Legal Services For U.S. Legal Residents and Green Card Holders in New Jersey

How can I find affordable legal services for U.S. legal residents and green card holders in New Jersey?

1. Contact your local Legal Aid office. Legal aid organizations are nonprofit organizations that provide free legal services to people who cannot afford a lawyer. In New Jersey, Legal Services of New Jersey provides free legal assistance for qualified individuals in need.

2. Contact your county bar association. Most county bar associations have referral programs that link you with lawyers who provide discounted or low-cost services to those who cannot afford a lawyer.

3. Seek out pro bono assistance. Many lawyers are willing to provide free legal services to those in need. Contact your local bar association or law school clinic to find out more about pro bono services available in your area.

4. Look for online resources. A number of online resources, such as LawHelp and Nolo, provide self-help legal information and resources for those in need.

Are there state-funded legal aid organizations that assist immigrants with legal issues in New Jersey?

Yes, there are several state-funded legal aid organizations that assist immigrants with legal issues in New Jersey. These organizations include the New Jersey Immigrant Justice Legal Services (NJIJLS), the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ), the Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ), and the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark. These organizations provide advice and assistance to immigrants on a variety of legal issues, ranging from immigration status applications to workplace rights.

What types of immigration-related legal services are available for green card holders and legal residents in New Jersey?

1. Green Card Renewal: Assistance with the renewal of an expired or expiring Green Card.

2. Adjustment of Status: Help with the process of applying for a Green Card through marriage, family, or employment.

3. Citizenship: Assistance with the process of applying for citizenship through naturalization.

4. Removal Defense: Representation during removal proceedings for those facing deportation or seeking asylum.

5. Work Authorization: Assistance with securing federal work authorization documents, including H-1B, L-1, and TN visas.

6. Family Immigration: Help with family-based immigration processes, including fiancé visas, spousal visas, and adoption visas.

7. U Visas: Representation for victims of certain crimes who are eligible for U visas.

8. Waivers: Assistance with obtaining waivers of inadmissibility or unlawful presence in the U.S.

9. Waiver of Excludability: Help with obtaining waivers of excludability for immigrants who have previously been deported or excluded from the country.

Is there assistance for obtaining or renewing green cards and work permits in New Jersey?

Yes, there is assistance for obtaining or renewing green cards and work permits in New Jersey. The State of New Jersey maintains a number of resources that can help immigrants in the process of obtaining or renewing their green cards or work permits. These include legal clinics, community organizations, and non-profits that offer free or low-cost legal services to immigrants. Additionally, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) office in Newark, New Jersey offers assistance with green card and work permit issues.

Can I get help with the naturalization process and preparing for the citizenship test in New Jersey?

Yes! There are many organizations in New Jersey that offer free assistance to immigrants in the naturalization process. These organizations can help immigrants with the application process, preparing for the citizenship test, and other related issues. Some of these organizations include:

1. NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice
2. American Friends Service Committee
3. Legal Services of New Jersey
4. Catholic Charities
5. United Way of Greater Union County
6. Welcome Home NJ
7. The International Institute of New Jersey
8. Jewish Family & Children’s Services of Northern NJ
9. New Jersey Office of Immigrant Affairs

Are there resources for addressing deportation or removal proceedings and obtaining legal representation in New Jersey?

Yes, there are several resources available for those facing deportation or removal proceedings in New Jersey. The American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) is a national association of immigration lawyers with many members practicing in New Jersey. Individuals may contact the AILA for referrals to local attorneys who specialize in immigration law. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of New Jersey also provides legal assistance and has an immigration law project that provides legal representation to immigrants in New Jersey. Additionally, the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark has a program called Pro Bono Immigration Legal Services that offers free legal assistance to immigrants facing deportation or removal proceedings. Other free and low-cost legal services may be available through local public interest organizations, community-based organizations, and pro bono programs. Finally, the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender provides legal assistance to immigrants who are unable to afford an attorney.

How can I access legal assistance for family reunification and sponsoring relatives in New Jersey?

The New Jersey Department of Human Services offers a variety of resources to assist individuals in the state with family reunification and sponsoring relatives. You can access legal assistance through the Legal Services of New Jersey by calling (888) 576-5529 or visiting their website. You can also access free legal services through community-based organizations such as Catholic Charities, the American Friends Service Committee, and the American Immigration Lawyers Association’s New Jersey Chapter. Additionally, you may be able to find assistance through the New Jersey Office of Immigrant Protection, which provides free services to immigrants in New Jersey.

Is there support for survivors of domestic violence or abuse who are legal residents and green card holders in New Jersey?

Yes, there is support for survivors of domestic violence or abuse who are legal residents and green card holders in New Jersey. There are a number of organizations and services offering assistance to survivors in the state, including the New Jersey Coalition to End Domestic Violence (NJCEV), which provides a 24-hour statewide hotline as well as community education and outreach programs to combat domestic violence. Other organizations such as The New Jersey Domestic Violence Hotline provide crisis counseling, legal resources and support services. In addition, the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender’s Immigration Law Unit offers free legal representation to individuals who are victims of domestic violence or other forms of abuse.

What legal services are available for addressing employment-related issues and discrimination in New Jersey?

In New Jersey, legal services are available to address employment-related issues and discrimination through a variety of organizations and agencies. The following is a list of some of these services:

– American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)

– Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

– NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL)

– Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law (LCCRUL)

– National Employment Law Project (NELP)

– Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)

– New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR)

– Disability Rights New Jersey (DRNJ)

– Jewish Family & Children’s Services (JFCS)

– Working Women’s Community Center (WWCC)

– National Organization for Women (NOW)

– American Association of University Women (AAUW)

Are there resources for resolving landlord-tenant disputes and housing-related legal matters in New Jersey?

Yes, there are several resources available in New Jersey for resolving landlord-tenant disputes and housing-related legal matters. These include:

1. New Jersey Department of Community Affairs: The NJ DCA offers a variety of services, including a landlord-tenant hotline, mediation services, and legal assistance.

2. NJ Courts: The NJ Courts website provides information on filing and responding to a complaint in a landlord-tenant matter.

3. Legal Services of New Jersey: LSNJ provides free legal assistance to eligible low-income individuals in a variety of areas, including landlord-tenant disputes and housing-related legal matters.

4. New Jersey Tenants’ Rights Handbook: This handbook provides information about the rights and responsibilities of tenants and landlords in New Jersey.

5. Fair Share Housing Center: FSHC provides legal advice and representation to tenants on housing-related legal issues.

Can I obtain assistance for resolving consumer and financial issues, including debt collection in New Jersey?

Yes. In New Jersey, you can contact the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs at 800-242-5846 for assistance with consumer and financial issues, including debt collection. Additionally, you can contact the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General at 877-558-6253 or the Federal Trade Commission at 877-382-4357 for assistance.

How do I report immigration fraud or scams targeting legal residents and green card holders in New Jersey?

If you believe you or someone else may be the victim of immigration fraud or scam in New Jersey, you can report it to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by visiting their website or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Additionally, you can contact the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Fraud Detection and National Security (FDNS) by calling 1-800-375-5283 or visiting the USCIS website. You may also contact your local FBI office, or the Office of Special Counsel for Immigration Related Unfair Employment Practices (OSC) at 800-255-7688 or 1-800-237-2515 (TDD for hearing impaired).

Are there programs that provide pro bono legal services for specific immigrant communities in New Jersey?

Yes, there are several programs in New Jersey that provide pro bono legal services for specific immigrant communities. These programs include:

1. The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC): AFSC provides free legal services and advocacy to underserved immigrant communities in New Jersey.

2. Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark: Catholic Charities provides free immigration legal services, including deportation defense, to immigrant communities throughout New Jersey.

3. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU): The ACLU of New Jersey provides free legal representation to immigrants and fights for immigrants’ rights through litigation, advocacy, and public education.

4. Centro de Servicios Legales: Centro de Servicios Legales is a non-profit organization that offers free legal services to Spanish-speaking immigrant communities in New Jersey.

5. Immigration Advocates Network: Immigration Advocates Network provides free legal services to low-income immigrants in New Jersey.

What resources are available for understanding legal rights and responsibilities as a legal resident or green card holder in New Jersey?

1. New Jersey Attorney General: The New Jersey Attorney General’s website provides information about legal rights and responsibilities of legal residents or green card holders in the state.

2. New Jersey Bar Association: The New Jersey Bar Association provides legal resources and information about legal rights and responsibilities for legal residents or green card holders in the state.

3. American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey: The American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey offers resources and information about the civil liberties and rights of individuals in the state, including those held by legal residents or green card holders.

4. Immigration Advocates Network: The Immigration Advocates Network provides information about immigration law, including rights and responsibilities of legal residents or green card holders in New Jersey.

5. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services provides resources to help individuals understand their legal rights and responsibilities as a legal resident or green card holder in New Jersey.

Is there assistance for addressing civil rights violations and discrimination in New Jersey?

Yes, there is assistance for addressing civil rights violations and discrimination in New Jersey. The New Jersey Division on Civil Rights (DCR) is the state agency responsible for investigating and resolving complaints of discrimination. The DCR provides information, guidance, and advocacy to individuals who believe they have been victims of discrimination in New Jersey, and can help people file a complaint with the DCR or with other organizations. In addition, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) provides legal representation to individuals facing civil rights violations or discrimination.

Can I access legal representation for seeking asylum or refugee status in the U.S. in New Jersey?

Yes, you can access legal representation for seeking asylum or refugee status in the U.S. in New Jersey. There are a number of dedicated organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to assist immigrants with filing for asylum or refugee status. Such organizations include American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Charities, Immigration Advocates Network, and National Immigration Law Center. Additionally, New Jersey offers several pro bono legal services providing assistance with immigration matters.

What should I do if I’m a victim of a crime and need legal assistance or protection in New Jersey?

If you are the victim of a crime in New Jersey, you should immediately contact your local police department or Sheriff’s office. They will be able to provide you with assistance in filing a report and with any follow-up investigation. The police may also provide you with information about resources for legal assistance or protection. Additionally, New Jersey has several organizations that specialize in providing free legal services to victims of crime, such as the Crime Victims’ Law Center and the NJ Coalition Against Sexual Assault. You can find more information about these organizations online, or contact your local police department for more information.

Are there legal services specifically for minors or unaccompanied immigrant children in New Jersey?

Yes, there are legal services specifically for minors and unaccompanied immigrant children in New Jersey. For instance, the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jersey (ACLU-NJ) provides legal assistance to children and unaccompanied minors in immigration matters. The group provides free legal services, including representation in immigration court proceedings, to low-income families and individuals. Additionally, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark offers a variety of legal services for unaccompanied immigrant minors, including assistance with applying for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS).

How can I obtain legal advice and assistance related to tax and financial matters in New Jersey?

If you are seeking legal advice and assistance related to tax and financial matters in New Jersey, you can contact the New Jersey State Bar Association for referrals to licensed attorneys in your area. Additionally, there are a number of private law firms that specialize in tax and financial matters in New Jersey. It is recommended that you speak with multiple attorneys before making a decision. Taxpayers should also be aware of free or low-cost services offered by certain nonprofit organizations in New Jersey, like Legal Services of New Jersey, which can provide free legal advice and assistance.

Where can I find information on legal services specific for legal residents and green card holders in New Jersey?

The American Immigration Council offers free or low-cost legal services for legal New Jersey residents and green card holders. Specifically, their Resources for Immigrants located in New Jersey tab provides access to legal aid organizations, immigration court information, and other important resources. Additionally, the American Bar Association (ABA) offers a directory of legal aid providers in NJ, which can be searched by zip code. Lastly, the New Jersey State Bar Association (NJSB) offers a free lawyer referral service and provides contact information for local legal aid organizations.