By: De’Jah Seabrooks, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – New Jersey is a diverse and densely populated state with one of the highest populations of immigrants in the country.
According to New Jersey State Health Assessment Data, as of 2022, New Jersey has a foreign-born population of a little over two million, representing about 23.5% of the state’s total population, significantly higher than the national average of 13.9%. The top countries of origin for immigrants in New Jersey include Mexico, India, China, and the Philippines. However, the undocumented population averages about 428,000 according to New Jersey Monitor. This influx has significantly shaped the state’s culture, economy, and demographics.
Several cities and towns in New Jersey have adopted policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These are often referred to as “sanctuary cities.” While the exact definition of a sanctuary city can vary, it generally means that local law enforcement agencies do not prioritize the enforcement of federal immigration laws. The goal of these policies is to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation and to encourage them to report crimes without fear of being turned over to immigration authorities.
Immigrant populations are concentrated in several areas of New Jersey. Bergen County, home to many suburban communities, has one of the highest percentages of foreign-born residents in the state. Hudson County, which includes cities like Jersey City and Hoboken, also has a significant immigrant population. Other areas with notable immigrant communities include Essex County, Middlesex County, and Passaic County.
In South Jersey, the largest immigrant populations are in the areas in Atlantic, Cape May, Salem, and Cumberland counties.
While xenophobic views can be witnessed throughout the state when it comes to undocumented immigrants and immigrants in general, there are still resources to help those who are trying to become citizens of the US. For example, Raritan Valley Community College offers citizenship classes to immigrants as well as other services like legal assistance according to the Raritan Valley website.
Undocumented immigrants in New Jersey, like those in other parts of the United States, do not have access to most federal benefits, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. However, they may be eligible for certain state and local programs, including emergency medical care, and public education for their children. They also are able to get drivers licenses in the state of New Jersey.
Undocumented immigrants often pay taxes indirectly through sales taxes, property taxes, and payroll taxes withheld from their employers. While they cannot file individual income tax returns, their contributions to the tax system help fund public services. According to the NJ Monitor, the undocumented immigrants in the state contributed $1.3 billion in taxes in the year 2022.
The issue of healthcare for undocumented immigrants is complex. While they cannot directly access government-sponsored healthcare programs like Medicaid, they may be able to obtain care through private insurance or community health centers. However, the cost of healthcare can be a significant burden for many undocumented individuals due to costs.
Given the many challenges for immigrants in New Jersey, there are some areas where new immigrants can receive help from the government. Typically those seeking asylum in New Jersey are able to utilize the Refugee Resettlement Program.
New Jersey is a participating state in the U.S. Refugee Resettlement Program, which provides assistance to refugees who have been granted resettlement in the US. These individuals often come from countries experiencing conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. The program offers various services, including housing, employment assistance, and cultural orientation. They can also offer services like NJ Medicaid, NJ SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), and RCA (Refugee Cash Assistance) according to NJ.Gov.
For more information on immigration in New Jersey, visit the NJ Office of New Americans website.
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