NEW JERSEY — The country’s immigration crisis has been felt in the tri-state area, mainly in New York City.
However, on the other side of the Hudson River, the Archdiocese of Newark offers different resources and services to help migrants.
According to the most recent statistics released by the American Immigration Council in 2019, New Jersey is home to more than 2 million immigrants, making it the fifth-largest immigrant population state in the nation. But that number is expected to rise, taking into account the flow of migrants and refugees arriving by bus from cities on the southern border, including more than 100,000 who have arrived in New York City in the last year. To help these people, several archdiocesan ministries and parishes offer food, shelter, legal assistance and other forms of help.
“When we seek to serve our immigrant brothers and sisters in different ways, it is a sign that the Church is universal,” said Father Timothy Graff, director of the Office of Social Affairs. “And when we serve those in need we are serving the Lord who created us and calls us to love one another.”
Archdiocese resources for migrants
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark
At the Immigrant Legal Assistance Center, Bishop Francis of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark has been helping migrants and refugees since 1976, serving approximately 6,300 people a year. His work includes providing free and low-cost legal representation in all phases of the immigration process, including deportation proceedings. Staff also provide significant support to unaccompanied minors, from offering free legal assistance to reuniting vulnerable young people with their families. And for those who need more support, the program helps get cash assistance, medical referrals, English training, and employment readiness resources.
For more information about these and other services offered by Catholic Charities Bishop Francis Immigrant Legal Assistance Center, call 973-733-3516 or visit www.ccannj.org/immigration-and-refugee/.
St. Lucy’s Church in Newark
The parish regularly collaborates with organizations such as First Friends of New Jersey & New York to find lawyers who can represent detained immigrants, which has led to several people being saved from deportation for relatively minor infractions. It has also played a significant role in bringing about legislative changes over the years. Most significantly, parish staff spent 10 years working with Faith in New Jersey to mobilize local leaders and lobby the state government until undocumented immigrants were allowed to legally obtain driver’s licenses.
To inquire about Saint Lucia immigration services, contact Omar Navarro at 973-803-4207 or [email protected].
The Houses of Mercy of Newark and Jersey City
The Newark and Jersey City Houses of Mercy, operated by the archdiocese’s Respect Life Office, provide food, clothing and other essentials to anyone in need. But the number of immigrants they serve is growing substantially; In fact, about half of the 200 clients they help weekly are migrants and refugees from around the world. To meet your specialized needs, The Houses of Mercy have expanded their services to include obtaining government identification cards and rental assistance of up to $1,000. They even helped 17 children from Latin countries enroll in charter schools.
For more information about Las Casas de la Misericordia, which will soon open additional locations in Elizabeth and Bogotá, contact Cheryl Riley at [email protected] or visit www.rcan.org/mercy-house/.
Mother Teresa House
Created through a collaboration between Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Newark and St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Montclair, Mother Teresa House is a temporary shelter for families seeking asylum in Montclair. Upon moving into the home, immigrants connect with local volunteers who help them learn English, provide transportation, and familiarize them with community resources. Once families are ready to be self-sufficient, volunteers help them transition to independent living.
For more information about the Mother Teresa House, which can accommodate a maximum of 12 people at a time, call 973-733-3516 or visit www.ccannj.org/immigration-and-refugee/.
Where can I find more resources?
For additional information and resources, visit the Archdiocese Social Affairs Office here.
2023-09-20 16:24:48
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