The Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America today expressed its concern over the immigration reform bill approved yesterday by House and Senate conferees. The legislation, H.R. 2022, increases funding for efforts to combat illegal immigration but also contains severe sanctions against legal immigrants and refugees.

“We strongly support efforts to combat illegal immigration, but they must not be combined with attacks upon legal immigration,” said OU Institute for Public Affairs director Nathan Diament. “On many fronts,” continued Diament, “this legislation is harsher on legal immigrants than the welfare reform bill ever was.

The Orthodox Union urges congressional leaders and the White House to pass a bill which toughens our nation’s efforts against illegal immigration but respects and values the talents and commitment that legal immigrants bring to our society.”