Continue to push for more immigrant protections

In the face of rising anti-immigrant sentiment nationwide, a new bill would protect immigrants’ privacy in New Jersey and restrict how their immigration status is disclosed. The bill (S-3672) was introduced last week and would prohibit hospitals and government organizations from inquiring about a person’s immigration status unless it is necessary to determine that person’s eligibility for services. The law also limits the ways in which immigration status can be disclosed and prohibits law enforcement from stopping someone based only on their alleged immigration status. The bill prohibits the sharing of any information pertaining to an individual’s immigration status unless it was mandated by a warrant or legitimate court order. Individuals could freely choose to disclose their immigration status.