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New Jersey has the second highest proportion of immigrants of all U.S. states spanning over 50 different countries and speaking over 155 languages. Over 40% of immigrants do not speak or read English proficiently, resulting in language barriers that prevent fair and equal access to state agency and public services. Language Access Bill S2459/A3837 required all state agencies that provide direct services to provide translation and interpretation in the state’s top 7 languages. In the similar spirit of granting access and visibility, Data Disaggregation Bill S2415/A3092 required agencies that collect demographic information to disaggregate for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to include Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African, and South Asian and Indian diaspora residents. Prior categories used by New Jersey state agencies collapsed over 70 ethnicities and countries of origin into just two racial groups (Asian and white), rendering distinct needs and differences within these communities invisible.
The Domestic Workers Bill of Rights ensures that domestic workers in New Jersey who provide invaluable services for families and elderly, disabled, and sick adults will have basic protections against discrimination and the right to unemployment, workers compensation paid leave insurance.
The bills passed the NJ Senate on January 7 and were signed into law by Governor Murphy on January 12.
For more on the bills, click here.
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