NJ Immigrants Need More Protection From Trump, Activists Tell Governor

NEW JERSEY — Several New Jersey immigrant rights groups had a lukewarm reception to Gov. Phil Murphy’s annual State of the State address on Tuesday, pleading for more protection amid the upcoming second term of President Donald Trump.

Murphy laid out priorities for the year ahead in front of a joint session of the Legislature at the Statehouse in Trenton. It will be the final year in office for the term-limited Democrat.

Some main focuses of the governor’s speech included affordability and education. With a Republican administration coming in to the White House, Murphy also said New Jersey would take steps to remain a "safe haven for reproductive freedom." Read More: 5 Takeaways From Gov. Murphy's Penultimate State Of The State Address

Murphy’s penultimate State of the State address comes less than a week before Trump’s inauguration, and just days before Congress is set to pass a sweeping federal detention and deportation bill.

According to the New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice – a coalition of dozens of advocacy groups – Capitol Hill has seen a flurry of anti-immigrant bills introduced and proposed in the weeks since the 119th Congress was sworn in.

“Despite these looming threats, and despite pledging to fight for New Jersey values, Gov. Murphy’s remarks did not directly address the immigrant community which has been a central focus of the incoming federal administration’s attacks,” the coalition commented on Tuesday.

“The governor’s omission is a departure from his past addresses where he firmly and clearly articulated his support for the immigrant community, who represents nearly two million New Jerseyans,” the coalition added.

Amy Torres, executive director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice, said the most inescapable and polarizing issue of 2024 was immigration.

“Like all good New Jerseyans, the governor talks a tough game,” Torres said. “But concrete proposals are sitting in the legislature right now that would provide the type of defense and protections he talked about today.”

This week, more than 100 organizations sent a letter to Murphy and leaders in the state Legislature calling for immediate passage of the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987). A link to the letter can be seen here.

ACLU-NJ policy director Sarah Fajardo pushed government leaders like Murphy to prioritize legislation like the Immigrant Trust Act – especially in the wake of Trump’s promises to carry out mass deportations.

Meanwhile, spokespeople with another member of the coalition – Make the Road New Jersey – are warning that “one of the most immigrant-rich states in the country” is at risk of becoming “ground zero.”

“With each passing week, we learn more details of the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations and family separations,” deputy director Nedia Morsy said.

“From workplace and neighborhood raids to efforts to end birthright citizenship, president-elect Donald Trump’s proposals will have devastating consequences, not just for immigrants, but for all of New Jersey,” Morsy charged.

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