International Institute of New Jersey Information

Since 1918, the International Institute of New Jersey (the Institute) has been the gateway of resettlement for hundreds of thousands of immigrants arriving in America, first as a YWCA program and as an independent non-profit organization after 1938. While the complexions, accents, and native languages may differ from their predecessors, today's newcomers face challenges that are as compelling as ever. As it has for 90 years, the Institute opens a new world of possibilities for immigrants through an array of programs. It does so by responding to the full range of resettlement needs, including legal assistance on immigration and citizenship matters, english instruction, interpreting and translation, employment training, and individual and family counseling. The Institute also provides an array of services to immigrants and refugees through its Anti-Trafficking Program, Refugee School-Based Services, and Survivors of Torture. Free or low cost and confidential, all programs aim to accelerate each new immigrant's journey to self-sufficiency. In addition to helping immigrants navigate the conventions of American life, the Institute conducts conferences and trainings that bring new information about immigrants to leaders in various industry sectors, such as corporations, health care, government, law enforcement, education, and social services. The Institute also advocates for public policies that ensure the fair and equitable treatment of immigrants and refugees. To achieve these goals it is one of the 42 affiliates of US Committee for Immigrants and Refugees (USCRI), the largest, non-sectarian, immigrant service network. A highly trained staff, many immigrants themselves, who collectively speak more than a dozen languages, provide these quality services to over 15,000 clients each year. The Institute's staff, board, and constituents believe that immigration is a key engine of the American economy and an inspiration for the American way of life.