Office of New Americans |

New Jersey Welcomes Refugees

Supporting refugees in achieving their full potential as they make New Jersey their new home.

New Jersey Welcomes Refugees

Supporting refugees in achieving their full potential as they make New Jersey their new home.

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New Jersey Refugee Resettlement Program

In a court filing on February 18th, the federal administration outlined plans for arresting and re-screening resettled refugees who have lived in the United States for at least one year and have not yet adjusted to lawful permanent resident status, rescinding guidance that stated “Refugees are subject to examination and inspection by USCIS for admission to the United States as an LPR after one year’s physical presence. Failure by such individuals to apply for adjustment of status under this provision is not sufficient ground to place them in removal proceedings and therefore not a proper basis for detaining them.” The filing also describes a plan to build on Operation PARRIS (announced January 9th) and arrest, “inspect,” and potentially deport refugees throughout the country. While the courts have stopped detentions in the re-vetting process, re-vetting and interviews for adjustment of status are still taking place. Additional information and resources are available on the Office of New Americans Refugee Re-vetting webpage.

The New Jersey Department of Human Services, Office of New Americans (NJDHS-ONA) oversees and administers New Jersey’s Refugee Resettlement Program (RRP) in partnership with the International Rescue Committee’s New Jersey’s Office for Refugees (IRC-NJOR). Refugees, asylees, and other Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR)-eligible populations receive services through this program including cash assistance, case management, healthcare, and employment and social supports. These services are provided to ensure the successful resettlement and integration of our new neighbors. For information about benefits available to asylees, visit the Health Care and Benefits page.

For information about the CHNV support-based parolee program, visit the Cuban and Haitian Parolees page.

The NJDHS-ONA oversees the Refugee Health Program and ensures provision of a health screening within the first 30 to 90 days for refugees and ORR-eligible populations. This includes a comprehensive health exam, mental health screening, vaccine and communicable disease management, and appropriate referrals to healthcare providers for any ongoing medical needs.

The IRC-NJOR, in partnership with local designated resettlement agencies and community-based organizations, provides financial assistance, case management, and employment and social services supports.

Refugees and other ORR-eligible populations are eligible for public benefits including Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare), food assistance through New Jersey’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (NJSNAP), and cash assistance programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA).

The New Jersey State Refugee Coordinator (SRC) is responsible for the implementation of New Jersey’s Refugee Resettlement Program, and engages with state partners and stakeholders to ensure greater quality of service and access for the refugee community.

The New Jersey State Refugee Health Coordinator (SRHC) oversees the administration and implementation of the Refugee Health Program, providing health expertise in determining appropriate health coordination and support for ORR-eligible populations.

For more information, please contact the New Jersey Refugee Resettlement Program at NJRefugeeProgram@dhs.nj.gov