The ACLU of New Jersey called on March 23 for swift executive and legislative action following the advancement of several key social justice bills by the New Jersey Legislature. The organization highlighted the passage of immigrant protection bills S3522/A4070 and S3521/A4071, as well as the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act (A1715), emphasizing their significance for residents across the state.
These legislative developments are important because they address privacy protections for immigrants and aim to expand access to voting at a time when such rights face challenges nationwide. The ACLU of New Jersey has been active in advocating for equity by centering historically marginalized communities in its efforts, according to the official website.
Ami Kachalia, campaign strategist at ACLU-NJ, said: “We are grateful that these critical bills that will cement long overdue protections for immigrant New Jerseyans are headed to Gov. Sherrill’s desk to be signed into law. The harms inflicted by federal immigration enforcement and the rampant unconsented collection and distribution of personal information are real and have left an indelible mark on our families, friends, neighbors, and all New Jerseyans. As we witness escalating attacks on immigrant communities across the country, we are proud that our state is taking bold action to ensure privacy protections for residents. We look forward to working with lawmakers to continue advancing legislation that better protects the constitutional rights of all New Jerseyans, including the codification of a stronger version of the Immigrant Trust Directive that includes essential due process protections.
“Thank you to Senators Johnson, McKeon, Mukherji, Ruiz, Timberlake, and Zwicker, and Assemblymembers Greenwald, Park, Quijano, Reynolds-Jackson, and Rodriguez for their leadership in sponsoring these bills and protecting immigrant communities. We urge Gov. Sherrill to sign these bills into law to make our state stronger and safer – it is what New Jersey, and everyone, deserves.”
Alejandra Sorto from ACLU-NJ addressed voting rights progress: “Today’s passage of the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey by the Assembly gets us closer toward increasing ballot access in the Garden State. As the federal Voting Rights Act faces further erosion and voter suppression efforts rise across the country, New Jersey must be a leader in protecting and expanding our voting rights by passing the John R. Lewis Voter Empowerment Act of New Jersey – the strength of our democracy depends on it.
“Thank you to Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson for her leadership in advocating for passage of this bill. We urge Senate leaders to take swift action…and help make voting freer and fairer for everyone in New Jersey.”
The ACLU-NJ works statewide through advocacy campaigns focused on civil liberties issues such as criminal justice reform according to its official website. The organization also provides resources like Know Your Rights guides covering topics from transgender rights to interactions with immigration officials as reported by its official website.
Looking ahead, supporters expect continued collaboration between advocacy groups like ACLU-NJ—whose mission centers on defending constitutional freedoms—and lawmakers committed to systemic change according to information from its official site.
