New Jersey Enacts Landmark Immigrant Rights Laws, Bolsters Worker Protections
TRENTON, NJ – January 12, 2024 – Governor Phil Murphy has signed a series of landmark bills reinforcing immigrants’ rights and acknowledging the diversity of New Jersey. These bills aim to empower domestic workers, enhance language access to government services, and accurately represent the state’s diverse communities. This move aligns with the Murphy Administration’s commitment to fostering a fairer and more inclusive state.
The move comes weeks after Governor Murphy stated unequivocably that New Jersey cannot afford to take in illegal migrants from New York City,
Governor Murphy emphasized New Jersey’s strength in its diversity, stating that immigrant families and diverse communities are integral to the state’s cultural, social, and economic fabric. He expressed pride in signing legislation that aids New Jerseyans in realizing the American Dream, facilitating access to government services, and ensuring accurate representation in state data and analytics.
The legislative package includes three significant bills:
- S-723/A-822 (Codey/Timberlake, Jasey, Reynolds-Jackson) – Establishes the ‘New Jersey Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights Act’, extending extensive rights and protections to domestic workers.
- S-2459/ACS for A-3837 (Ruiz, Pou, Cruz-Perez/Jaffer, Park, Stanley) – Mandates that State government entities provide essential documents and translation services in the 15 most common non-English languages.
- A-3092wGR/S2415 (Stanley, Jaffer, Mukherji/Gopal, Ruiz) – Requires State agencies to update demographic data collection methods to include detailed categories for Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, South Asian, and Indian Diaspora residents.
Johanna Calle, Director of NJ Human Services’ Office of New Americans, lauded the legislation for addressing language barriers that impede immigrant communities’ access to government services. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin praised the Domestic Workers’ Bill of Rights for correcting historical racial biases and noted that increasing language access for vital services will enhance residents’ safety, health, and awareness.
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo affirmed New Jersey’s commitment to being a leading state for worker rights. He highlighted the importance of the new law in protecting vulnerable, marginalized, or unseen workers, ensuring they receive robust protections and benefits.
These laws signify a significant step in New Jersey’s journey towards inclusivity and respect for the rights of all its residents, particularly in acknowledging and supporting its diverse immigrant communities.