WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

A 5664

Relates to providing for the recall of a district attorney

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Barclay

Creates an AG-run program to relocate unlawfully present people and consenting immediate family from New Jersey to their country of origin or an authorized settlement country.

OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · A 5664

Summary: Assembly Bill A 5664 – Unifying Families and Bringing Them Home Act

Quick snapshot

  • Bill: A 5664
  • Title: Relates to providing for the recall of a district attorney (note: the introduced text also labels the act as the “Unifying Families and Bringing Them Home Act,” which governs relocation of unlawfully present persons)
  • Status: Opinion referred to Judiciary; introduced May 8, 2025
  • Primary sponsor: William A. Barclay
  • Related actions: Several prior referrals and companion bills noted in the Legislative Actions

Purpose and broad objective

A 5664 would establish a State program overseen by the Attorney General to relocate certain individuals unlawfully present in New Jersey, together with their immediate family members who consent, to the person’s country of origin or to an “authorized settlement country.” The bill aims to reduce costs and burdens on New Jersey’s public services by relocating individuals and, in doing so, to enforce a framework around federal immigration involvement and post-relocation consequences.

Key provisions and changes

  • Program authority and purpose

    • The Attorney General must establish a relocation program for persons unlawfully present in New Jersey and their immediate family (if they consent) to their country of origin or an authorized settlement country.
    • “Authorized settlement country” means any country other than the country of origin that permits relocation under the program.

  • Definitions

    • Country of origin: the country in which a person was a citizen when they entered the United States.
    • Immediate family: spouse, domestic partner, civil union partner, biological child under 21, and legal ward.
    • Federal authorities: U.S. agencies responsible for enforcing immigration laws.

  • Eligibility and consent

    • Eligible participants must reside in New Jersey and be an alien alleged to be in violation of U.S. immigration law.
    • The immediate family member(s) in New Jersey must consent to relocation; if consent is not given, the person is ineligible.

  • Privacy and information sharing

    • The AG must investigate program participants for alleged violations of law.
    • If the only alleged violation is federal immigration law, the State shall not share information about the participant with federal authorities.

  • Post-relocation consequences

    • Reentry into New Jersey after participating in the program is a crime of the fourth degree (up to 18 months in prison, fines up to $10,000, or both).
    • Participants who reenter are liable for a penalty equal to the relocation costs incurred by the State for the participant and their immediate family.

  • Implementation and oversight

    • The AG may establish guidelines to implement the program and must consult with relevant state and federal agencies (including Homeland Security, ICE, and DHS).

  • Effective date

    • The act would take effect no later than six months after enactment.

Who is affected

  • Individuals unlawfully present in New Jersey who are also in the United States in violation of immigration law.
  • The immediate family members in New Jersey who consent to relocation.
  • State agencies involved in enforcement, health, corrections, human services, homeland security, and immigration enforcement as required for implementation.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • Introduced May 8, 2025; status indicates referral to the Judiciary (OPINION REFERRED TO JUDICIARY) with contemporaneous committee referrals in the 2025 session.
  • The bill anticipates rapid program design and guidelines by the AG, with a six-month effective-date trigger post-enactment.

Potential impact and considerations

  • Fiscal: Aimed at reducing costs for education, healthcare, and other public services by relocating non-citizens and their families.
  • Legal/constitutional: Creates a State-run relocation program and constrains certain information-sharing with federal authorities when only immigration violations are involved.
  • Public safety: Establishes a fourth-degree crime for unlawful reentry after program use, potentially affecting enforcement dynamics.
  • Policy implications: Balances enforcement objectives with family consent requirements and intergovernmental cooperation.

This summary captures the bill’s core intent, major provisions, and the practical implications for participants and state resources.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.