Initiatives

We continue to conduct interdisciplinary research to further understand the development of federal and state laws, and how they impact non-citizens and citizens alike. Our “Sanctuary Project” received a grant to conduct research on the state and local implementation of the New Jersey Immigrant Trust Directive (ITD). The "Immigrant Trust Directive Implementation Project" uses the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) to obtain information from state and local government agencies on their implementation of the ITD.

Citizenship Matters is an initiative that promotes the importance of U.S. citizenship. In the Spring 2019, this initiative will begin with a lecture by Professor Martha Jones (Johns Hopkins University) on birthright citizenship. Specifically, discussing her book, "Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America," Professor Jones will lecture about the important role that African Americans played in fighting for U.S. citizenship for free Blacks and formerly enslaved peoples. The remainder of the Spring 2019 will focus on promoting the acquisition of citizenship. In partnership with the New York Historical Society, CILPJ will offer free citizenship classes every Tuesday and Thursday, between 5:30 and 7:30 PM, beginning on March 12th and ending on April 25th. Please join us in supporting citizenship for all!

This project explores the legal, cultural and political meaning of “sanctuary” laws, policies and practices in New Jersey.