Remarks by 

Zulima Farber

Attorney General of the State of New Jersey at the March for Justice and Liberty of Immigrants
Sunday April 23, 2006—Newark, NJ

I would like to begin by saying thank you to the Committee for the Defense of Immigrant Rights for putting this rally together with the help of other organizations in New Jersey. These rallies have allowed me, as the Attorney General, to stand before you and show my commitment to protecting the rights and ensuring the safety of all individuals throughout our richly diverse state.

Regardless of whether you are naturalized citizens, have emigrated to the United States but not yet obtained citizenship, or are officially designated in some other category, all persons have a right to be treated with dignity and respect.

All individuals have a right to live in safe, clean, affordable housing. All individuals have a right to walk our streets without fear. And all individuals have a right to be protected from those who would subject them to bias activity, force them to work for substandard wages, exploit them in human trafficking, or worse.

As many of you may be aware, my personal journey began in Cuba, and continued with the emigration of my family to the United States when I was a teenager. Since then, the journey has taken me to many challenging and rewarding places – places I never thought were possible. 

I stand before you as the Attorney General to tell you that I understand the struggle and the challenge of being an immigrant. I also understand the importance of opportunity, and the power that opportunity has – when coupled with one’s own desire – to help the individual realize his or her version of the American dream. 

As Governor Corzine stated in his letter to the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network – immigration reform “can be done while embracing the positive contributions made by immigrants everyday right here in New Jersey and all across the country. We are a land of opportunity – our immigration policy must reflect that.”

I also stand with the Governor in support of the In-state Tuition bill currently in the legislature. We cannot penalize immigrant students who were brought to this country by their parents as young children and have grown-up in the country and succeeded in our public education system – these students should be rewarded not penalized for their achievements. 

In the days ahead, I intend to be aggressive in defending the rights of immigrants and making certain they are not discriminated against, exploited or criminally victimized.

In addition, as the state chief law enforcement official, I intend to provide a clear reminder to policing agencies at every level that our responsibility is to treat all persons even-handedly.

For where there is a misunderstanding and suspicion, fear is sure to follow – fear that law enforcement will not aggressively pursue reports of bias crime, fear that authorities are not interested in protecting the rights of all persons, and fear that the customs and beliefs of unfamiliar cultures will be trod upon.

As Attorney General, you have my assurance going forward that New Jersey remains committed to respecting all cultures, and preserving the rights of all individuals.