As we face ongoing uncertainty and barriers to legal pathways, we are committed to standing by refugees, immigrants, and asylees in New Jersey and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to recover and rebuild their lives. In response to these circumstances, we are launching an emergency fundraising effort to address critical areas of need.  

While all of our programs provide holistic support to those we serve, there are three key areas where funding gaps have become particularly urgent in the face of an ever-changing political environment: Immigration Legal Services, Crisis Management, and Workforce Development.   

Immigration Legal Services 

Obtaining work authorization has become increasingly urgent, with nearly 6,000 employable clients at the IRC in NJ in need of EADs. Limited capacity delays eligible individuals from finding employment and contributing to the greater NJ economy. Clients at the IRC in NJ are also facing the threat of deportation and are in urgent need of legal protections. 

At the IRC in NJ, we support individuals with their immigration legal needs by providing 

Your donation could help 

By investing in this area, we can protect clients from the threat of deportation and help keep families together during challenging times. 

Crisis Management 

Many of our clients are recovering from war, persecution, and political upheaval in their home countries. The trauma from these experiences is compounded by the stress of the resettlement process and further exacerbated by the changing political climate in the United States. These challenges create significant physical and mental health needs. In response, we provide comprehensive care and services to support our clients' recovery, ensuring they receive the necessary resources and care to rebuild their lives and thrive in their new communities.  

Some of these services include 

By donating, you could help 

Your support in this area will provide immediate relief to those who have experienced unimaginable hardships and are trying to rebuild their lives in New Jersey.  

Workforce Development 

With the high cost of living in New Jersey, many of our clients face significant barriers to securing employment, including limited access to job opportunities, language barriers, lack of recognition for foreign qualifications, and unfamiliarity with local job markets. Without proper support, these individuals are at risk of prolonged economic instability. To help overcome these obstacles, we offer wrap-around workforce development programs that enable our clients to achieve long-term financial independence and successfully contribute to their communities. 

How we support 

Your donation could help

By funding workforce development programs, you will empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency, contribute to their communities, and break the cycle of poverty. 

Support Our Clients 

These three areas—immigration legal services, crisis management, and workforce development—represent critical gaps that can be addressed with your support. As we continue to navigate a shifting political landscape, the need for emergency funding has never been greater. Your contribution could help us provide the essential services our clients need to rebuild their lives, protect their families, and integrate into their new communities. 

Thank you for standing with us during this challenging time. 

If you have any questions or other ideas on ways you’d like to support, please contact our Development Director Claire King at claire.king@rescue.org