Rabbi Seth M. Limmer presents a liberal viewpoint on immigration reform (“Immigration Reform Is A Moral And Religious Duty,” May 24) based upon a need for justice. Where is the justice for the people who waited until they had legitimate visas to come to this country?
My grandparents came to this country from Europe, but couldn’t come until they had visas. Why is it justice to give illegal immigrants the same rights and privileges others had to wait their turn for? Where is the justice for the rightful citizens, especially of the Southwestern states, who have been denied safety because of the porous borders the federal government has ignored for years?
Rabbi Limmer also makes it a religious imperative to grant equality to LGBT Americans because they cannot sponsor visas for their partners. He conveniently quotes Pirkei Avot as the mandate for his pursuit of justice. He couldn’t find a rabbinical source for his concern for LGBT rights because there is none. Everyone in America has the freedom to decide their own moral compass and even make a religion out of it. But if you are basing your religion on rabbinical teachings, let us be consistent. That is a Jewish religious duty.
The New York Jewish Week brings you the stories behind the headlines, keeping you connected to Jewish life in New York. Help sustain the reporting you trust by donating today.