Immigration legal services available in New Jersey
During these challenging times for our immigrant communities, access to reliable immigration information is crucial. Below is a guide to legal resources available in New Jersey to help you find the most appropriate assistance for your situation.
Defense against arrest and deportation
The New Jersey Detention and Deportation Defense Initiative (DDDI) , administered by the Bureau for New Americans, offers free legal representation to New Jersey residents who meet income requirements and face detention or deportation proceedings.
Learn more about the program here:
If you wish to request assistance or make a referral, please complete the DDDI form:
Assistance with procedures before USCIS
If you need help with an immigration application filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), our office can assist you with various processes, including:
- Family requests
- Application or renewal of permanent residence (Green Card)
- Adjustment of immigration status or Consular Process
- US citizenship
- Travel or re-entry permits
- Regularization processes for undocumented people
- Questions about DACA or TPS
- General immigration options
To schedule a consultation, call us at 973-472-4648 Ext: 1001 or schedule a virtual consultation here: www.iacoimmigration.org/consulta/
Assistance with other immigration emergency cases
If you need help with cases such as:
- U visas for survivors of certain crimes
- T visas for survivors of human trafficking
- Special Status for Young Immigrants (SIJS)
- Asylum
- Cases under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA)
Visit our Virtual Resource Library and click on “Legal Resources in Case of Emergency” to find organizations in New Jersey that provide assistance with these types of cases.
Directories of private immigration lawyers
Many legal service providers have limited capacity and may not be able to accept new cases at certain times. If you are unable to obtain assistance through the resources mentioned above, you can search for a private immigration attorney using the following directories:
- AILA Lawyer Search: www.ailalawyer.com
- National Immigration Project – Attorney Directory: www.nipnlg.org/find-attorney
Know your rights
All people in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, have certain rights and protections under the United States Constitution.
You can find out more about your rights here: www.nj.gov/knowyourrights/
The Immigrant Legal Resource Center's (ILRC) Red Cards offer examples of how to exercise these rights during encounters with immigration authorities. Download them for free here: www.ilrc.org/red-cards-tarjetas-rojas
How to prepare a family emergency plan
Having an emergency plan can help you and your family be better prepared for unexpected situations.
The New Jersey New Resident Guide , developed by the Office for New Americans, includes information and recommendations for:
- Organize and safeguard important documents
- Appoint trusted individuals to care for minors or dependents
- Prepare a family plan in case of an emergency
Access the guide here:
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The availability of legal services may vary depending on the capacity of each organization and the eligibility requirements of each program.