Embedded Files
IRC-New Jersey Immigration Legal Services
IRC-New Jersey Immigration Legal Services
Our mostly in-house immigration department offers low-cost legal assistance, including green card applications, citizenship, work permits, and more to existing IRC clients (with the exception of citizenship applications which are open to all).
Green Card Applications/Renewals: For IRC clients with Refugee, Asylee, or eligible Cuban parole status. [*Please note USCIS has paused decisions for green card applications filed by refugees, asylees, and people who entered through certain parole programs.]
Citizenship Applications (Naturalization): Available for all populations.
Work Permit Applications (Employment Authorization Documents): For IRC clients with Refugee, Asylee, Qualifying Parole (that will not expire within two years), or Asylum Pending (150+ days) status.
Refugee Travel Document Applications: For IRC clients with Refugee or Asylee status.
I-730 Applications: For Refugees and Asylees to petition for their minor children or spouses.
Call or text 908.368.1975 for legal screening. Consultation fee: $85 per person over 14 years of age - will include filing of FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) request to review immigration case history.
Immigration Legal Services Resources
Impact of Changing Immigration Policies on IRC Clients: Frequently Asked Questions
Impact of Changing Immigration Policies on IRC Clients: Frequently Asked Questions
On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump issued a series of executive orders that call for stricter immigration enforcement and increased deportations. An executive order is a signed, written, and published command from the president of the United States that has the same effect as a law. Federal agencies have since issued further guidance implementing some of these orders.
Every person’s immigration case is unique. Please speak to an immigration lawyer or Department of Justice-accredited legal representative about your options. Are you unsure about how your immigration status could be affected by the new U.S. government? Below is some general information and guidance.
The IRC has created resources for clients in the U.S. We hope this helps people better understand their rights and the immigration process. However, this information is not a substitute for legal advice from a qualified attorney or accredited representative.
NOTE: The provided information is accurate as of January 24, 2025 and may change rapidly due to further policy changes and/or court decisions.
How will the new immigration policies affect me?
I am a Lawful Permanent Resident (also known as a Green Card holder).
I am a Lawful Permanent Resident (also known as a Green Card holder).
Am I at risk of losing my status or being deported based on these new policies?
Am I at risk of losing my status or being deported based on these new policies?
NO.
As a permanent resident, you have indefinite permission to live and work in the United States. You cannot be subject to deportation proceedings unless you have committed fraud, have abandoned your residence by being outside of the United States for too long, or have committed certain criminal offenses. If you believe any of these may apply to you, you should speak to an immigration lawyer or Department of Justice (DOJ) accredited legal representative to assess your risks. Permanent residents are encouraged to speak to an immigration attorney or accredited representative before applying for naturalization.
You should always carry your legal permanent resident (LPR) card with you. If you are stopped by law enforcement, and asked for proof of immigration status, let them know that you are a permanent resident and show them your LPR card.
I am an Afghan or Iraqi Special Immigrant (SIV).
I am an Afghan or Iraqi Special Immigrant (SIV).
Am I at risk of losing my status or being deported based on these new policies?
Am I at risk of losing my status or being deported based on these new policies?
NO.
Those who entered the US with a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) or who were granted adjustment of status based on an approved SIV petition or Chief of Mission approval are already Lawful Permanent Residents.
If you have requested Chief of Mission (COM) approval of your request for classification as a Special Immigrant based on one or more years’ service to the US mission in Iraq or Afghanistan, but have not yet received it, you are not yet legally a Special Immigrant. You should consult a legal service provider to see if you qualify for another form of temporary or permanent relief such as Temporary Protected Status or asylum.
If you are an LPR, or hold another lawful status, you should always carry proof of your legal status with you. If you have a COM Approval and have filed for Adjustment of Status, you should always carry a copy of your I-485 receipt from USCIS (I-797) with you at all times.
NOTE: having a pending application for status may not protect you from detention or removal.
I am an asylee or refugee.
I am an asylee or refugee.
Am I at risk of losing my protection or being deported based on these new policies?
Am I at risk of losing my protection or being deported based on these new policies?
NO.
As an asylee or refugee, you have been granted indefinite protection by the United States. You cannot be placed in deportation proceedings unless you have committed fraud/misrepresentation, returned to your home country, or committed certain criminal offenses. (If any of these may apply to you, you should speak to an immigration lawyer or DOJ accredited legal representative to assess your risks). Asylees/refugees should seek assistance from an immigration attorney or accredited representative to apply for Adjustment of Status (a green card) as soon as possible upon completing one year of physical presence in the US.
You should always carry proof of your asylee or refugee status with you. If you are stopped by law enforcement and asked about your immigration status, you should show them proof of your asylee status (grant of asylum and/or (a) (5) work permit) or refugee status (proof of entry as refugee document and/or (a)(3) work permit).
I have Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
I have Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
Am I at risk of losing my protection or being deported based on these new policies?
Am I at risk of losing my protection or being deported based on these new policies?
MAYBE.
By law, the president must review all TPS country designations and determine whether to extend or terminate them prior to their expiration. If TPS is terminated, those who currently have TPS will not be able to renew their TPS or work authorization and may be subject to detention and/or removal. As of the date of this guidance, there have not yet been any terminations of TPS.
You should always carry proof of your TPS status with you. If you are stopped by law enforcement and asked for your immigration status, you should show them your TPS approval notice and/or your (a)(12) or (c)(19) work permit.
Travel advisories for individuals who are not lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens (including asylees, refugees, TPS holders, and parolees)
Travel advisories for individuals who are not lawful permanent residents or U.S. citizens (including asylees, refugees, TPS holders, and parolees)
Because the U.S. Government is currently assessing potential travel bans, it is strongly recommended that individuals who have not yet obtained lawful permanent status (Green Card) NOT leave the United States until there is more clarity on whether travel bans will be issued, and for which countries, or until you have obtained your LPR status (Green Card). Please be advised that there are immigration checkpoints within the United States within 100 miles of the border with Mexico or Canada. If traveling domestically, avoid travelling to these areas.
UNDERSTAND YOUR RIGHTS IF YOU ARE QUESTIONED BY ICE
You have the right to remain silent. That means you can refuse to speak to an ICE agent. You do not have to answer any questions, especially about your birthplace, immigrations status, or how you entered the United States. You can say that you want to remain silent until you speak with a lawyer.
You have the right to demand a warrant before letting anyone into your home. Do not open your door to ICE without a warrant that is signed by a judge and includes your specific and correct name and address on it. If they say that they have one, do not open the door for them to show it to you. Ask them to slip it under the door or show it through a window.
You have the right to speak to a lawyer and the right to make a phone call. Have the phone number of a friend or relative memorized as you may not have access to your cell phone. Also, memorize the phone number of a legal service provider.
You have the right to refuse to sign anything before you talk to a lawyer. Do not sign anything that could eliminate your right to speak with a lawyer or your right to have a hearing in front of an immigration judge. This may result in you being deported immediately without a hearing.
If you do not have a valid work permit or green card, you have the right to refuse to show any documents issued by another country to an ICE officer, such as a consular identity document or a passport from your country of birth.
Never present false documents.
Remain calm and do not run away (or drive away, if you are in your vehicle). If you do, ICE or the police may use that against you.
Contact a legal service provider and make sure your family knows to contact them on your behalf. It is important that your family has access to the legal contact you have either worked with or identified in your preparedness plan. They will want to contact them to put a defense plan in motion. See the links above to find an organization or private attorney.
Make sure your family can locate your important documents and information.
TRAFFIC STOPS
Traffic Stop: If You Are Stopped By Local Law Enforcement
Traffic Stop: If You Are Stopped By Local Law Enforcement
• DO show your license, registration, and proof of insurance when asked, if you were driving.
• DO keep your hands on the wheel and let the officer know what you are doing (“I'm going to reach for my registration now.”).
• DO say “I do not consent to a search.”
• DO sign your ticket if you are given one. Otherwise, you may be arrested.
• DO ask if you can park your car in a safe place or have a licensed driver take it away, if you are arrested, to avoid towing or impoundment fees.
• DON'T search for your license or registration until asked. It may look as if you are trying to hide something.
• DON'T disrespect the officer. Although you have a constitutional right to do so, it could lead to your arrest.
• DON'T attempt to bribe the police.
• DON'T have any objects hanging from your rearview mirror. It may give police a reason to pull you over.
Traffic Stop: If You Are Stopped By ICE
Traffic Stop: If You Are Stopped By ICE
• DO NOT Panic.
• DO ask what agency they represent and why you have been stopped.
• DON'T show your license or registration UNLESS they have a warrant.
• DON'T physically resist a search. Say “I do not consent to a search.”
• DON'T sign any document they give you.
• DON'T lie, make up excuses, or give any explanations. Simply remind them you do not wish to speak with them.
• DON'T discuss your country of birth, citizenship or immigration status with anyone other than your lawyer. ICE agents often use deceptive tactics to intimidate detainees, including lying, so do not be alarmed by official-sounding language regarding their requests for you to cooperate.
Do photograph any documentation they provide (without signing it), or any identifying information from the agents, like a name or badge number.
Do show a red card to assert your rights.
ICE operates the Online Detainee Locator System (ODLS) a public, web-based system that allows family members, legal representatives, and members of the public to locate individuals who are detained by ICE.
If you are unable to locate an individual in the ODLS who has been detained, please contact the appropriate ICE ERO field Office. Use of ODLS requires the individual’s full name, alien number (A-number) or date of birth, and country of birth.
Employment Authorization Information
Employment Authorization Information
Employment Authorization Information: In the U.S., employers are required to verify that employees are allowed to work in the country. Certain foreign nationals may need to prove their eligibility to work in the U.S. by presenting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD), also known as a work permit. The information below details what an EAD is, who is eligible, how to apply and other important information. EAD Information for Agencies Helping recent migrant arrivals, EAD Information English, EAD Information: Spanish, EAD Information: Haitian Creole.
Remember that only immigration lawyers and accredited representatives can provide you with legal advice. Beware of notarios or public notaries who are not authorized or qualified to provide immigration advice. They will waste your time and money and can put you and your case at great risk.
Remember that only immigration lawyers and accredited representatives can provide you with legal advice. Beware of notarios or public notaries who are not authorized or qualified to provide immigration advice. They will waste your time and money and can put you and your case at great risk.
Before you hire someone to help you with your case, ask the professional for their qualifications. Is the person an attorney or accredited representative? How much experience does the person have in immigration law? Click this link for more information on Immigration Scams. Check our directories above to find authorized legal service providers.
Before you hire someone to help you with your case, ask the professional for their qualifications. Is the person an attorney or accredited representative? How much experience does the person have in immigration law? Click this link for more information on Immigration Scams. Check our directories above to find authorized legal service providers.
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