These nonprofit organizations in New Jersey offer FREE or low-cost immigration legal help. If you need help with DACA, asylum, citizenship, deportation, or any immigration case, contact these options BEFORE paying private fees.

These nonprofits provide free or low-cost immigration legal services to New Jersey residents. Capacity is limited — call first; most require an appointment.

  • American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) — Immigrant Rights Program — 89 Market St., 6th Floor, Newark, NJ 07102 · 973-643-1924. Removal-defense and detention representation, including asylum, before the Newark and Elizabeth immigration courts. English, Spanish, French.
  • Make the Road New Jersey — Elizabeth, Passaic, and Perth Amboy · 908-368-1196. Family and immigration petitions, U and T visas for crime and trafficking survivors, asylum, naturalization, and DACA renewals.
  • Catholic Charities, Diocese of Metuchen — Immigration Services — Perth Amboy and New Brunswick, NJ · 732-324-8200. Adjustment of status, naturalization, TPS renewals, DACA, work authorization, U visas, VAWA, and family petitions.
  • Catholic Charities, Diocese of Paterson — Legal Services for Immigration — Clifton/Paterson, NJ · 973-279-7100 ext. 2207. Naturalization, DACA, adjustment of status, asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile petitions, family petitions, and Immigration Court / ICE representation.
  • El Centro Hispano Americano — 525 East Front St., Plainfield, NJ 07060 · 908-753-8730. Removal-defense and asylum representation before the Newark and Elizabeth courts (may charge a nominal fee); listed on the EOIR pro bono roster.

Legal Services of New Jersey — LSNJLAW Hotline is the statewide front door: call 1-888-576-5529 (1-888-LSNJ-LAW), Mon–Fri, for free civil legal advice, information, and referrals — including immigration — for low-income New Jersey residents, in all languages.

Several of these organizations provide pro bono representation before the Newark and Elizabeth immigration courts; the U.S. Department of Justice (EOIR) List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers is updated quarterly. None of the organizations on this page pay us — these are public-interest referrals, not sponsored links.

National resources (available to New Jersey residents)

Directories and hotlines

Specific-case hotlines

  • Asylum: RAICES (1-866-RAICES-4), CLINIC asylum line
  • Detention: NIPNLG (1-800-867-2924)
  • VAWA / domestic violence: 1-800-799-SAFE (national line)
  • Human trafficking victims: National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

⚠️ Important: Avoid fraudulent “notarios”

AVOID PEOPLE CALLING THEMSELVES “NOTARIO PÚBLICO” FOR IMMIGRATION if not attorneys or BIA-accredited reps. US notary publics are NOT attorneys (unlike Latin America). People without legal credentials practicing immigration are violating federal law.

Verify credentials:

How to prepare for consultation

  1. Bring ALL documents: passport, green card if any, USCIS letters, criminal records, tax returns, evidence of family relationship, immigration status history
  2. Be HONEST: even about criminal records or past issues. Attorney needs FULL truth to defend you well.
  3. Ask about timelines and possible outcomes
  4. Confirm cost (if applicable) in writing before committing
  5. Bring translator if your English is limited

Last verified: 2026-06-17.

General procedural information for educational purposes. Not legal, tax, or immigration advice. Laws and fees change — verify with the issuing agency before taking action. For case-specific guidance, consult a licensed immigration attorney or other appropriate professional.