TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced Monday that the state has joined a coalition of 20 others in a federal lawsuit to stop what it calls an unlawful move by the federal government to restrict access to key social services based on immigration status.
The lawsuit targets a set of rules issued earlier this month by the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services, Education, Labor, and Justice that reinterpret the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA). The new rules prohibit state-run programs from using federal funds to serve individuals unable to verify immigration status — a shift from previous federal policy spanning decades and both parties.
“The Trump Administration’s attempt to block our residents from accessing Head Start, community health centers, anti-poverty clinics, and other critical programs is as illegal as it is immoral and reckless,” said Attorney General Platkin. “This last-minute rule change will prevent American citizens, legal permanent residents, and visa holders from receiving services that are funded by Congress.”
The challenged directives took effect with little or no notice starting July 10, and impact programs such as Head Start, Title X family planning, community health centers, youth workforce development, adult education, and mental health services. Many providers, not designed to collect immigration data, now face compliance challenges that could lead to lost funding or closure.
In New Jersey, the affected services include substance abuse and mental health clinics, domestic violence intervention programs, youth job development, and soup kitchens. Officials warn the rule change could deter people from seeking assistance and further strain systems already under pressure.
The lawsuit alleges the federal government violated the Administrative Procedure Act by skipping required procedures and misapplying PRWORA. It also argues the rules violate the Constitution’s Spending Clause by imposing new conditions on funding without adequate notice or consent.
The coalition is asking the court to block the rules, declare them unlawful, and reinstate previous federal guidance that permitted broader access to programs regardless of immigration status.