State of New Jersey

Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy

Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy Held its First Public Hearing

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ  – The Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy held its first public hearing yesterday at the Rutgers Labor Education Center in New Brunswick.

More than 200 people attended the hearing and the panel, chaired by Public Advocate Ronald K. Chen, and more than 60 witnesses provided testimony.

“We are gratified that so many people took time out of their busy lives to come to the hearing and talk with the panel about their experiences as immigrants in our state, their perspectives about the issues we must address, and their concerns about the challenges we must confront,” Chen said.

 “For generations immigrants have helped to build this great country and to build this great state. Nevertheless, circumstances often make it very difficult for new immigrants to join our workforce, become members of our communities, and forge prosperous lives for themselves and their families,” said Chen in his opening remarks at the hearing.

On August 6, 2007 Governor Corzine signed Executive Order 78 creating the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Advisory Panel on Immigrant Policy. The Immigrant Policy Panel is charged with developing recommendations for a comprehensive and strategic statewide approach to successfully integrate the rapidly growing immigrant population in New Jersey.

Members of the public expressed their concerns and opinions on diverse topics including education, social services, state and local government, as well as work force, labor and economic development. 

“We heard from witnesses about a range of concerns, and we will continue our process of reaching out to the people of New Jersey so their perspectives and input will help guide us in our work,” Chen said. The panel plans to hold two additional hearings, in northern New Jersey and in the southern part of the state. The public was also invited to submit written comments to the Immigrant Policy Panel.
The information gathered through the public hearings will be incorporated into the panel’s recommendations to the Governor. The final report and recommendations are due at the end of next year.

People can send their testimony to: Clarisa.Romero-Cruz@advocate.state.nj.us; fax to (609) 984-4747 or mail to: Department of the Public Advocate, Attn. Clarisa Romero-Cruz, P.O. Box 851, Trenton, NJ 08625-0851.

Read Ronald K. Chen’s opening remarks

                               

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