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NJONA: Welcome Booklet for New Americans

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Executive Summary

This document is a welcome packet providing resources for new Americans in New Jersey, last updated in October 2022. It contains information about various services and resources, including legal services, food and income assistance, healthcare and mental health support, school enrollment, obtaining state identification, and transportation options. The packet provides links to relevant websites, flyers, and contact information for these services and resources available to New Jersey residents.

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--- Document: NJONA: Welcome Booklet for New Americans Document ---
 
   
 
Last updated October 2022 


 
2 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This is a welcome packet with a set of resources intended to support you 
and your family. You will find information about resources and services 
including legal services, food and income assistance, health care and 
mental health services, school enrollment, getting a state identification 
card, and transportation. All the topics have links that will direct you to 
the indicated websites. There are also flyers and contact information 
regarding the different services and resources available to New Jersey 
residents.   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
3 
 
 
Table of Contents 
Need Legal Assistance? ................................................................................................................................. 5 
Legal services providers for general assistance ........................................................................................ 5 
Immigration legal services for unaccompanied minors or youth ............................................................. 5 
Pro Bono (free) Immigration Legal Services Providers are listed here ..................................................... 5 
Applying for asylum .................................................................................................................................. 6 
I-94s ........................................................................................................................................................... 6 
Need Food or Income Assistance? ................................................................................................................ 6 
Food pantries ............................................................................................................................................ 6 
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program ......................................................................................... 6 
New Jersey Supplemental Assistance Program (NJSNAP) ........................................................................ 7 
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) .................................................................................... 7 
General Assistance (GA) ............................................................................................................................ 7 
Concerned about accepting benefits and the “Public Charge?" ............................................................... 7 
Need Health Care and Mental Health Supports? ......................................................................................... 7 
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) ............................................................................................. 7 
New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program .......................................................................... 8 
Mental Health Supports ............................................................................................................................ 8 
Healthcare coverage ................................................................................................................................. 8 
Immigrant eligibility for Medicaid ............................................................................................................. 8 
Medical Emergency Payment Program ..................................................................................................... 8 
How do I apply for the Medical Emergency Payment Program for undocumented residents? ............... 9 
Get Covered NJ - health insurance through the Affordable Care Act ....................................................... 9 
Need to Enroll Your Children in School? ....................................................................................................... 9 
Immunizations ........................................................................................................................................ 10 
Need Identification? ................................................................................................................................... 10 
Need Transportation? ................................................................................................................................. 10 
Where can I find information about fares? ............................................................................................ 10 
What if I need to travel outside of New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia? ....................................... 11 
Things You Should Know About New Jersey’s Discrimination Law, Workplace Rights, and Resources ..... 11 
 


 
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Additional Resources  
 
 New Jersey Department of Human Services Resources (English, Spanish) 
 New Jersey Office of New Americans Services (Bilingual: English, Spanish)  
 New Jersey List of Pro Bono Legal Service Providers (English) 
 Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Food and Nutrition Assistance (English, Spanish) 
 County Board of Social Services (DHS Website) 
 Federally Qualified Health Centers (DOH Website) 
 New Jersey Department of Health K-12 Immunizations (English) 
 Legal Services for unaccompanied migrant children (Bilingual: English, Spanish) 
 Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program (By District Website) 
 5 Things You Should Know About New Jersey Law and Discrimination (English, Spanish) 
 5 Things You Should Know About Protections Against Discrimination in School (Eng., Span) 
 Hispanic Women’s Resource Centers (English, Spanish) 
 Identity Theft and Phishing (English, Spanish) 
 Avoiding Immigration Services Scams (English, Spanish) 
 Elder Fraud (English, Spanish) 
 New Jersey Hourly Wage (English) 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
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Need Legal Assistance? 
Understanding your immigration status and what options may be available to you and your 
family to seek immigration relief is important. Here are some resources if you need legal 
support. 
  
If you are seeking asylum, your case may be in different stages of the asylum application 
process and you may be scheduled for a court hearing in New Jersey or another state. Here are 
some important resources and information for you. 
  
Note: You can learn more about your next step with immigration or court date by calling 1-800-
898-7180 or visiting this website. You can also click here for Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement’s (ICE) informational website for individuals who were released from the custody 
of immigration officials along the southwest border of the United States and instructed to 
report to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. 
  
Legal services providers for general assistance 
You may call the organizations for a consultation or advice; please note that representation by 
any of these organizations depends on capacity and is not guaranteed.  
 
Free or low cost and expert legal counsel and representation is available to individuals who are 
at risk and vulnerable to deportations or are facing deportation/removal proceedings in New 
Jersey and do not have access to legal counsel.   
American Friends Service Committee: Call 973-643-1924 to request a consult  
Legal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ): Call 732-572-9100 ext. 8782 or visit here to request a 
consult  
Catholic Charities of Newark also runs an Immigration Court HelpDesk at the Newark 
Immigration Court, to provide information and other legal assistance (not representation). You 
may find them at 970 Broad Street, Newark, NJ, from 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Mondays through 
Thursdays. 
Immigration legal services for unaccompanied minors or youth 
Free legal counsel and social services coordination is available to migrant children and youth 
under age 21 who arrive in New Jersey as unaccompanied minors seeking refuge.  
Kids in Need of Defense: Call or text 201-305-9217, or email UACscreening@njcic.org  
  
Pro Bono (free) Immigration Legal Services Providers are listed here 
 


 
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Applying for asylum  
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services Information about applying for asylum    
  
If you are eligible for asylum, you may be permitted to remain in the United States. To apply for 
asylum, you must file a Form I-589, Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, 
within one year of your arrival to the United States. You may include your spouse and children 
who are in the United States on your asylum application at the time you file or at any time until 
a final decision is made on your case. To include your child on your application, the child must 
be under 21 and unmarried.  
  
If you have a pending asylum application, you may be eligible to apply for an employment 
authorization. To apply, you must file Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, 
150 days after you file your asylum application. You are not eligible to receive an Employment 
Authorization Document (EAD) until your asylum application has been pending for at least 
another 30 days, for a total of 180 days, commonly referred to as the 180-Day Asylum EAD 
Clock. 
I-94s  
An I-94 Electronic Form is an admission record that has your entry date to the United States, 
status, and departure date, if you entered with inspection/valid entry documents. If you have 
misplaced this document, you can retrieve it here. 
 
Need Food or Income Assistance? 
Food pantries  
Many food pantries and soup kitchens can help you get a free meal or perishable food. To find a 
food pantry or soup kitchen near you, call or text 2-1-1. NJ 211 provides daily live assistance 24 
hours a day. The service is free, confidential and multilingual. You can simply dial 2-1-1, text by 
sending your zip code to 898-211), or chat online. Whichever method you choose, you will be 
communicating with a community resource specialist who has been educated about federal, 
state and local systems created to help.  
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program 
WIC provides food and nutrition assistance to pregnant women and children up to 5 years old. 
WIC services are available regardless of immigration status. You can apply at a  WIC office . To 
find one near you, click here. 
Fact sheets about WIC are available in multiple languages here 
 
 


 
7 
 
New Jersey Supplemental Assistance Program (NJSNAP) 
NJSNAP helps eligible households purchase foods at grocery stores or farmer’s markets. Eligible 
families and qualified immigrants can apply for NJSNAP online by visiting NJHelps.gov or by 
going to their local county social services agency. 
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)  
TANF provides temporary cash assistance and emergency housing assistance to eligible families 
with children to meet their basic needs. Eligible families and qualified immigrants can apply for 
TANF by visiting NJHelps.gov or going to their local county social services agency.  
General Assistance (GA) 
GA provides temporary cash assistance or emergency housing assistance to eligible single 
individuals to meet their basic needs. Eligible and qualified immigrants can apply for GA by 
visiting NJHelps.gov or going to their local county social services agency. 
Concerned about accepting benefits and the “Public Charge?" 
If you are applying for a green card (lawful permeant resident status), visa/visa extension, or a 
change of status you must pass a “public charge” test to assess if the person will be dependent 
on government benefit. The only benefits that are considered in the public charge test are cash 
assistance programs that provide on-going support including Supplemental Security Income 
(SSI), TANF, and General Assistance. Long-term institutional care, such as a nursing home, paid 
by the government is also included. If you are unsure if this applies to you or a family member, 
please consult with an immigration attorney. 
Need Health Care and Mental Health Supports? 
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) 
FQHCs are community-based health centers that provide free or low-cost health care services 
to individuals who do not have health insurance. Health centers provide a wide range of 
services that include: 
 
Comprehensive Primary and Preventive Health Care  
 
Pediatric Services  
 
Dental Care  
 
Women’s Health  
 
Behavioral/Mental Health 
 
Lab Services  
 
HIV/AIDS Counseling and Testing  
 
And much more. 
Health centers are located statewide. To locate the health center nearest you, please visit here.  


 
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New Jersey Hospital Care Payment Assistance Program 
The program is available to patients for inpatient and outpatient services at all acute care 
hospitals throughout New Jersey. Medically necessary services may be eligible for patients who 
meet income and asset criteria. For more information, check English and Spanish.    
Mental Health Supports  
Mental Health Cares offers behavioral health information and referrals to individuals needing 
emotional support or other mental health concerns. They are available 7 days a week, from 8 
am to 8 pm at 1-866-202-HELP (4357) or by texting NJHOPE to 51684. 
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline If you are having thoughts of suicide or are 
experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis, call or text 988. 
Sign language users can call 973-870-0677 videophone for emotional support. 
Individuals needing addiction treatment assistance can call 1-844-ReachNJ (1-844-732-2465) 24 
hours a day, seven days a week, to get connected to treatment, regardless of whether they 
have health insurance. 
Healthcare coverage  
New Jersey Medicaid, also known as NJ FamilyCare, provides free or low cost health insurance 
for eligible individuals and families, including pregnant women, children, and individuals with 
disabilities. Individuals can self-screen for NJ FamilyCare at NJHelps and apply online at NJ 
FamilyCare. 
The Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) provides free or low-cost healthcare coverage 
to children under the age of 19 who meet certain family income requirements. To apply, please 
visit the NJ FamilyCare website. 
 
Immigrant eligibility for Medicaid  
Children age 18 or younger and pregnant women who are lawfully present are able to apply for 
NJ FamilyCare, regardless of when they entered the United States. They do not have to wait five 
years to be eligible. Adults who are legal permanent residents of the United States must have 
had that status for at least five years to be eligible for NJ FamilyCare. Please contact NJ 
FamilyCare for eligibility.   
Medical Emergency Payment Program  
If you or your child(ren) are residents of New Jersey, have had a recent medical emergency and 
are not eligible for NJ FamilyCare because you do not meet the citizenship/immigration 


 
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requirements, you or your children may be eligible for payment of certain emergency medical 
services through NJ FamilyCare. 
To access the Medical Emergency Payment Program, individuals must: 
 
be an established New Jersey resident; 
 
have no documentation from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS); or 
o have lawfully present status (green cards or some visas) or other restricted 
immigration status but entered the United States on or after August 22, 1996, 
and you have not resided in the United States for 5 years; or 
o are a non-immigrant (student, child of a worker or visitor on business). 
 
have income within the appropriate standard for household size 
 
meet all other Medicaid eligibility requirements. 
How do I apply for the Medical Emergency Payment Program for undocumented 
residents? 
When an emergency medical event occurs as described above, the hospital will 
initiate the application process for the Medical Emergency Payment Program. 
 
The hospital will ensure that the application and necessary documents are completed 
before an individual is discharged. 
 
The hospital will submit the documentation to the appropriate county board of social 
services, where the eligibility determination will be completed. 
 
If additional information is required, the board may outreach the applicant or their 
representative for additional information. Notices of eligibility determinations will be 
sent to the address on the application. 
 
Once an individual is determined eligible, the claims will be submitted to Medicaid for 
payment. 
Get Covered NJ - health insurance through the Affordable Care Act 
Newcomers are also eligible for health insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act. Get 
Covered NJ is New Jersey’s official health plan marketplace for these plans. Newcomers have 
the option to apply within 60 days’ post arrival, or otherwise wait until open enrollment, which 
runs from November 1 to January 31. 
 
Need to Enroll Your Children in School? 
New Jersey offers free public school from kindergarten (K) age 5 through 12th grade, in the 
school district where you reside.  


 
10 
 
Head Start is a school readiness program for children up to age 5 that is free for low income 
families regardless of immigration status, dependent on eligibility.  
Immunizations 
Students who  do not have the required vaccines may not be able to attend school until they 
have received the appropriate vaccines or an exemption form has been submitted to the school 
nurse. You can learn more about required immunizations and how to submit documentation by 
going here.  
Need Identification? 
State identification, or photo identification, cards, are provided to New Jersey residents 
regardless of their immigration status. This is solely an identification card and cannot be used 
for driving purposes.  
A New Jersey Driver’s License is another form of state identification and required for driving 
privileges. All applicants applying for a New Jersey Driver License must be eligible and undergo  
a written and drivers exam. You can get a New Jersey license regardless of immigration status. 
You can apply in-person at New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission location.  
An alternative to the state identification cards are city identity cards. Some cities in New Jersey 
issue a photo identification card for residents that provide access to various services, programs, 
and discounts in the city. Please contact the local municipal/ town hall offices to verify if your 
city offers these identification cards.  
Need Transportation? 
NJ TRANSIT is New Jersey’s public transportation system. NJ TRANSIT covers a service area with 
bus, rail and light rail transit linking major points in New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia. 
 
Where can I find information about fares? 
Fares depend upon many factors such as distance traveled, type of ticket purchased, type of 
transportation utilized, date and/or time of day. For specific trip fares, you need to check the 
schedule and  route information. Tickets for all modes of transportation can be purchased on 
the NJ TRANSIT app, at a ticket vending machine, or at a staffed ticket office. Station 
information with addresses, parking, and ticket office hours can be found here.  
 
 
 
 


 
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What if I need to travel outside of New Jersey, New York, and Philadelphia? 
NJ TRANSIT connects with other transportation providers at major locations across the system.  
 
 Amtrak - provides rail service along the Northeast Corridor and national long-distance 
rail service. NJ TRANSIT customers can connect to Amtrak at Newark, Trenton, 
Metropark, New York, and Philadelphia 30th Street stations. 
 BurLink - operates shuttle bus service in Burlington County from several stations along 
the River LINE. 
 Dock and Roll Shuttle - connects Monmouth County’s shore communities and ferry 
service to Lower Manhattan. 
 Greyhound - provides intercity bus services to 2,400 locations in North America. NJ 
TRANSIT customers can connect to Greyhound at Port Authority Bus Terminal, Newark 
Penn Station, Philadelphia’s Greyhound Bus Terminal or Atlantic City. 
 MTA - operates New York City  transit subway and buses, Metro-North Railroad, Long 
Island Rail Road, and other services, and customers can connect to MTA services at New 
York Penn station, Port Authority Bus Terminal or George Washington Bridge Bus 
Terminal. 
 New York Waterway - provides trans-Hudson River ferry service with connections 
available at Hoboken Terminal, Port Imperial, Exchange Place, Pavonia-Newport and 
other locations along the Hudson waterfront. 
 PATCO - provides rail service between Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia and 
customers can connect at the Walter Rand Transportation Center (Camden) or 
Lindenwold. 
 PATH - provides frequent service 24 hours a day between Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, 
and New York with connections from NJ TRANSIT at Newark Penn Station or Hoboken 
Terminal. 
 SEPTA - provides transit service in Philadelphia and Southeastern Pennsylvania. NJ 
TRANSIT customers can connect to SEPTA service at Trenton Transit Center or 
Philadelphia 30th Street Station. 
 
Things You Should Know About New Jersey’s Discrimination Law, 
Workplace Rights, and Resources 
 For information on New Jersey’s law against discrimination, please click here for English 
and here for Spanish.  
 For information on how to file a discrimination complaint, please click here for English 
and here for Spanish.   
 For information about protections from  sexual harassment, please click here for English 
and here for Spanish. 
 For information about protections from  discrimination and harassment in school, 
please click here for English and here for Spanish. 


 
12 
 
 For information about protections from discrimination in housing, please click here for 
English and here for Spanish. 
 For information about protections from  discrimination in housing based on the source 
of lawful income you plan to use to pay rent, please click here for English and here for 
Spanish.  
 Click here for more information on the Department of Labor and Workplace 
Development Workers’ Rights for Immigrant and Refugee Communities, Wage and Hour 
Laws, Wage Theft Complaints, and more.  
 
 
For more information on all of New Jersey’s resources, please review  
New Jersey Department of Human Services Resource Guide. For English, please 
click here. For Spanish, please click here 
 
 
 
For more information on the Office of New Americans, please click here. 
 
To view this packet online, scan the QR code below: 
 
 


 
 
 
 
 
NEW JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES 
New Jersey Human Services is here to help you and your family. 
GET HELP WITH: 
AFFORDING HEALTH CARE 
COVERAGE 
Visit www.NJFamilyCare.org 
1-800-701-0710 
AFFORDING GROCERIES 
Visit www.NJSNAP.gov 
1-800-687-9512 
INCOME ASSISTANCE FOR 
INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES 
Visit NJHelps.org 
CHILD CARE 
Visit www.ChildCareNJ.gov 
1-800-332-9227 
ADDICTION TREATMENT 
AND RECOVERY 
Call 844-REACHNJ 
MENTAL HEALTH & 
EMOTIONAL SUPPORT 
Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 988 
NJMentalHealthCares 866-202-HELP 
ASL Videophone 973-870-0677 
SUPPORTS FOR 
OLDER RESIDENTS 
Call 877-222-3737 
SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS 
WITH DISABILITIES 
Call 888-285-3036 
State of New Jersey 
Phil Murphy, Governor | Sheila Oliver, Lt. Governor 
Department of Human Services 
Sarah Adelman, Commissioner 


EL DEPARTAMENTO DE SERVICIOS HUMANOS 
DE NEW JERSEY 
Los Servicios Humanos de New Jersey está aquí 
para ayudarle a usted y a su familia. 
OBTENGA AYUDA CON: 
PAGOS DE COBERTURA 
DE SEGURO MÉDICO 
Visite la página www.NJFamilyCare.org 
1-800-701-0710 
TRATAMIENTO Y RECUPERACIÓN 
DE ABUSO DE SUSTANCIA 
Llame al 844-REACHNJ 
COMPRAS DE COMESTIBLES 
Visite la página www.NJSNAP.gov 
1-800-687-9512 
ASISTENCIA DE INGRESOS 
PARA INDIVIDUOS Y FAMILIAS 
Visite la página NJHelps.org 
APOYO DE SALUD 
MENTAL Y EMOCIONAL 
Línea de prevención del suicidio y crisis 988
NJMentalHealthCares 866-202-HELP 
Videollamada ASL 973-870-0677 
 
APOYO PARA RESIDENTES 
ADULTOS MAYORES 
Llame al 877-222-3737 
CUIDADO INFANTIL 
Visite la página www.NJSNAP.gov 
1-800-687-9512 
SERVICIOS PARA INDIVIDUOS 
CON DISCAPACIDADES 
Llame al 888-285-3036 
Estado de New Jersey 
Phil Murphy, Gobernador | Sheila Oliver, Vicegobernadora 
Departamento de Servicios Humanos 
Sarah Adelman, Comisionada