Created by Kevin Coronado on Tue, 11/19/2024 - 10:53
New Jersey has long been a gateway for immigrants entering the United States, contributing to the state's rich and diverse cultural fabric. Historically, cities like Jersey City, Newark, and Paterson have served as welcoming hubs for new arrivals, offering job opportunities, affordable housing, and a sense of community that draws people from all over the world. This influx of immigrants has not only enriched New Jersey’s cultural landscape but also bolstered its economy. Immigrant-owned businesses are a driving force, ranging from small family-run shops to larger enterprises, creating jobs, generating tax revenue, and adding billions of dollars in economic activity each year. Additionally, immigrants play a vital role in sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, and agriculture, filling essential jobs and contributing to the state's labor force. In recent years, some New Jersey cities have recognized the potential of immigration as a catalyst for urban renewal. These cities are now looking to attract new immigrant populations to breathe life into local economies, revitalize neighborhoods, and counteract population decline, highlighting the ongoing positive impact of immigration on the state’s development.
Governor Phil Murphy has been a strong advocate for immigrant rights, ensuring that New Jersey remains a welcoming state. His administration has implemented policies to protect immigrants, including the expansion of access to driver's licenses for undocumented residents and strengthening sanctuary policies. These initiatives underscore a commitment to fostering inclusive growth and acknowledging the significant contributions immigrants make to the state's social and economic landscape.
| Date | Event | Created by | Associated Places | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| circa. 1660 |
The First European Settlers in New Jersey The first European settlers in New Jersey were The Dutch, Swedes, and Finns and they settled down in Bergen. Bergen is now known as Jersey City, During this time, The Dutch have also established trading colonies on the Hudson and Delaware Rivers which are now Hoboken, Jersey City, and Gloucester. |
Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 1960 |
1960- Third Wave During the 1960's the third wave of immigration, known as the hispanic and asian wave, moved to NJ. We saw a huge number of immigrants coming in because of the new act, The Immigration and Nationality Act. The act changes US immigration policy to emphasize family reunification and skilled immigrants. |
Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 1970 |
1970's - Expansion of Economic Opportunities A rise in immigrant-owned small businesses began, including restaurants, grocery stores, and service-oriented companies. These businesses catered to growing immigrant communities and provided jobs to locals, adding vibrancy to urban centers. Immigrants introduced a broader array of cultural festivals, food, and traditions, enriching the state’s cultural landscape and fostering a more diverse social environment. |
Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 1990 |
Innovation and Suburban Development Highly skilled immigrants contributed to New Jersey’s pharmaceutical and tech sectors. Cities like Princeton and Edison became known for their highly educated immigrant populations, driving innovation in science and technology. Many immigrants settled in New Jersey’s suburbs, buying homes, contributing to local economies, and spurring the growth of suburban communities. |
Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 2000 |
2000- Strengthening Communities and Driving Innovation
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Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 2000 |
2000's - Education and Tourism Immigrant families prioritized education, leading to an increase in high school and college graduates who entered New Jersey's workforce as skilled professionals, particularly in STEM, healthcare, and education. The growth of immigrant populations led to the expansion of festivals and cultural events (e.g., Lunar New Year celebrations, Peruvian parades), attracting visitors and enhancing New Jersey’s reputation as a cultural hub. |
Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 2010 |
2010's - Cultural and Economic Leadership New Jersey saw a rise in immigrants working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. This helped attract major corporations to the state and foster innovation in research and development. Immigrants established cultural centers, advocacy groups, and community organizations that strengthened New Jersey's social fabric, providing support services, cultural activities, and a sense of belonging for diverse communities. |
Kevin Coronado | ||
| circa. 2020 |
2020's - Sustaining Economic Resilience During the COVID-19 pandemic, immigrants were essential workers, particularly in healthcare, grocery, and logistics sectors, helping maintain critical services during the crisis. Diverse Culinary Scene: The state’s culinary landscape continues to thrive due to the influence of immigrant chefs and restaurateurs, making New Jersey known for its diverse food scene, attracting tourism, and enhancing the local economy. Urban Revitalization Projects: Immigrant populations have continued to contribute to urban revitalization projects in cities like Jersey City and Newark, promoting economic development and cultural diversity. |
Kevin Coronado |
