The New Jersey chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NJ), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today applauded the Assembly Judiciary Committee for advancing a critical package of immigrant protection bills—A6308, A6309, and A6310—during yesterday’s hearing.
The bill package is expected to be heard next by the Assembly Appropriations Committee on Thursday, January 8, before moving to the full Assembly for a vote.
After nearly three hours of testimony and discussion, the committee voted to move the legislation forward. The three-bill package aims to strengthen essential safeguards for immigrant communities across the state:
- A6310 would preserve key components of the Office of the Attorney General’s Immigrant Trust Directive, ensuring that immigrant New Jerseyans can interact with state and local agencies without fear.
- A6309 would establish robust data privacy protections at New Jersey agencies and health care facilities, limiting the sharing of sensitive information.
- A6308 directs the Office of the Attorney General to develop model policies for “sensitive locations,” helping ensure that all New Jerseyans can safely access essential services such as schools, health care facilities, food pantries, libraries, and social service providers.
In a statement, CAIR-NJ Government Affairs Associate, Maheen Mumtaz. said:
“We thank the Assembly Judiciary Committee for passing this critical bill package, which will strengthen protections for immigrant New Jerseyans by safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring that all communities can safely access essential services such as healthcare facilities, schools, and social service providers. At a time when immigrant communities are facing heightened threats nationwide, New Jersey must do everything in its power to safeguard the rights and dignity of all residents, regardless of immigration status. We call on the Assembly Appropriations Committee to vote favorably on this bill package, so the State Legislature can deliver long-overdue protections to the communities that need them most.”
CAIR-NJ urges community members, advocates, and partner organizations to continue mobilizing in support of this legislation to ensure its passage in the Assembly and its smooth advancement through the Senate.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACT: Maheen Mumtaz, Government Affairs Associate, CAIR-NJ, mmumtaz@cair.com, (908) 921-1238