AJC wins grant to seek relief for immigrants

Groups support bills to create new paths for U.S. citizenship

Shai Goldstein, executive director of the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network, places his hand on the shoulder of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who has given moral support to NJIPN’s efforts on behalf of immigration reform.

Shai Goldstein, executive director of the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network, places his hand on the shoulder of Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.), who has given moral support to NJIPN’s efforts on behalf of immigration reform.

Photo courtesy New Jersey Immigration Policy Network

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by Robert Wiener
NJJN Staff Writer

June 25, 2009

The American Jewish Committee has been given a $500,000 grant by the Ford Foundation to help create new pathways to citizenship for immigrants.

Some $50,000 of that grant is being earmarked for the AJC’s Metro New Jersey chapter, funding a part-time employee to organize workshops and advocacy training with community groups around the state.

As a member of the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network, the AJC will join a multicultural coalition to step up a campaign for federal and state legislation that would increase citizenship opportunities for young people who become college graduates or serve in the military.

“I am excited. I have money and I’m able to do these programs and I’m hoping a lot of other groups are going to come aboard with us,â€