TRENTON, N.J. — Immigration has become one of the defining issues before the New Jersey Legislature, where lawmakers have introduced dozens of bills affecting law enforcement, healthcare, education, housing, privacy and public benefits for immigrants.
While many proposals remain pending in legislative committees, Gov. Mikie Sherrill has already signed several high-profile immigration measures into law, continuing New Jersey’s shift toward expanding legal protections for immigrants while limiting certain forms of cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Among the most significant laws enacted this year is A4071 (P.L.2026, c.5), which permanently codifies the Attorney General’s 2018 Immigrant Trust Directive into state law. The legislation limits when state, county and local law enforcement agencies may voluntarily assist U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including restrictions on honoring certain civil immigration detainers, sharing non-public information and providing office space for federal immigration enforcement.
Sherrill also signed A4070 (P.L.2026, c.4), commonly referred to as the Privacy Protection Act. The law restricts state and local agencies, including healthcare facilities, from collecting unnecessary personal information such as birthplace or immigration-related data and generally prohibits sharing certain personal information with federal immigration authorities without a judicial warrant.
Another recently enacted measure, S3114 (P.L.2026, c.3), requires law enforcement officers to display identifying information during official interactions and generally prohibits officers from concealing their facial identity while performing official duties.
Beyond those new laws, lawmakers continue debating a broad range of additional immigration proposals that remain active in the legislative process.
Several bills would expand protections for immigrants.
The proposed New Jersey Immigrant Trust Act (A1400/S2771) would establish additional protections governing interactions between immigrants and state and local government agencies.
A4283/S2696 would establish the New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act, while A1357 and S2753 would expand comprehensive healthcare coverage for certain undocumented immigrants.
Lawmakers are also considering A4911, which would establish additional protections for immigrant students and their families, and A1996/S3792, which would expand protections under New Jersey’s Law Against Discrimination for immigrants and non-citizens.
Other measures would further limit immigration detention.
A4167/S3864 would prohibit the use of state, county and municipal property or funding to support immigrant detention facilities.
A4300/S3616 would impose a 50% tax on private immigrant detention facilities operating in New Jersey and establish an Immigrant Protection Fund.
Several proposals focus specifically on Haitian migrants.
A4305 would establish the Reproductive Health Access for Haitian Migrants Act, while A4703/S2694 would require the Department of Human Services to establish a Haitian Migrant Assistance Program.
Republican lawmakers have introduced a competing package of legislation aimed at increasing immigration enforcement.
A179/S851 would prohibit the release of certain undocumented immigrants from correctional facilities under specified circumstances.
A5144/S3747 would require the State Police to establish a public database identifying undocumented immigrants charged with or convicted of crimes.
A323 would require students who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawfully present immigrants to pay tuition to attend public schools, while A570 would eliminate eligibility for certain undocumented students to receive state financial aid and qualify for in-state tuition at New Jersey public colleges and universities.
The Legislature is also considering resolutions recognizing June as Immigrant Heritage Month (AJR71/SJR155), urging Congress to establish a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants (AR62), and encouraging additional federal assistance for Haitian migrants (AR120).
Together, the enacted laws and pending legislation illustrate how immigration policy has become one of the Legislature’s busiest areas, with lawmakers continuing to debate issues involving public benefits, law enforcement, education, housing, healthcare and New Jersey’s relationship with federal immigration authorities.
- New Jersey lawmakers have introduced dozens of immigration-related bills in recent legislative sessions.
- Three major immigration-related measures have already been signed into law by Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
- The Immigrant Trust Directive is now permanently codified in New Jersey statute.
- Additional proposals addressing healthcare, education, housing, immigration enforcement and public benefits remain pending.
- Republican lawmakers have introduced competing bills that would strengthen immigration enforcement and limit certain benefits.
FAQ
- Which immigration bills have already become law?
- A4071 (Immigrant Trust Directive), A4070 (Privacy Protection Act), and S3114 (Law Enforcement Identity and Interaction Standards) have all been signed into law.
- Are all of the bills listed still pending?
- No. Several major measures have already been enacted, while many others remain in committee or await further legislative action.
- Do all of the bills expand protections for immigrants?
- No. While many proposals expand protections or services, several Republican-sponsored bills would increase enforcement, enhance public reporting or restrict certain public benefits.
Sources: New Jersey Legislature, New Jersey Monitor, ACLU of New Jersey, Rutgers Policy Lab, New Jersey State League of Municipalities
