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Bill

AJR 44

Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Representative Frederick P. Kessler.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Margaret Arney and 31 co-sponsors

Designates June as Immigrant Heritage Month in New Jersey and calls for an annual Governor proclamation to observe immigrant contributions with activities and programs.

Read and referred to Committee on Rules
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Bill Summary · AJR 44

AJR 44 Summary (New Jersey)

Overview

AJR 44 is a joint resolution introduced in the New Jersey Assembly on January 9, 2024. It designates the month of June each year as “Immigrant Heritage Month” in New Jersey and asks the Governor to issue an annual proclamation recognizing and observing the month. The bill has been referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee and has not yet enacted.

What the bill would do

  • Designate June of every year as “Immigrant Heritage Month” in New Jersey.
  • Request the Governor to issue an annual proclamation urging public officials and citizens to observe Immigrant Heritage Month with appropriate activities and programs.
  • Take effect immediately upon enactment.

Key provisions

  • Section 1: Establishes June as Immigrant Heritage Month in New Jersey to celebrate immigrants who have contributed to the state’s development, economy, and culture.
  • Section 2: Directs the Governor to annually issue a proclamation calling on public officials and citizens to observe the month with suitable activities and programs.
  • Section 3: States that the joint resolution takes effect immediately.

Background and rationale (as stated in the bill)

  • The resolution emphasizes New Jersey’s status as a highly diverse state with a substantial immigrant population (more than one in five residents born outside the U.S.; fifth-largest immigrant population nationally).
  • It notes the economic and cultural contributions of immigrants, including:
    • Immigrants comprising a significant share of the workforce (more than 25%) and nearly 50% of jobs in computer and mathematical sciences.
    • A high proportion of immigrants among residents with advanced scientific degrees (about 48% of those with master’s, 41% with doctorates in scientific fields).
    • Immigrant ownership of a large portion of “main street” businesses and self-employed ventures, with substantial revenue and job creation.
    • Immigrant households’ estimated spending power.
  • The statement also references National Immigrant Heritage Month (June) celebrated since 2014, framing the state designation as aligning with national recognition.

Who is affected

  • Residents of New Jersey, particularly immigrant communities and their families.
  • Public officials and state agencies involved in proclamations and observances.
  • The broader public and organizations that may plan or participate in Immigrant Heritage Month activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced in the Assembly on January 9, 2024; referred to the Assembly State and Local Government Committee.
  • If enacted, the designation would apply annually in June, with each year’s observance guided by a Governor’s proclamation.
  • Effective date: Immediately upon enactment.

Potential impact

  • Symbolic and ceremonial recognition of immigrant contributions to New Jersey’s economy and culture.
  • Encourages statewide participation in activities and programs during June.
  • Opens avenues for public education and community events highlighting immigrant heritage and contributions.

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

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