(1950)
The law was adopted by the Knesset on 5 July 1950 and has provided the formal basis for the substantial immigration (aliya) that has taken place since independence. It assures virtually unlimited and unfettered Jewish immigration to Israel by providing that every Jew has the right to immigrate to Israel and to settle there unless the applicant is engaged in an activity "directed against the Jewish people" or one that may "endanger public health or the security of the state." An amendment to the law in 1954 also restricted those likely to endanger public welfare. Upon entry, a Jew is eligible to automatically acquire citizenship. The concept of unlimited immigration, which has been reinforced by the programs and actions of successive governments and has had overwhelming support in parliament and from Israel's Jewish population, has brought close to 3 million Jewish immigrants to Israel from more than 100 countries.
Historical Dictionary of Israel. Bernard Reich David H. Goldberg. Edited by Jon Woronoff..