Ruiz Encouraged by the Governor’s Comment on Undocumented Immigrants

Trenton – Senate President Pro Tempore M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement commending Governor Murphy’s willingness to assist undocumented immigrants:

“I am encouraged to hear that Governor Murphy is willing to explore offering financial help to undocumented New Jerseyans who may have lost their job or seen a reduction in hours due to the current public health crisis. While New Jersey’s undocumented immigrants contribute $587 million in state and local taxes, the sixth highest contribution in the nation, they are not currently eligible to receive unemployment benefits. Now is the time to address this issue comprehensively.

“We are exploring legislation to help undocumented New Jerseyans and we are hopeful the Governor will support our efforts. Leaving undocumented immigrants without any support would have ripple effects on the housing market, businesses and local economic activity and the economic loss would be felt greatly across New Jersey. As the Governor said yesterday, we are not going to break the back of this virus unless we bring us all along.”