Support the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987) 

For decades, migrants and asylum seekers have been forced to choose between seeking support from state and local agencies and risking deportation. This has left many vulnerable families unable to access healthcare, education, shelters, and other key services. More must be done to ensure New Jersey can serve as a welcoming state for all, regardless of their immigration status.  

Support the Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987) to ensure all New Jerseyans can seek public services to which they are entitled without the threat of deportation.  

Background   

The Immigrant Trust Act (S3672/A4987) would ensure that immigrants and their families have access to public schools, healthcare facilities, shelters, and other state and local services without the threat of deportation. This Act would serve to limit how New Jersey agencies collect and share information related to immigration status with federal immigration authorities. It would also ensure that centers providing public services adopt models allowing all residents of New Jersey to feel safe while accessing services.  Furthermore, this legislation would codify New Jersey's current Immigrant Trust Directive, issued by the New Jersey Attorney General, into law. This would ensure that New Jersey's state and local resources are used to support local law enforcement priorities, rather than funding federal immigration enforcement.

Jewish Text   

As Jews, we learn that communities are obligated to provide care for all their members. It is written in the Talmud, “if the physician withholds his services, it is considered as shedding blood” (Shulchan Aruch, Yoreh Dei-ah 336:1). Coupled with the Torah’s command that “you shall have one standard for stranger and citizen alike,” Jewish tradition teaches the importance of broad public services for every individual, including immigrants (Leviticus 24:22). Similarly, we read in Genesis that not only did Abraham and Sarah allow three mysterious guests to enter their tent, but they also ran towards them and fed them, modeling the enthusiasm with which we should embrace those seeking refuge. As Jews, we must fight for and model a world in which love and compassion for all prevails.  

For More Information  

For more information, please contact Legislative Assistant Tamara Upfal (tupfal@rac.org). 

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