First Friends HOLIDAY SCHEDULE:

Our office will be closed from Monday, December 23 through January 1, and we will be back on Thursday, January 2.

SCAM ALERT: First Friends will NEVER ask you for your personal financial information. Any text or email asking for your bank or other financial information is a scam and should be reported and ignored. First Friends emails will only come from the firstfriendsnjny.org domain.
ALERTA DE ESTAFA: First Friends NUNCA le pedirá su información financiera personal. Cualquier mensaje de texto o correo electrónico solicitando su información de banco u otra información financiera es una estafa y lo debe reportar e ignorar. Los correos electrónicos de First Friends solo provendrán del dominio firstfriendsnjny.org.

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FFNJNY Constant Contact

VOLUNTEER VISITATIONS

First Friends can provide your family member or friend in immigration detention with someone who can visit them on a regular basis.

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POST-RELEASE ASSISTANCE

Detained friends are often released with little advanced warning, no preparation and no funds into a community they know nothing about.

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IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY

We focus on humane treatment and the elimination of immigration detention via peaceful protests, information campaigns, and more.

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BECOME A PEN PAL

If you can’t visit a detained friend in person at the detention centers, you can reduce their isolation by writing to them regularly.

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OUR MISSION

First Friends of New Jersey and New York upholds the inherent dignity and humanity of immigrants who are impacted by the immigration enforcement system. We provide compassion and hope through connections with volunteers dedicated to helping them survive detention, gain freedom and rebuild their lives.

OUR VISION

A society where immigrants are welcomed, valued and empowered.

WHO WE SERVE

Immigrants, asylum seekers and their families in New Jersey and New York whose lives have been impacted by the U.S. immigration and enforcement system.

First Friends News, Impact Report and Stories

WORDS FROM OUR FRIENDS

Hear directly from both detained friends and our compassionate volunteers.

``I had no money to call people, so First Friends providing stamps and writing materials really helped. It allowed me to communicate with my lawyer and other people I needed to stay in touch with.”
A DETAINED FRIEND
POST-RELEASE SERVICES
“I feel that visiting and writing to detained friends has greatly enriched my life. I have had the opportunity to make what I hope is a meaningful contribution to their lives as well.”
A VOLUNTEER
VISITING A DETAINEE
“Today, I am most thankful that I am in America where I have a job, safety, and freedom. First Friends gave me hope and compassion when I needed it most.``
A RELEASED FRIEND
QUOTE OF A DETAINED FRIEND ON BEING DETAINED