Morristown residents urge council to support Immigrant Trust Act for community safety

The Morristown Town Council convened on December 10, 2024, to address several pressing community issues, with a significant focus on the Immigrant Trust Act and the expansion of the local hospital.

The meeting began with public comments from Leandra Dorena, a new resident, who urged the council to pass a resolution supporting the Immigrant Trust Act. Dorena emphasized the importance of this legislation in alleviating fears among immigrant families regarding access to public services without the threat of deportation. She highlighted the recent unanimous support for the act from the Madison Borough Council, reinforcing the need for Morristown to follow suit.

Blanca Ruizoto, representing the organization Wind of the Spirit, echoed Dorena's sentiments, stressing that the act would allow immigrants to interact with essential services like police and hospitals without fear. Ruizoto cited a 2020 Urban Institute study indicating that a significant percentage of immigrant families avoided public benefits due to fear of deportation, a concern that remains prevalent.

Another community member, a father of three, shared his perspective on the importance of the Immigrant Trust Act for the well-being of families in Morristown. He called for the council's support to ensure that New Jersey remains a welcoming state for all residents.

The discussion then shifted to the expansion plans for the local hospital, with resident Sarah Eddie expressing concerns about the lack of transparency and community involvement in the planning process. Eddie criticized the hospital's approach, stating that previous meetings excluded certain council members and did not adequately incorporate community feedback. She raised issues regarding traffic congestion and environmental impacts resulting from the proposed expansion, urging the council to ensure that the hospital's plans are comprehensive and considerate of neighborhood concerns.

Michael Quatro supported Eddie's comments, questioning whether the hospital had responded to the community's feedback and emphasizing the need for accountability in the planning process.

In response to the public comments, Pastor Tim Dore acknowledged the fears expressed by members of the immigrant community, affirming the council's commitment to ensuring that all residents feel safe and supported. He encouraged further discussions among council members regarding the Immigrant Trust Act, recognizing the complexity of immigration issues in the current climate.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing the concerns raised by residents, particularly regarding the hospital expansion and the support for the Immigrant Trust Act. The council plans to follow up on these discussions in future meetings, aiming to foster a more inclusive and transparent decision-making process for the benefit of all Morristown residents.