Created in 1984, El Centro has a 27-year history of counseling and representation of low-income immigrants, including the undocumented. El Centro represents clients before the Citizen and Immigration Service (CIS), in Immigration Court, and in appeals covering matters such as political asylum, cancellation of removal, temporary protected status, naturalization, and self-petitioning aliens under the Violence against Women Act of 1994.

El Centro represents people without regard to country of origin, but we primarily serve the Spanish-speaking community in the central New Jersey region. All of our staff members have facility in Spanish.

In addition to legal assistance, El Centro offers citizenship and ESL courses as part of its effort to help immigrants become productive members of their community. We also run a small emergency food pantry for those in need and provide personal “advocates” for those seeking services from public and private agencies.

Legal Assistance
Legal representation in cases involving immigration, refugee status and civil rights.  We also provide immigrant communities with information on immigration laws.

Immigration Services
We help with Family Petitions, Temporary Protective Status (TPS), the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Residency, Work Authorizations, Naturalizations, and others.

Educational Services
We offer English as a Second Language classes on Saturdays.  Our beginner classes are held from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and our Intermediate classes are held from 12:00 noon to 2:00 pm.  We also offer computer classes  divided into 12 sessions, also Saturdays from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon.  Workshops on immigration issues are held as needed, and as requested.

Social Services
We assist with securing food, clothing, shelter, referrals to social services and help locating resources; including health and children’s services, mental health services, job training and location, food stamps, benefits, rent and utility assistance.  We will help with navigation of the social services system, including finding what services/resources the client may be eligible for.

Community Events
We work with the Hispanic and other immigrant communities in Central New Jersey to present social, educational and cultural events in order to unite the community and maintain the cultural richness and diversity of each country.

Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Clothing / Supplies / Furniture Food Pantry / Soup Kitchen Housing / Shelter Utility Assistance Education Adult Education / Literacy Legal / Advocacy Immigration Services Legal Assistance
Language Spoken	Spanish

Last Updated: 07/23/22