English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes.
Union Public Library doesn’t currently offer its own ESOL courses, but the following local community organizations offer English-learning courses and programs for speakers of other languages. Contact them to inquire about enrolling.
- Jewish Vocational Service (East Orange) ………… 862-704-2252 or email adultschool@jvsnj.org
- La Casa de Pedro (Newark, NJ) ………… 973-481-4713 or email careerservices@lacasanwk.org
- Literacy NJ ………… 908-486-1777 ext. 402 or email aalvarado@literacynj.org
- Maplewood Library ………… 973-762-1688
- Plainfield Public Library ………… 908-757-1111 ext. 121
- Union County College ………… 908-659-5114
Legal, Citizenship, and Naturalization Resources
The following organizations offer help with legal issues, including topics such as immigration, citizenship, naturalization, and residency.
• Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey
Phone: 609-393-4900
The Immigration Program of Lutheran Social Ministries of New Jersey provides low-cost immigration legal services to those unable to afford a private attorney. The Program is staffed with an immigration attorney and a BIA Accredited Representative. Each year, they assist an average of 1000 persons with a wide variety of immigration legal needs including consultations on all immigration matters, family petitions, permanent residence, citizenship, employment authorization, Temporary Protected Status, Suspension of Deportation (NACARA), violence Against Woman Act (VAWA) self-petitions, and (DACA).
Phone: 800-328-2322 or 212-219-3360
Latino Justice operates a free bilingual hotline for individuals of all ages to report and/or seek assistance on civil rights violations. Services provided include: legal aid, navigating the system, hotlines, and referrals. LatinoJustice takes on impact litigation and, as such, does not typically represent individual clients, except as they represent a broader population. For example, we may represent one or more named clients in a case that will have an impact on hundreds of thousands of people as in our voter protection cases. This program covers residents of All US states and territories.
Phone: 212-613-1341
HIAS U.S. legal program seeks to safeguard and increase rights for refugees and other displaced people upon their arrival to the U.S. and throughout their journey to citizenship. Consultations are held on the first Friday of every month. Please call the New York office for more information. This office also provides services to clients living in New Jersey. Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society provides services pro bono (free). This program provides representation in deportation proceedings, assistance obtaining humanitarian visas and asylum, case management, access to medical, psychosocial, educational, vocational, dental and housing, assistance obtaining work permits, small stipends for qualifying clients, referrals to career coaches, and wraparound mentorship. This office provides services to clients living in New York and New Jersey.
ImmigrationHelp.org provides a team of immigration experts help users prepare their immigration forms for free by giving them the tools needed to apply on their own. It provides free attorney review of applications for low-income users, victims of abuse, asylum seekers, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) or “Dreamers,” and covers all US residents. There is no cost. This program provides assistance with forms needed for citizenship, Green Cards and permits, for work and travel.
• DACA Hotline/NALEO Educational Fund
Phone: 844-411-3222
NALEO provides a national toll-free bilingual hotline to assist those looking for information about applying for DACA. This program provides assistance in locating DACA legal resources and information about DACA applications. They serve all ages.
• USAHello
Phone: 503-468-5474
USAHello offers free US Citizenship Test Prep Class to anyone in need, but targets refugees and immigrants looking to become citizens. The free US Citizenship Test Class provides 30 online lessons for individuals to prepare for the US Citizenship test. This program teaches integrated civics, history, and government and offers a full-length practice exam.
