NEW JERSEY — Imagine trying to navigate your way through a maze of often-cryptic paperwork and applications to get crucial social services as a recent immigrant to New Jersey. Now, imagine trying to do so with forms that you can’t read.
And this is why a new law that regulates “language access” in the state’s government offices is desperately needed, advocates say.
As part of a flurry of bill signings made earlier this month, Gov. Phil Murphy gave final approval to S-2459/A-3837 (read the full text here). It will require state offices to translate official documents into the seven most common non-English languages in New Jersey.
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Here’s what to know about the new law, according to the state Legislature:
“This bill requires state government entities in the executive branch that provide direct services to the public to translate vital documents and information, including public documents such as forms and instructions provided to or completed by program beneficiaries or participants, in at least the seven most common non-English languages spoken by individuals with limited-English proficiency in this state, based on United States Census Bureau American Community Survey data, and relevant to services offered by each State government entity.”
The original version of the bill called for translations into 15 languages, not seven. Read More: NJ Bill Would Make State Agencies Translate Forms Into 15 Languages
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The languages most commonly used by non-English speakers in New Jersey include Spanish, Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Korean, Portuguese, Gujarati, Arabic, Polish, Haitian, Russian, Hindi, Tagalog, Italian, Vietnamese, Urdu and French, NJ.com previously reported.
The bill takes effect immediately. Translations must be completed within 12 months for the five most common languages, and within 23 months for the additional two most common languages.
New Jersey joins California, Washington D.C., Hawaii, Maryland, Minnesota, New York and dozens of other jurisdictions that have established similar language access laws.
How much will it cost? According to the Office of Legislative Services (OLS):
“The total annual cost of this bill will depend on what interpretation and translation services are already being provided by state government entities and the additional services needed to meet the bill’s requirements … The OLS notes that the bill’s costs for document translation would be the greatest during the first two years of implementation, within which all state government entities would be required to undertake document translations at a rate of five languages in the first year and two in the second year. Documents related to a public health emergency or state of emergency declared by the governor after the bill’s effective date would be translated immediately.”
New Jersey is home to nearly 2 million immigrants and refugees – about 22.2 percent of the its entire population, according to the state health department, which cites U.S. Census data. About 5.2 percent of New Jersey residents have “limited English proficiency.”
ADVOCATES: ‘TRUE LANGUAGE JUSTICE’
Several state legislators and immigration advocates spoke in favor of the new law after the governor signed it. They included:
Sen. Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz – “This legislation will remove the language barrier faced by so many of our communities by ensuring all state entities are prepared to assist our residents regardless of what language they speak. Now that Governor Murphy has signed this bill into law, when people are in need, and especially in crisis, they will be able to connect to the resources available to them. This was highlighted all the more during the pandemic where we saw various obstacles preventing individuals from accessing real-time government information and routine government services. This is a step to close that crucial accessibility gap.”
Sen. Nellie Pou, chair of the Legislative Latino Caucus – “Dealing with state agencies and formal applications can be confusing for native speakers, but it becomes that much more challenging when dense information is presented in a language you don’t know well. This legislation will ensure residents have access to vital documents in their first language, so they don’t have to rely on others to connect them to the services they need.”
Sen. Nilsa Cruz-Perez – “Translating for your parents is simply a part of life for many first generation children, but as one of the most diverse states in the country our residents deserve better. This law will help to ensure we aren’t relying on kids to connect families to life-saving resources.”
Assemblywoman Sadaf Jaffer – “As a state that takes pride in its rich diversity, New Jersey is committed to making sure everyone has the best possible access to government services. Expanding these documents and translation services beyond English and providing them in several of the most commonly spoken languages is extremely timely and important.”
Assemblywoman Ellen Park – “Diversity is one of the Garden State’s greatest assets and nearly a third of New Jerseyans age five and older speak a language other than English. By requiring essential documents and other information to be available in seven of the most commonly spoken non-English languages, New Jersey will ensure access to public services will be determined by eligibility, not by language proficiency, and I could not be prouder to see this legislation now signed into law.”
NJ Human Services’ Office of New Americans Director Johanna Calle – “Language barriers can make it very difficult for New Jersey’s immigrant communities to navigate government programs and access important information, services and worker protections as they make our state their home.”
Araceli Argueta, Advocacy and Organizing Director at the American Friends Service Committee NJ Immigrants Rights Program – “Language is the fundamental tool for understanding the world, culture, and interacting in different contexts and situations. Debating and passing the Language Access bill is about giving communities a voice, ensuring rights, and recognizing the challenges and complexities of the various systems that are supposed to provide care in New Jersey.”
Alejandra Sorto, Campaign Strategist of ACLU of New Jersey – “As one of the most diverse states in the country, today’s passage of S2459/A3837 represents an important and long-overdue step in ensuring that New Jersey’s immigrant communities have equitable access to information, resources, and opportunities and allow for our state government to communicate and build trust with the communities they serve.”
Kat Phan, New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice – “There is a world in which true language justice exists, and we will not stop fighting until all New Jerseyans can dream and thrive in their own language, and live dignified and celebrated lives regardless of their background.”
Reverend Erich Kussman, St. Bartholomew Lutheran Church and Faith in New Jersey leader – “Language is an aspect of national origin. When folks come to this country seeking a new way of life, it is important that we provide equal access so that they can understand and get the help they need. [This bill] provides such an opportunity for those seeking assistance. This bill is love in action. Every time we choose love over hate, love over the negative voices, we are participating in the redemption of the world.”
Serges Demefack, coordinator for the American Friends Service Committee’s Black Immigrant Justice Project – “The expansion of language access demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity within the community. This new law will foster trust between government institutions and immigrants, encouraging greater civic engagement and participation in public processes. By providing translation and interpreting services, New Jersey state agencies ensure that all residents, regardless of their proficiency in English, can access vital services such as health care, legal aid, education, and social services.”
IMMIGRANT RIGHTS BILLS
The new law is part of a three-bill package involving immigrant rights that was signed by Murphy earlier this month.
Other new legislation includes a law that will beef up job protections for nearly 50,000 “domestic workers” in New Jersey. Read More: NJ Domestic Workers Win Job Protections, Immigration Advocates Cheer
Another new law requires state agencies to update demographic data collection methods on Asian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Middle Eastern, North African and South Asian and Indian Diaspora residents in New Jersey.
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