TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Legislature is considering a bill that would create a state-run program to help migrants and refugees access public services including housing, healthcare, education, job training, and legal aid.
The proposal, titled the “New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act,” would establish a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination Program under the Department of Human Services. The goal of the initiative is to streamline access to state and local services for newly arrived individuals from other countries.
The bill defines migrants as those who have relocated to New Jersey from abroad, and refugees as individuals granted federal refugee status. It instructs the department to collaborate with local governments, nonprofits, and community groups to ensure service delivery.
The outreach campaign would target migrant and refugee populations using multiple languages and media platforms to ensure they are aware of available services. An annual report would be submitted to the governor and legislature, summarizing how many individuals were served, what types of services were accessed, and offering any recommended changes.
According to the bill text, the measure is in response to growing populations of individuals arriving in New Jersey from countries including Haiti, Venezuela, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where political instability and human rights concerns have led to migration.
The act would take effect immediately upon passage.