping Weekly Laundry Full Calendar of Activities Visiting Physician Physical Therapy Services Satellite TV Free Wi-Fi Single Story Building Backup Generator n U Private Studios $2,860/month Semi-Private $1,860/month Quality, Affordable Assisted Living and Memory Care Farmington Hills Inn is hosting a canned food drive for Gleaners Food Bank this month. Help a family in need this Thanksgiving by dropping off non-perishable food [ to the donation box located in our front office. We are accepting donations through November 24. Call today to schedule a tour! 30350 W. 12 Mile Rd., Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334 248-851-9640 www.FarmingtonHillsInn.com VA Benefits and Long Term Care Insurance Accepted Locally owned and operated • Licensed by the State of Michigan ...m1.9.54•%6 248.626.9110 On the Boardwalk • 6879 Orchard Lake Rd. • West Bloomfield www.dakotabread.com Local residents Cathy Cantor and Sharon Lipton represent the National Council of Jewish Women/Greater Detroit Section. They are state policy advocates for Michigan. DON'T MISS THE HEALTH & FITNESS SECTION ird ,,C INSIDE THE JN THE LAST WEEK EVERY MONTH Call 248.351.5107 for more information JN November 13 • 2014 29