CAMDEN – Governor Phil Murphy announced two new measures to continue the Administration’s unwavering commitment to build an inclusive state for every New Jersey resident.

This morning, the Governor signed Executive Order No. 74, which directs the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to advance immigrant and refugee integration initiatives, including the design of an Office of New Americans. The Executive Order also establishes an Interagency Workgroup on New American Integration to create opportunities for coordination and implementation of strategies and actions to advance immigrant and refugee integration.

The Governor also announced that the Administration has submitted its intent to the U.S. Office of Refugee Resettlement to regain the state’s role in the oversight of the state’s refugee resettlement program. The program provides assistance such as short-term cash assistance, medical coordination, case management, and employment services among other social services for refugees. In 2016, the Christie Administration relinquished the state’s role in the refugee resettlement program to the federal government. Since then, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) has been running all aspects of the program. The New Jersey Department of Human Services has been working collaboratively with the federal government and the IRC to return the primary functions of the refugee resettlement program to the State for Federal Fiscal Year 2020.

“While the federal government takes action that prevents immigrants from seeking the American Dream, New Jersey will fight for our brothers and sisters and stand against the hatred and bigotry coming from Washington,” said Governor Murphy. “Immigrants are an integral part of our state, and enrich our communities socially, culturally, and economically. Through these new measures, we will continue to sustain our progress to build a fair and inclusive state for all.”

By December 4, 2019, the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the Department of Labor and Workforce Development will submit plans to further immigrant and refugee integration, including the development of an Office of New Americans.  This will be the first statewide office to focus on immigrant and refugee integration and will focus on ensuring access to social services and inclusion in New Jersey’s economy.  Additionally, the Interagency Workgroup on New American Integration established today will be co-chaired by representatives from the New Jersey Department of Human Services and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The Workgroup also includes representatives from 10 other departments to develop, coordinate, and implement best practices for immigrant and refugee integration and inclusion across the Administration and its programs.

The new measures were announced at the USS New Jersey Naturalization Ceremony on the Battleship in Camden where 40 candidates from 23 countries such as the Dominican Republic, Egypt, Guatemala, Iran, India, and Mexico, among other countries, became U.S. citizens.

“On a day when families across our state come together to celebrate our country’s independence, I’m honored to have the opportunity to celebrate this 4th of July with those joining our American family as new citizens,” said Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson. “New Jersey is and always will be a welcoming state – no matter the rhetoric or attempts to divide us coming from Washington. The Murphy Administration is committed to welcoming new Americans as our neighbors, colleagues and friends, and New Jersey Human Services stands ready to help all new New Jerseyans make our state a more vibrant and prosperous place to live.”

“Our department is tasked with looking out for all of New Jersey’s workers, and that includes those not born here, but who want to work here, contribute to our workforce and economy, and call New Jersey home,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “All workers in the Garden State, no matter their birthplace, are afforded the same rights and protections in the workplace.”