Sponsored by:
Senator MICHAEL L. TESTA, JR.
District 1 (Atlantic, Cape May and Cumberland)
SYNOPSIS
Prohibits State funding to assist immigrants facing detention or deportation.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act prohibiting the use of State funding for assistance to certain immigrants and supplementing Title 2B of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other law to the contrary, State funds shall not be used directly, or under the terms of any contract with, or grant to, any public agency or nonprofit entity, to provide legal assistance or legal services to individuals facing detention or deportation based on their immigration status.
2. This act shall take effect immediately.
STATEMENT
The bill prohibits State funds from being used to provide legal assistance or legal services to individuals facing detention or deportation based on their immigration status. The bill prohibits this funding directly, or under the terms of any contract with, or grant to, any public agency or nonprofit entity providing for such assistance or services.
The purpose of this bill is to prevent State funds from being used to support an Office of Immigration Protection, or another organization or entity with a mission of offering legal assistance or legal services to protect immigrants. The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget, as proposed by Governor Murphy, includes language providing for an amount not to exceed $8,200,000 to be appropriated for Legal Services of New Jersey for the provision of legal services and related costs to individuals at risk of detention or deportation based on their immigration status.