Up until now, most of my philanthropy has been directed to helping build open societies in Central and Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union. But recently I have come to feel that the values of open society are in disrepair in the United States, so I have embarked upon a broader program of giving here.

One of the most urgent needs, I believe, is presented by the attacks on legal immigrants embodied in recent congressional legislation. As an immigrant to the United States and a naturalized American citizen, I have deep sympathy for those who come to this country in search of a better life. Therefore, I am appalled by Congress’ recent action to deny vital public assistance to noncitizens who are lawfully resident in this country.

As a result of recent legislation, at least 1 million legal immigrants stand to lose benefits such as food stamps, Aid to Families With Dependent Children and other federal benefits. Moreover, states are now permitted, if not encouraged, to impose further restrictions, barring noncitizens from programs that care for the disabled and combat domestic violence and child abuse. In many cases, these immigrants are paying the same taxes as other Americans. Legal immigrants are also eligible to be drafted in wartime.

The United States has always led the world in welcoming immigrants. That proud tradition is now is question. The Statue of Liberty embraces those “yearning to breathe free,” but the current mean-spirited attack on immigrants threatens to choke them. I cannot stand idly by and watch this happen.

Therefore, I am today announcing the first major initiative of the Open Society Institute’s new U.S. program: the Emma Lazarus Fund, an emergency commitment of $ 50 million, available immediately and to stay in place as long as necessary. Named for the poet whose words adorn the Statue of Liberty, the bulk of the fund will be used for direct assistance to legal immigrants.

The Emma Lazarus Fund will focus on three areas of activity. First, in appropriate instances, it will pay the cost of applying for citizenship for legal immigrants who wish to become naturalized Americans; second, it will assist community and social service organizations that help legal immigrants by providing English-language instruction and other services that help them qualify for citizenship; finally, the fund will assist organizations conducting efforts, both in the courts and through public education campaigns, on the issues of naturalization and immigration.

I do not believe that an open society requires open borders. But what is at stake here is justice: equal treatment and the rule of law, regardless of immigration status. I hope that the Emma Lazarus Fund will make a significant impact on the lives of thousands of immigrants, helping them as they search for the American dream and allowing them to participate fully in American political life. If the gesture I am making today can do that, I will consider it one of the best investments I have made.