Immigration (DACA & Dreamers)

This bill amends New Jersey law to allow individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status to work as law enforcement and corrections officers. It replaces the existing requirement that officers must be U.S. citizens with a new standard permitting those granted DACA relief under federal immigration law. The change applies to all state and county correctional officers, police departments, and juvenile corrections roles, without altering other existing requirements like English proficiency, high school diplomas, background checks, or moral character standards. This directly affects DACA-eligible individuals seeking public safety careers in New Jersey.

This bill, S 2753, would expand New Jersey’s NJ FamilyCare health coverage program to include pregnant undocumented immigrants and their dependent children under age one. Pregnant undocumented immigrants would receive full coverage through the 60 days following their pregnancy, and their children would qualify for coverage until age one - bypassing current rules that limit undocumented immigrants to emergency-only care. The bill requires the state to first seek federal funding for this coverage, and if federal funds aren’t approved, it would rely on state funds. It explicitly states coverage would only be provided in compliance with federal law, defining "undocumented immigrant" as someone unable to verify legal status or lawful presence in the U.S.