In his retirement, Jeff Metzger is a volunteer with USCRI. Having spent his career in private law practice, at the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., and as Associate General Counsel of a multi-national corporation, he turned his sights to volunteering and pro bono work for the USCRI and other organizations upon retirement. While his volunteer work is driven largely by what he believes to be a “moral imperative”, the story runs far deeper than just that.
Jeff is a first-generation American. In all likelihood, had the United States not provided safe haven to his parents during World War II they would not have survived. Consequently, he would not be here today. Despite suffering persecution in concentration camps and otherwise, Jeff’s four grandparents, two uncles, and one aunt were also able to make their way from Germany to the United States. His grandparents were lucky to arrive in San Francisco just a few months before Pearl Harbor. Devastatingly, virtually all of his family that remained in Germany was murdered in the Nazi genocide, unable to get U.S. visas and secure their safety.
Jeff’s story, and the story of many other first-generation Americans, is not only a reminder of our roots and of the importance of a welcoming immigration policy, but of the profound impact refugees and immigrants make in our communities. Most notably, after arriving, Jeff’s maternal grandfather started a publishing house in the United States. He continued his prior efforts to publish very important works in science and employed thousands of people. Some such work was that of Albert Einstein.
When asked about why he is passionate about refugee and immigrant issues, Jeff says, “…We cannot look away. We have a moral responsibility to help. These poor souls who cannot now find haven will happily contribute… if they are allowed to.” Many suffer still today, as those tragically affected by the Nazi regime in WWII. Given the opportunity, USCRI will be there to assist them today and into the future.
Watch our full interview with Jeff below:
Jeff Metzger – USCRI Volunteer from USCRI on Vimeo.