New Jersey Welcomes All
Diversity is part of the fabric of New Jersey. Our state fosters belonging and empowerment in our communities and in the workplace through inclusive laws and policies.
Diverse Cultures, One Community
A small state with a big heart, New Jersey welcomes all cultures with open arms. Just look at the Statue of Liberty – a symbol of freedom in New Jersey waters. Our history is deeply rooted in immigration, creating a society that is diverse and dynamic. New Jersey stands out nationally with the second-highest number of foreign-born residents in the United States.
Our state is a vibrant hub for nearly a million businesses with international connections – showcasing our openness to worldwide partnerships and investments. By embracing diversity as a cornerstone of our economic policy, New Jersey sets a national example of how inclusivity can fuel growth, innovation, and prosperity. Our state’s approach not only strengthens our economy but also enriches our communities.
Join New Jersey’s Culture of Inclusion
Diversity is a powerful engine for economic growth. And with New Jersey’s range of talents, perspectives, and backgrounds, it’s no wonder we stand out as a global leader in economic development. Our inclusive approach to welcoming businesses and ideas from all backgrounds is what makes New Jersey a dynamic place to live, work, and play.
New Jersey’s rich diversity is also a key ingredient to its high quality of life. This mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions breathes life into our vibrant cities and bustling downtowns, making every day a celebration of global heritage.
Diverse communities are abundant in New Jersey. Robbinsville is home to the largest active Hindu temple complex in the world with the town’s newly built BAPS Swaminarayan Akshardham. And “Little Gujarat” in Jersey City – also known as India Square – has one of the highest concentrations of Indians in the country. Palisades Park has the highest density of Korean-Americans of any municipality in the United States. The Mount Carmel Italian Festival in Hammonton is the oldest continuously run festival in the United States. The soon-to-open Centre Pompidou in Jersey City will be the only satellite location of the famous French art museum.
We could go on, but suffice it to say, people from around the world call New Jersey home, and our diversity enhances the quality of life for everyone who lives here.
most culturally diverse city in the United States (Jersey City)
Source: Financial Times
in K-12 Foreign Language Enrollment
Source: NJEA
of all New Jersey business owners are foreign-born
Source: NJ.com
Diverse Talent and Dynamic Businesses
New Jersey is proud to have the highest percentage of jobs generated by immigrant-owned businesses and the highest proportion of foreign-born STEM workers. Our commitment to diversity extends to our education system, which is recognized for its excellence and inclusive curriculum. New Jersey’s public schools lead the nation in foreign language enrollment, and we were among the first states to mandate an LGBTQIA+ and disability-inclusive history curriculum, ensuring our students receive a globalized and comprehensive education. Our many higher education institutions universities — 32 of which are thriving public universities — are celebrated for their ethnic diversity, preparing students to thrive in a multicultural world.
New Jersey’s economic strategies are designed to foster equity and sustainability, with targeted support for women-owned and minority entrepreneurs through various small business programs. Initiatives like the expanded Angel Investor Tax Credit and Film and Digital Media Tax Credit, which now include diversity incentives, reflect our commitment to building an equitable economic landscape.
