AFPI Statement on New Jersey Sanctuary Bills and the Cost of Illegal Immigration

Trenton, NJ—The America First Policy Institute–New Jersey (AFPI-NJ) condemns the newly enacted state sanctuary policies and urges the advancement of policies that protect taxpayers and preserve the rule of law.

Matthew T. Rooney, Executive Director of AFPI–New Jersey, issued the following statement in response to the recently passed legislation and a report detailing the fiscal impact of illegal immigration on New Jersey taxpayers:

“New Jersey lawmakers just voted to advance policies that shield illegal immigrants from accountability, even as those same policies cost New Jersey families at least $7.3 billion every year.

A 2024 report by Assemblyman Paul Kanitra estimates that nearly 900,000 illegal aliens now reside in New Jersey, costing the state more than $2,100 per household annually through education, healthcare, public safety, housing, and other government services. That burden falls squarely on working families who are already struggling with high taxes and rising costs.

AFPI’s research report, Removal Roadmap: How States Can Fuel Immigration Enforcement, outlines proven options states can take to support federal immigration enforcement, including ending sanctuary policies, restoring cooperation with federal authorities, expanding information-sharing between law enforcement agencies, and prioritizing the removal of criminal illegal aliens and those with final orders of removal.

Rather than pursuing these solutions, the Legislature chose to codify sanctuary policies that restrict cooperation with federal law enforcement, prohibit basic information-sharing, and further entrench New Jersey as a destination for illegal immigration.

These bills do not make New Jersey safer, more affordable, or more compassionate. They make government less transparent, law enforcement less effective, and communities less secure.

AFPI–New Jersey is calling on state officials to reverse these sanctuary measures and put public safety and taxpayers first. AFPI-NJ is reviewing all legal and policy options to challenge these measures and will continue working with lawmakers New Jersey citizens across the country to advance America First solutions.”