Trenton, NJ – Whether or not New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is harboring an illegal alien in his attic, or not, his 2025 state budget proposal calls for making New Jersey’s sanctuary state stronger and more well-funded.
The Office of New Americans
In a bold move to bolster support for immigrant communities, Murphy has announced a proposal in his state budget to double financial assistance for recent immigrants, including a significant increase in funding for the Office of New Americans.
“The Murphy Administration has consistently worked to expand access to democracy by both making it easier to vote and welcoming new voters. This budget continues to fund early voting, and creates a new challenge to encourage 6Stronger, Fairer, and More Prepared for the Future districts to follow Newark in letting 16- and 17-year-olds vote in local school board elections. The Governor also proposes doubling the line-item for the Office of New Americans to support recent immigrants who are here in compliance with federal law as they settle in. Finally, the Governor proposes additional funding for the Attorney General’s Project for Federal Accountability. This initiative ensures that New Jerseyans’ rights are being protected by the State’s top attorneys—including from attacks on our constitutional rights coming out of Washington,” the state budget document reads.
The initiative, unveiled during his annual budget address, aims to provide enhanced resources for immigrants settling in the state, particularly those navigating their new lives in compliance with federal law.
Governor Murphy, a Democrat serving his second term, and last year in office, emphasized the state’s commitment to its diverse population, stating, “New Jersey thrives because of our diversity. Supporting our immigrant families—those who are here legally and working to build a better future—strengthens our communities and our economy.”
The proposal includes doubling the budget line-item for the Office of New Americans, an agency established under Murphy’s administration to assist immigrants with integration, access to services, and economic opportunities.
The Office of New Americans, launched in 2019, has been a cornerstone of Murphy’s immigration policy, offering programs such as legal assistance, workforce development, and language access services. The proposed funding increase would expand these efforts, providing additional resources for recent immigrants who have entered the country legally and are seeking to establish roots in New Jersey.
“These are individuals and families who followed the rules, who are here contributing to our state,” Murphy said. “We owe it to them—and to ourselves—to ensure they have the tools to succeed.”
While the proposal has been framed as support for immigrants in compliance with federal law, it has sparked debate amid heightened national tensions over immigration policy. Critics, including some Republican lawmakers, argue that the timing of the announcement—coming shortly after President Donald Trump’s second inauguration—could be interpreted as a signal of defiance against the administration’s hardline stance on immigration. Earlier this month, Murphy drew scrutiny for comments suggesting he and his wife, First Lady Tammy Murphy, were prepared to house an immigrant facing uncertain status, though his office later clarified that no such action had taken place.
Supporters of the funding increase, however, see it as a pragmatic step to reinforce New Jersey’s identity as a welcoming state. “This isn’t about politics—it’s about people,” said Maria Lopez, an advocate with the New Jersey Immigrant Alliance. “Doubling support for the Office of New Americans means more families can access education, healthcare, and jobs, which benefits everyone in the state.”
The exact amount of the proposed funding increase has not yet been disclosed, as it forms part of Murphy’s broader budget plan for the upcoming fiscal year. The governor acknowledged potential challenges ahead, noting that federal cuts under the Trump administration could force the state to adopt a “break the glass” strategy to protect its priorities, including immigrant support programs.
“We can’t predict every move from Washington, but we can prepare to stand up for our values,” he said.
The proposal comes at a time when New Jersey’s immigrant population—estimated at over 2 million, or roughly 23% of the state’s residents—continues to play a vital role in its cultural and economic fabric. The state has long positioned itself as a leader in immigrant-friendly policies, from extending financial aid to undocumented students in 2018 to limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“To ensure that New Jersey is a welcoming home for people newly arriving in our country, this budget doubles the budget for the Office of New Americans in the Department of Human Services. This will support expanded outreach and education to ensure that new Americans can access relevant social services, workforce development and employment services, and legal services. The budget also includes $11.2 million to provide legal services in immigration-related matters, providing critical protection against the reckless and often unlawful attacks of the Trump Administration,” the budget continues.
As the budget process unfolds, the plan to double support for the Office of New Americans is likely to face scrutiny from both sides of the political aisle. Republicans, already critical of Murphy’s immigration stance, may push back against what they see as an overreach, while progressive advocates could demand even broader protections for all immigrants, regardless of legal status.