“Nearly 6000 Syrians in the United States have received Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from the government, allowing them to live and work in the country while their nation is roiled by civil war and turmoil. The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) applauds Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristjen Nielsen’s recent decision to extend TPS for Syria by 18 months. But by refusing to re-designate the status, nearly 2000 additional Syrians feeling violence since August 2016 will be cast aside and potentially forced to return to Syria.

“This decision is the latest of many anti-immigrant, especially anti-Muslim, decisions made by the administration. Syria’s civil war is in its seventh year, and it is cruel to send individuals, including children, into that environment. It goes against our Jewish value to welcome the stranger, and our American values of compassion and hope. We call on members of Congress to do everything in their power to pass a permanent legislative solution for all in our country who now hold temporary protective status.”