100 ORGANIZATIONS CALL FOR IMMIGRANT PROTECTIONS AS GOVERNOR ISSUES PENULTIMATE STATE OF THE STATE ADDRESS

With less than a week until President Trump’s inauguration, immigration advocates issue letter calling for permanent protections and legal services defense

TRENTON, NJ [January 15, 2025] — Governor Murphy’s penultimate State of the State address comes less than a week before President Trump’s inauguration and just days before Congress is set to pass a sweeping, unconstitutional detention and deportation bill that will affect diverse, noncitizen communities across New Jersey. In the few weeks since the 119th Congress was sworn in, Capitol Hill has seen a flurry of anti-immigrant bills introduced and proposed. Despite these looming threats, and despite pledging to fight for New Jersey values, Governor Murphy’s remarks did not directly address the immigrant community which has been a central focus of the incoming federal administration’s attacks. 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.

This week, over 100 organizations sent a letter to Governor Murphy and leaders in the State Legislature calling for immediate passage of the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987). A link to the letter is published here.

Governor Murphy addressed President Trump’s inauguration in his opening remarks, pledging, “I will never back down from defending our New Jersey values, if and when they are tested… If you try to attack our people or our values without cause, make no mistake, we will fight back harder.” Governor Murphy continued, “I’m not done yet and we’re not done yet.”

“The most inescapable and polarizing issue of 2024 was immigration. Let’s hope no one forgot to tell Governor Murphy,” said Amy Torres, Executive Director of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice. “The State of the State address is an opportunity to talk about legacy, impact, and a final push for priorities that achieve the Governor’s lasting vision for the state. Like all good New Jerseyans, the Governor talks a tough game. But concrete proposals are sitting in the legislature right now that would provide the type of defense and protections he talked about today.”

“Government leaders must prioritize legislation, like the Immigrant Trust Act, that will strengthen immigrants’ rights, especially as President-elect Trump has promised mass deportations as a top priority of his administration. New Jersey must embrace its chance to be a national leader on every front, and that means adopting a comprehensive approach to advance and defend civil rights – not prioritizing one goal at the expense of another or waiting until it’s politically expedient,” said ACLU-NJ Policy Director Sarah Fajardo.

“Every week brings more terrifying details of the Trump administration’s plans for mass deportations and family separation. From rounding up immigrants in workplaces and neighborhood raids, to ending birthright citizenship, President-elect Donald Trump’s plans will be catastrophic, not just for immigrants, but for all Americans,” said Nedia Morsy, Deputy Director with Make the Road New Jersey. “New Jersey — one of the most immigrant-rich states in the nation — has the potential to be ground zero. Governor Murphy and the legislature must act now to pass the Immigrant Trust Act.”

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ACLU-NJ and Make the Road New Jersey are members of New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice (NJAIJ), the state’s largest immigration coalition. Alongside 60 other member organizations, NJAIJ fights for policies that empower and protect immigrants.