New Jersey, which leads the nation in percentage of people of immigrant heritage, has a long history of welcoming immigrants, refugees, and those seeking asylum from unthinkable dangers and oppression. UU FaithAction NJ, through the work of its Immigration Justice Task Force, has sought to educate the public on immigration issues and advocate for legislation that accounts for the dignity and civil rights of immigrants.
This year, we continue to advocate for the Values Act (S512/A1986), legislation that codifies into statutory form the Immigrant Trust Directive, which bars law enforcement agencies from working with ICE without a judicial warrant from a state or federal judge. This will allow immigrant families to access the state and local agency services they need without fear that their information will be shared with federal immigration agencies and lead to needless family separations or deportation.
In addition, we all have seen the rise of immigration activity on our Southern border which has led the governors of Florida and Texas to, in duplicitous acts reminiscent of the ‘reverse freedom rides’ of the early 1960’s, lure immigrants to northern states via plane and bus rides under false promises of housing and jobs. UU FaithAction NJ is working with coalition partners to organize support for migrants as they arrive and to educate the public on support opportunities, so that families will be treated with dignity in their journeys to safety and freedom.
Two other bills the committee is monitoring include the Language Access Bill (S2459) and the Data Disaggregation Bill (A3092). The first bill aims to require state government agencies to provide translation services for the top 15 languages spoken in the state. The second bill will require state agencies to update demographic data collection methods on Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian and Indian Diaspora residents in New Jersey.
This #GivingTuesday, please consider a gift to UU FaithAction NJ, so that we might continue to promote legislation that affirms the dignity and worth of every person, native born and immigrant alike, and provides a safe haven to build a life here in New Jersey. A life free from oppression, violence, and fear of separation. A life that welcomes everyone to the table of abundance we are all so grateful for this season.
Remember, all gifts up to our $10,000 goal will be matched, doubling your generosity.
If you are interested in joining the work of this task force, email Ted Fetter and Rich Held at immigration@uufaithaction.org