AFSC Immigrant Rights Program

The Immigrant Rights Program in Newark, NJ works to ensure that ALL immigrants to the US are treated with respect and are able to exercise their human rights and fundamental freedoms. We work to address the vast need among immigrants for access to legal counsel and fair and non-discriminatory treatment by government agencies. We promote a fair and humane immigration policy because we believe that the basis of U.S. immigration policy should be the protection of human rights of all people. Humane immigration policy must include a fair path for undocumented workers to gain permanent residence status. It also must be coupled with economic and trade policies that permit working people to earn a living wage in their home countries, foster an authentic commitment to demilitarization, and lead to the peaceful resolution of internal and international conflicts. We also seek to shape public opinion towards immigrants through building understanding of global migration and the causes behind it. AFSC works towards these goals through education, advocacy, and organizing, as well as legal representation. The organizing and advocacy project strives to promote immigrant voices and experiences so that those voices have a positive influence in governmental policies and how they are carried out. The legal services project provides representation for individuals facing deportation, for people in detention, for survivors of domestic violence and other crimes, and for unaccompanied minors, and assists in family reunification through naturalization and other immigration applications. AFSC is a Quaker organization devoted to service, development, and peace programs throughout the world. Our work is based on the belief in the worth of every person, and faith in the power of love to overcome violence and injustice.