Charles “Shai” Goldstein, who serves as executive director of the New Jersey Immigration Policy Network in New Jersey, was appointed as one of 27 members of the panel. Goldstein, who has served as an assistant prosecutor in Atlantic County, a labor, education and employment discrimination attorney, and political director of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees, and who served seven years as New Jersey director of the Anti-Defamation League, stated, “Failure to enact comprehensive immigration reform mandates a progressive, proactive response by the State of New Jersey. Establishment of this panel is a good first step.

Immigration reform is among the most important civil rights issues of the 21^st century. It is a local, national and global issue. Governor Corzine has demonstrated great foresight in creating this panel. The panel must address issues like educational access, which is the key to individual, statewide and national economic growth. The reality is that the entire progressive agenda is intimately related to insuring that all immigrants are successfully integrated into American society.” Goldstein added, “The Attorney General of the State of New Jersey has an immediate, specific responsibility to respond to attempts by mayors like those in Morristown and Bogota to politicize the immigration issue or to politicize local law enforcement efforts to combat criminal activity. Utilizing the Federal 287(g) program compels local law enforcement to focus on status of individuals instead of specific criminal acts. It is unwise, unjust and counterproductive to New Jersey and America’s efforts to combat all forms of criminal activity, including terrorism. Notwithstanding the existence of this panel, we continue to urge the Attorney General to immediately issue appropriate guidelines warning local law enforcement of the dangers of engaging in investigations based on status.”

For further information, contact:

Shai Goldstein, Executive Director

Cell: (908) 239-6615

Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

# # # The New Jersey Immigration Policy Network (NJIPN) is a broad-based network of faith-based, labor, and civil rights organizations in New Jersey which stand firm for fair, real, and humane Comprehensive Reform. We believes that immigration reform is a necessary part of realizing our national vision for a healthy and growing economy, diverse and vibrant communities, strong families, and dignity and respect for all.