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Up until now, most of my philanthropy has been directed to helping
build open societies in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet
Union. But recently I have come to feel that the values of open society
are in disrepair in the United States, so I have embarked upon a broader
program of giving here.
One of the most urgent needs, I believe, is presented by the attacks on
legal immigrants embodied in recent Congressional legislation. As an
immigrant to the United States and a naturalized American citizen, I have
deep sympathy for those who come to this country in search of a better
life. Therefore, I am appalled by Congress's recent action to deny vital
public assistance to non-citizens who are lawfully resident in this
country.
As a result of recent legislation, at least one million legal
immigrants stand to lose benefits such as Food Stamps, Aid to Families
with Dependent Children, and other federal benefits. Moreover, states are
now permitted, if not encouraged, to impose further restrictions, barring
non-citizens from programs that care for the disabled and combat domestic
violence and child abuse. In many cases, these immigrants are paying the
same taxes as other Americans. Legal immigrants are also eligible to be
drafted in wartime.
The United States has always led the world in welcoming immigrants.
That proud tradition is now in question. The Statue of Liberty embraces
those "yearning to breathe free," but the current mean-spirited attack on
immigrants threatens to choke them. I cannot stand idly by and watch this
happen.
Therefore, I am today announcing the first major initiative of the Open
Society Institute's new U.S. program: The Emma Lazarus Fund, an emergency
commitment of $50 million, available immediately and to stay in place as
long as necessary. Named for the poet whose words adorn the Statue of
Liberty, the bulk of the Fund will be used for direct assistance to legal
immigrants.
The Emma Lazarus Fund will focus on three areas of activity. First, in
appropriate instances, it will pay the cost of applying for citizenship
for legal immigrants who wish to become naturalized Americans; second, it
will assist community and social service organizations that help legal
immigrants by providing English-language instruction and other services
that help them qualify for citizenship; finally, the Fund will assist
organizations conducting efforts, both in the courts and through public
education campaigns, on the issues of naturalization and immigration.
I do not believe that an open society requires open borders. But what
is at stake here is justice: equal treatment and the rule of law,
regardless of immigration status. I hope that the Emma Lazarus Fund will
make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of immigrants, helping
them as they search for the American dream and allowing them to
participate fully in American political life. If the gesture I am making
today can do that, I will consider it one of the best investments I have
made.