Short, readable and easy to understand, a new report from the state advisory committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights could serve as a lynchpin in bolstering support for fair treatment of New Jersey’s struggling communities of undocumented residents.

That’s the hope of committee members, including Richard F. Collier and Leanna Y. Brown, who were present at a press conference at the statehouse in Trenton for the March 4 unveiling of the report, entitled “Overcoming the Barriers Faced by Immigrants.”

The 47-page report paints a concise and compelling picture of the legal framework that already exists within New Jersey when it comes to protecting the basic civil rights of residents, documented or otherwise.

The report, based on presentations by government officials, scholars, advocates, immigrants and members of the public, explores the role of state and local governments in enforcing immigration laws. It also looks at the critical employment, housing and educational barriers facing immigrants in New Jersey and the particular challenges faced by asylum seekers and other immigrants subject to detention.

The report also offers recommendations and insights on how to work within the existing legal framework and ways to expand upon it.

During the press conference, Collier, Brown and other committee members expressed their hopes that the report will become part of a tool kit for improving the lives of immigrants around the state.

As Collier, a member of St. Paul Parish, Princeton, pointed out, a “broad swath of people” from all segments of society – including non-profits, unions, labor groups and religious institutions – contributed their insights to the document.

“The focus was on how the laws that are already (on the books) apply to documented and undocumented residents,” said Collier, the vice-chair of the committee. He added that the “results go to the rule of law” regardless of the individual’s resident status.

Brown, former chair of the advisory committee, envisions the report as a teaching tool for advocates, secular and religious, involved in seeking a just environment for immigrants.

“There is always a danger that this will end up on the shelf,” said Brown. “This is not a report that argues for revision. It is not a report that demands public funds or changes in funding.”

Rather, it is a document backed by data with the power of moral force behind it, said Collier.

 “It is just asking that existing laws be enforced and that people are treated according to laws that already apply,” Collier added.

Lawrence S. Lustberg, who led the study, said that in preparing the report the committee focused on “civil rights, fairness and empowerment,” when sifting through a wide range of testimony on rights violations and exploitation often suffered in silence by day laborers. The report focuses primarily on the laws governing fair labor standards, workplace safety and fair housing, he said.

It offers eight specific findings and recommendations, including strengthening enforcement of existing laws, educating immigrants about their rights and establishing a state task force to examine and improve conditions in detention centers.

The report also recommends improving relationships between the immigrant community and the police, leaving enforcement of federal immigration laws to the federal government and urging all public colleges and universities to provide in-state tuition to the children of immigrants in order to benefit fully from their talents.

To read the full report, visit http://www.usccr.gov/index.html and scroll down to the Recent SAC reports section on the right side of the home page.