For Immediate Release: December 17, 2019
Contact: Erin Williams | ewilliams@faithiniaction.org | 202-748-0699
CAMDEN, N.J. – Faith in New Jersey, a federation of Faith in Action, is celebrating the passage of state legislation A-4743 & S-3229 that allows immigrants regardless of status, as well as survivors of domestic abuse, returning citizens, and other marginalized populations to obtain a driver’s license. Faith in New Jersey has worked tirelessly over the past several years advocating in favor of this measure, which also states that the personal information given by an individual to obtain their license cannot be used for federal immigration purposes without their consent.
Charlene Walker, Executive Director of Faith in New Jersey, has issued the following statement:
“This is an especially gratifying moment not only for the state, but for the many organizers and leaders within our organization that have dedicated their time and energy to this cause. We focus heavily on protecting the rights and needs of the most vulnerable – especially immigrants – and this measure opens up a whole new door for thousands of individuals that have had to risk driving without a license or insurance, having to rely on public transportation, or having to walk miles to get to work.
“If you are a minority in any instance and are pulled over with no identification, it could mean jail time, fines, and, in some cases deportation. This bill is helping to alleviate the burden that thousands of citizens have to carry when they exit their homes for even the most minor instances. Having a license is a demonstration of inclusion and the state’s way of recognizing that one is responsible enough to handle such a privilege that many of us take for granted.
“Furthermore, passing this bill is a direct demonstration of the fact that New Jersey is a state that is open and welcoming to all, regardless of their origin or legal status. As faith leaders, we are called to welcome the stranger and protect the most vulnerable. Yesterday proved that our work has not been in vain, and we look forward to making more change possible in 2020 and beyond.”
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Faith in New Jersey, is part of the national Faith in Action network. We are a multi-faith and multi-racial network of faith leaders and faith communities working together to protect religious liberties and advance an immigration, racial, economic and human justice agenda at the local, state and federal level. Faith in New Jersey’s mission is to develop grassroots community leaders, analyze the policies that shape our communities, and mobilize faith voices and faith voters to effectively act on the prophetic call to build the Beloved Community.
Faith in Action, formerly known as PICO National Network, is the largest grassroots, faith-based organizing network in the United States. The nonpartisan organization works with 1,000 religious congregations in more than 200 cities and towns through its 46 local and state federations. For more information, visit www.faithinaction.org.
Faith in Action is a 501c(3). Faith in Action and its affiliates are non-partisan and are not aligned explicitly or implicitly with any candidate or party. We do not endorse or support candidates for office.
