Send page to a Friend Immigration   "Jewish religious and ethical values provide a firm foundation for Jewish involvement in immigration and refugee policy. Central Jewish teachings emphasize protection of the stranger, as seen in the over 36 references to this principle within the Torah, including: When strangers sojourn with you in your land, you shall not do them wrong. The strangers who sojourn with you shall be to you as the natives among you, and you shall love them as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:33-34). Jewish tradition also includes principles of Piddyon Shevuyim (redeeming the captive), Chesed (kindness), and Hachnasat Orchim (hospitality) that create a solid framework for a compassionate response to the needs of immigrants and refugees. Based on these core values, and recognizing that other immigrants would also benefit from, and be of benefit to, American society, the Jewish community has over the 350-years history of its presence on American shores been actively engaged in the struggles of new immigrants and in the development of the nation's immigration policy." --Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society  Education Parity Act Even thought they have lived in Massachusetts for most of their lives, undocumented students (usually through no fault of their own), are prohibited from the opportunity to pay college tuition at Massachusetts resident rates. The Education Parity Act is a solution to this barrier to higher education. The Education Parity Act should be included in the Governor's final reccommendations of the Commonwelath Readiness Project. The act ensures that graduates of MA high schools are able to attend state colleges and universities at the same tuition rates as their peers.  All students who have attended MA high schools for at least 3 years should be offered the same in-state tuition rates as their classmates. Students affected by this act are graduating at the top of their classes as a result of the investment in their K-12 education. They are capable, talented, high achieving students who have and will continue to achieve academically. The act would only address eligibility for tuition rates. It would not provide financial aid, scholarships or loans. Students would pay college tuition and fees out of pocket. MA Taxpayers Foundation says act would generate $2.5 million in new revenue.  Massachusetts public colleges will receive $2.5 million dollars in new tuition payments from students who are currently not attending college because of the high cost of out of state rates. In the long term, Massachusetts will derive positive benefits from increased tax revenues and a greater number of educated workers. MA public universities and colleges have said that this act will not cause student displacement.  It is estimated that the bill will affect only 400-600 students annually, less than 1% of the more than 40,000 students who attend college in the state. Click here to see the letter we signed onto that will go to the Governor