Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman SHANIQUE SPEIGHT
District 29 (Essex)
Assemblywoman SHAVONDA E. SUMTER
District 35 (Bergen and Passaic)
SYNOPSIS
Concerns collection of data relating to Haitian migrants in NJ.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Act concerning the collection of data relating to Haitian migrants in New Jersey and supplementing chapter 1 of Title 30 of the Revised Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The Legislature finds and declares that:
a. Many Haitian people experiencing political turmoil and financial distress have migrated to the United States.
b. Some have boarded boats attempting to cross the Atlantic Ocean, while others traveled by foot from Brazil to Texas.
c. Haitians are among the migrants from Caribbean, Central, and Latin American countries who have undergone a treacherous journey northward in search of safety and opportunity in the United States.
d. Many migrants have died attempting to make the journey in hopes of a better life.
e. Some migrants come across the border unannounced and although some have families in the State, the families may be unable to aid them.
f. Collecting data on Haitian migrants in New Jersey will allow the State to know how many migrants are in need of assistance.
2. The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services shall direct the collection of data on the population of Haitian migrants in New Jersey, no matter their documentation status, through sources including, but not limited to, federal, State, and local governments, and non-profit organizations.
3. This act shall take effect on the 60th day following enactment.
STATEMENT
This bill directs the Commissioner of the Department of Human Services to collect manage the collection of data on Haitian migrants in New Jersey, no matter their documentation status, from various sources such as federal, State, and local governments, and non-profit organizations.
Haitian migrants in New Jersey have fled political unrest and financial trouble to live a safe and prosperous life in this State. Their journeys, whether they be by boat or on foot, are long and dangerous, sometimes leading to injury or death. New Jersey has the fourth largest Haitian-American population in the United States, as about 69,000 Haitian-Americans live in this State. As some of the Haitian migrants living in New Jersey are undocumented, it is difficult to know how many need assistance. Collecting data on Haitian migrants living in New Jersey, no matter their documentation status, will allow the State to help them more efficiently.
This bill would take effect on the 60th day following enactment.