Chief Rabbi of Israel Yitzhak HaLevi Herzog, Regarding Immigration of Converts

[Addressing the following situation: "In recent times, there has been an increase in couples who marry gentiles in civil ceremonies, and they come to me because they want to convert and marry them so that they can make aliyah to Israel."- from the 1950s] Answer: …Regarding your concern that their intent is to make aliyah - it depends on the conditions prevailing in your country. If the case is, that as aliens they will not be able to stay in your country, it is obvious that their motivation is not ‘for the sake of Heaven’. But, if they have the option of remaining in the country, and they desire the Land of Israel, then this is, prima facie, intent ‘for the sake of Heaven’. For they intend to uproot themselves from their home, and to abandon their source of livelihood, in order to move to another land — and have specifically chosen the Land of Israel. It is thus manifest that their intent is to take root in the Jewish people and its land ... therefore, this is a fine intent, and there is no reason to deny their acceptance. However, if they do not have the ability to remain in your country, and they are forced to make Aliyah, their intent is flawed…