Establishes "New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act."

A4283

ASSEMBLY, No. 4283

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

222nd LEGISLATURE

�

INTRODUCED FEBRUARY 19, 2026

Sponsored by:

Assemblywoman� SHANIQUE SPEIGHT

District 29 (Essex and Hudson)

SYNOPSIS

���� Establishes �New Jersey Migrant and Refugee
Assistance Act.��

CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT

���� As introduced.

��

An Act
concerning the provision of assistance to migrants and
refugees in New Jersey and supplementing Title 44 of the Revised Statutes.

����
Be It
Enacted
by the Senate and General Assembly of
the State of New Jersey:

���� 1.� This act shall be known
and may be cited as the �New Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act.�

���� 2.� The Legislature finds and
declares that:

���� a.� New Jersey is home to a
diverse population, including migrants and refugees who have come seeking
safety and a better life.

���� b.� Given the significant
influx of migrants from countries such as Haiti and Venezuela, where political
turmoil has de-stabilized societies, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo,
where human rights crises persist, there is a heightened need for supportive
measures in this State.

���� c.� Recognizing the challenges
faced by individuals from these regions, it is essential to provide tailored
resources that facilitate a smoother transition into New Jersey society.

���� d.� Connecting migrants and
refugees with State resources and public assistance programs is crucial for
their successful integration and contribution to the State�s social and
economic fabric.

����

���� 3.� a.� As used in this
section:

���� �Department� means the
Department of Human Services.

���� �Migrant� means any individual
who has relocated to the State of New Jersey from another country.

���� �Program� means the Migrant
and Refugee Resource Coordination Program established pursuant to subsection b.
of this section.

���� �Refugee� means any individual
granted refugee status under federal law.

���� b.� There is established in
the Department of Human Services a Migrant and Refugee Resource Coordination
Program.� The purpose of this program shall be to connect migrants and refugees
with information and resources regarding public assistance programs for which
they are eligible.

���� c. The department shall ensure
that the information provided under the program shall include, but not be
limited to, information on:� housing, healthcare, educational opportunities,
job training, and legal services.

���� d.� The department shall
collaborate with local governments, nonprofit organizations, and community
groups to facilitate access to these resources.

���� e.� The department shall
develop and implement an outreach campaign to inform migrants and refugees
about the program.� The outreach campaign shall utilize multiple languages and
media platforms to ensure widespread dissemination of information about the
program.

���� f.� The department shall
submit an annual report to the Governor and, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991,
c.164 (C.52:14-19.1), the Legislature, which report shall:

� (1)� detail the effectiveness of
the program, including the number of migrants and refugees served and the types
of assistance provided; and

� (2)� include any recommendations
for improvements to the program.

���� 4.� This act shall take effect
immediately.

STATEMENT

���� This bill establishes the �New
Jersey Migrant and Refugee Assistance Act.�

���� The bill establishes in the
Department of Human Services (department) a Migrant and Refugee Resource
Coordination Program.� The purpose of this program will be to connect migrants
and refugees with information and resources regarding public assistance programs
for which they are eligible.� The department will ensure that the information
provided under the program will include, but not be limited to, information
on:� housing, healthcare, educational opportunities, job training, and legal
services.� The department will collaborate with local governments, nonprofit
organizations, and community groups to facilitate access to these resources.

���� Under the bill. the department
will develop and implement an outreach campaign to inform migrants and refugees
about the program.� The outreach campaign will utilize multiple languages and
media platforms to ensure widespread dissemination of information about the
program.

���� The department will submit an
annual report to the Governor and the Legislature, which report will:� (1)�
detail the effectiveness of the program, including the number of migrants and
refugees served and the types of assistance provided; and (2)� include any
recommendations for improvements to the program.