Immigration Services
Immigrants face numerous legal challenges that can affect their ability to live and work in the United States. Here are three key organizations that provide crucial assistance in this area.
Safe Passage Project
This organization provides free legal representation to young immigrants seeking asylum and humanitarian protection, especially minors. With a network of pro bono attorneys, Safe Passage Project helps adolescents understand their rights and navigate the complex U.S. immigration system. Their approach includes creating a safe environment where young people can share their experiences and receive support at each stage of their immigration process.
Phone: (646)-502-5389
Website: safepassageproject.org
Location: Safe Passage Project, 185 West Broadway, New York, NY 10013
The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC)
NYIC is one of the most prominent organizations advocating for the rights of immigrants in New York. They champion public policies that benefit immigrant communities and provide vital resources to community organizations. Additionally, they offer workshops on civil rights, strategies for accessing services, and legal assistance. Through their work, NYIC aims to empower immigrants and ensure they have a voice in political decisions that affect their lives.
Phone: (800)-566-7636
Website: nyic.org
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York
This organization provides legal assistance to immigrants facing challenges in their immigration processes. Besides legal counseling, Catholic Charities also offers social services that address basic needs such as housing, food, and financial support. Their comprehensive approach helps immigrants not only navigate the legal system but also adapt and thrive in their new communities.
Phone: (888)-744-7900
Website: catholiccharitiesny.org
Health Services
Physical and mental health is fundamental to the well-being of immigrants. Here are three organizations that offer important services in this regard:
The Community Health Center (CHC)
CHC se dedica a proporcionar atención médica integral a las familias inmigrantes, sin importar su estatus migratorio. Ofrecen servicios de salud preventiva, atención primaria y salud mental, así como tratamiento para condiciones crónicas. CHC se esfuerza por cerrar la brecha en el acceso a servicios de salud y trabaja para garantizar que todos los miembros de la comunidad reciban la atención que necesitan.
Teléfono: (888) 201-1172
Sitio web: chc1.com
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
Este hospital es conocido por ofrecer atención médica de alta calidad, incluyendo programas especializados para la comunidad inmigrante. Newark Beth Israel proporciona servicios de salud mental, atención de emergencia y programas de prevención y bienestar centrados en las necesidades específicas de sus pacientes, asegurando que las barreras lingüísticas y culturales no impidan el acceso a la atención.
Sitio web: rwjbh.org
Fundación de la Universidad de Medicina de Nueva Jersey (Rutgers)
Rutgers es una institución educativa de gran renombre que se dedica a la investigación y la formación en salud. A través de su división de salud conductual, la universidad realiza investigaciones sobre las necesidades específicas de las comunidades inmigrantes y ofrece programas de salud mental adaptados a sus realidades. Los servicios incluyen evaluación y tratamiento de trastornos mentales, atención psicológica y programas comunitarios que se centran en promover la salud mental y el bienestar, asegurando que las culturas y experiencias de los inmigrantes sean reconocidas y respetadas en el proceso de atención.
Teléfono: (800)-969-5300
Sitio web: ubhc.rutgers.edu
Educación y Capacitación
La educación y la capacitación laboral son fundamentales para que los inmigrantes puedan integrarse, acceder a mejores empleos y construir un futuro estable en su nuevo país. Numerosas organizaciones e instituciones ofrecen recursos, clases y programas diseñados para fortalecer sus habilidades y facilitar su participación en la vida económica y social de sus comunidades:
The Community Health Center (CHC)
CHC is dedicated to providing comprehensive healthcare to immigrant families, regardless of their immigration status. They offer preventive health services, primary care, mental health services, and treatment for chronic conditions. CHC strives to close the gap in access to healthcare services and works to ensure that all community members receive the care they need.
Phone: (888) 201-1172
Website: chc1.com
Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
This hospital is known for providing high-quality medical care, including specialized programs for the immigrant community. Newark Beth Israel offers mental health services, emergency care, and prevention and wellness programs tailored to the specific needs of its patients, ensuring that language and cultural barriers do not prevent access to care.
Website: rwjbh.org
Rutgers University Foundation of Medical Sciences
Rutgers is a renowned educational institution dedicated to health research and training. Through its behavioral health division, the university conducts research on the specific needs of immigrant communities and offers mental health programs tailored to their realities. Services include assessment and treatment of mental disorders, psychological care, and community programs aimed at promoting mental health and well-being, ensuring that immigrants' cultures and experiences are recognized and respected in the care process.
Phone: (800)-969-5300
Website: ubhc.rutgers.edu
Supportive Networks and Community Movements
For immigrants, having active support networks and social movements is vital to strengthen their integration, defend their rights, and build community. These organizations and movements work on mobilization, youth leadership, and social advocacy, allowing immigrant voices to be heard and to fight for better conditions and opportunities.
Make the Road New Jersey
Make the Road NJ empowers immigrant communities through legal advocacy, job training, and community leadership programs. They organize campaigns and workshops that strengthen immigrants' capacity to fight for their rights and participate in political decisions that affect their lives and communities.
Phone: (908)-368-1196
Website: maketheroadnj.org
UnidosUS
UnidosUS works nationally to defend the civil and social rights of immigrants and their families, promoting inclusive public policies and support programs in health, education, and employment. It is an organization that encourages active participation and leadership of immigrant communities in the United States.
Website: unidosus.org
New Americans Initiative - YMCNY (Young Men’s Christian Association of NYC)
This program by YMCNY is dedicated to supporting new immigrants in their integration process, focusing on education, leadership, and community service. It offers workshops, activities, and resources that help immigrants strengthen their skills, connect with the community, and participate in New York’s social and civic development. The initiative aims to empower immigrants to become active leaders in their communities, promoting their participation and sense of belonging.
More information: ymcanyc.org/programs/community/new-americans-initiative
Key programs for labor protection and rights in NY and NJ
For immigrants in New York and New Jersey, it is essential to know the organizations that offer free legal advice and representation against abuse, exploitation or injustice in the workplace. Here are the main institutions:
Legal Aid Society (NY)
Provides free legal advice and representation for immigrant workers in cases of labor exploitation, unfair dismissals, and violations of labor rights. Their mission is to protect vulnerable workers and ensure respect for their rights.
Website: legalaidnyc.org
Legal Services NYC (NY)
Provides free and pro bono legal assistance in areas such as immigration status, housing, public benefits, and multilingual support. They work closely with the community to help immigrants achieve stability and legal regularization, addressing cases related to workplace health, unpaid wages, and harassment.
Website: legalservicesnyc.org
NJ Workforce Development Services (NJ)
Assists immigrants and vulnerable workers in accessing resources, training, and advice to defend their labor rights and facilitate their integration into the job market.
Information at: nj.gov/labor
Food assistance programs and food banks in NY and NJ
Immigrant families often face difficulties in meeting their basic needs, especially during times of economic crisis. To support these communities, there are several organizations that provide food and basic goods distribution.
Food Bank NYC
One of the main resources in New York City for distributing food and basic goods to vulnerable communities, including immigrants. They offer food, hygiene items, and nutritional assistance through various programs and collaborations.
Website: feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank/food-bank-for-new-york-city
Food Bank NJ
Distributes food, free meals, and helps reduce food insecurity in vulnerable communities in New Jersey. Includes mobile programs and distribution centers to reach more needy families.
Website: njfoodbank.org
Food Pantries - NYC Dept. of Youth & Community Development (DYCD)
The NYC Department of Youth and Community Development manages several food pantries and community distribution programs. These resources aim to help families and individuals in vulnerable situations access nutritious food regularly.