As one of the major immigrant-favored countries, the tightening of U.S. immigration policies has indeed posed challenges for overseas individuals applying for U.S. immigration. However, it has had little effect on applicants' enthusiasm for choosing U.S. immigration. The United States' position as a traditional immigration power is unquestioned. Among the fifty states in the U.S., New Jersey is one of the most popular states for overseas immigrants, particularly Newark and Jersey City, which are the two most favored cities.
I. Immigration in New Jersey
New Jersey (State of New Jersey), nicknamed the "Garden State," is also referred to as "New Jersey" by the Chinese immigrant community in the East Coast of the United States. New Jersey borders New York State to the north, the Atlantic Ocean to the east, Delaware to the south, and Pennsylvania to the west. It is the fourth smallest state in the U.S. and has the highest population density. New Jersey is generally divided into three parts: north, central, and south. The northern part is closely related to New York, with many U.S. immigrants working in New York City. The central part is mostly residential, while the southern part is influenced by Philadelphia.
New Jersey is located at the core of the most affluent consumer market in the eastern United States, with approximately 60 million consumers within a radius of 250 miles, exhibiting strong overall purchasing power. To attract foreign investment, New Jersey offers several tax incentives, and there are three technology innovation parks in the state. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA) has launched a series of policies to encourage technological innovation. Major industries in New Jersey include real estate, manufacturing, wholesale trade, financial insurance, and professional and technical services. New Jersey has a developed manufacturing sector, particularly noted for its pharmaceuticals, ranking first nationwide. Additionally, New Jersey has a leading advantage in high-tech research and development and the service industry.
II. The Two Major Immigrant Cities in New Jersey
1. Newark
Newark is located at the mouth of the Passaic River in northeastern New Jersey, bordering the Atlantic Ocean on Newark Bay, and is 14 kilometers east of Manhattan, New York City, making it the largest port city in New Jersey and part of the Greater New York City area. Newark serves as the center of finance and insurance in New Jersey; it features numerous parks and cultural facilities; Military Park houses a renowned American Civil War memorial; Newark Museum is nationally acclaimed for its unique design and exquisite decorative art displays.
2. Jersey City
Jersey City, located in northeastern New Jersey, is the county seat of Hudson County and is the second largest city in New Jersey after Newark. It is a port city bordering the Hudson River and the Hackensack River Peninsula, situated between Newark and New York City, with New York Bay to the north and Newark Bay to the south, possessing four major industrial centers: Greenville, Claremont Industrial Park, Montgomery Industrial Park, and Liberty Industrial Park, often referred to as "the West Wall Street."
In addition to New Jersey's economic influence being a primary reason for immigrants' choice, the overall education level in New Jersey is also a significant factor. The public school system in New Jersey is one of the best in the nation, with notable public universities including Bergen Community College, Rowan University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, Rutgers University-Newark, Rutgers University-Camden, and New Jersey Institute of Technology, among others.
