American Friends Service Committee Expands Immigrant Advocacy In Newark

As immigration raids and detention increase across New Jersey, there’s one organization offering free and low-cost legal services to immigrants in need.

The American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) has been around for over 100 years. Founded in 1917 by Quakers, the nationwide organization started with one goal: to help refugees and displaced people. That mission has grown, but the core hasn’t changed: work for peace and social justice.

Since the 1990s, AFSC has carried out its Immigrant Rights Program, serving clients from over 50 countries. Many live below the poverty line, while some face detention, domestic violence, or homelessness. Staff lawyers, legal assistants, and social workers provide representation, education, and advocacy with one goal.

“We organize so immigrant voices are heard, and we provide legal services to those who need them,” said Alexandra Gonçalves Peña, the legal services director for AFSC’s Immigrant Rights Program in Newark. 

Gonçalves Peña said their work is about securing family unity and helping people gain legal status. The team is made up of lawyers, legal assistants, social workers, and organizers who speak multiple languages. They are tasked with making sure communities “have access to justice, family reunification, and a path forward,” Gonçalves Peña said.

Most importantly, AFSC also works outside the courtroom, beyond offering only legal representation.

“We educate, we talk to the media, we organize,” she said. “It’s about correcting misconceptions and building community power.”

Earlier this year, AFSC was honored with the 2025 AILA New Jersey Chapter Pro Bono Champion Award. Alexandra calls it “a tremendous recognition of our commitment” and says it’s also a motivation to do more. 

“It shows us that working with volunteers, community groups, and legal professionals can create real change,” she said.

One of their biggest pushes right now is the “Stronger With Immigrants” campaign. It’s about ending detention and deportation, promoting welcoming communities, and showing the contributions immigrants make.

“We also run Know Your Rights trainings, support people at the border, and work alongside immigrant-led organizations,” Gonçalves Peña said. “A big part of it is challenging anti-immigrant narratives. We do that with stories, public education, and advocacy. Solidarity is the heart of it.”

Gonçalves Peña remembered a youth leadership training with first-generation Black immigrant youth, where participants gained new insights into the challenges facing immigration communities and how to take action through organizing and advocacy.

“In just a few days, they learned about immigration enforcement, the detention system, and how it connects to the criminal justice system,” she recalled. “It’s more than legal facts—it’s giving young people the tools to advocate for their communities.”

The work isn’t without challenges. Policies change often, and demand for services is high. “We meet constantly to figure out how to pivot and still keep quality high,” Gonçalves Peña said.

Looking ahead, she wants to expand legal representation, bring in more bilingual staff and volunteers, and keep fighting harmful policies. 

“Our goal hasn’t changed,” Gonçalves Peña said. “We’re here to build a stronger, more accessible immigration support system in New Jersey that protects the dignity and rights of immigrant families.”