The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), a chapter of the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today urged Gov. Phil Murphy to sign a bill package into law, which would cement long overdue protections for immigrants and allow them to access state and local government services without fear of detention and deportation.
READ: Immigrant protection bills await Murphy’s signature as ICE raids continue in NJ
The New Jersey Legislature recently passed the immigrant protection bill package, including bills S5036/A6308, S5037/A6309, and S5038/A6310, marking a significant step toward securing equal rights for immigrants regardless of their status in New Jersey. Now, the bills are headed to the governor’s desk.
The legislation would strengthen limits on state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement, reinforce privacy and confidentiality protections, and help ensure that all residents can safely seek essential services including healthcare, education, and emergency assistance.
READ: New Jersey lawmakers pass 3 bills designed to protect immigrants from ICE raids
To become law, the legislation must be signed by outgoing Murphy before he leaves office Jan. 20. New Jersey has the second-largest immigrant population in the country after California.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Associate Maheen Mumtaz said:
“These bills represent a critical step toward ensuring that all New Jersey residents, regardless of immigration status, can live with dignity, safety, and access to essential services. Immigrant communities should not have to choose between seeking help from their local government and risking detention or deportation. We urge Gov. Murphy to sign this legislation into law without delay and reaffirm New Jersey’s commitment to fairness, due process, and equal protection under the law.”
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: CAIR-NJ Executive Director Selaedin Maksut, smaksut@cair.com, 862-264-9414