Trenton, NJ – A new report by the New York Sun is drawing attention to a provision in New Jersey’s latest state budget that allocates $20 million for free legal services for migrants facing immigration detention, with some of the funding going to an organization whose activism extends beyond immigration issues.
According to New York Sun contributor Alex Zdan, Gov. Mikie Sherrill‘s first state budget increases funding for immigration legal services by 150 percent over the previous year’s appropriation under former Gov. Phil Murphy. The funding is intended to provide legal representation for migrants involved in immigration proceedings, including those facing detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Activist group’s inclusion draws criticism
The report identifies the American Friends Service Committee as one of the organizations receiving funding through the legal services initiative.
According to the New York Sun, the organization also hosts a “Declaration of Resistance” on its website that addresses opposition to Trump administration immigration policies while also expressing positions related to the war in Gaza and other political issues.
Critics cited in the report argue that the group’s broader advocacy raises questions about the use of taxpayer funding, while supporters have long described the American Friends Service Committee as a nonprofit organization providing legal assistance and advocating for immigrant rights.
To read the full report, visit: https://www.nysun.com/article/new-jersey-budget-funds-gaza-activist-group-to-fight-trump-immigration-policy
