Legal & Immigration
Guide Sections
Quick Links
Navigating the US legal system can be complex. This section provides guidance on immigration matters, finding legal help, and understanding your rights as a newcomer.
Disclaimer: This is not legal advice. Always confirm with official sources or licensed attorneys.
Moroccan Consulates
Find Moroccan diplomatic missions in the United States.
Morocco maintains an Embassy in Washington DC and Consulates General in New York. Honorary consulates exist in several other states.
US Immigration
Official immigration resources and common procedures.
For all immigration matters, use official USCIS resources:
- Work Authorization: File Form I-765 for Employment Authorization Document (EAD)
- Green Card Renewal: File Form I-90
- Address Changes: Update within 10 days using Form AR-11
- Travel Documents: Apply for Advance Parole if needed
Important: Always use official USCIS.gov website to avoid scams.
Resources
USCIS Official Website
Official U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services portal for all immigration matters.
VisitFree & Low-Cost Legal Help
View DirectoryFind pro bono and affordable legal assistance.
If you need legal help but cannot afford an attorney, several organizations offer free or low-cost services:
- Immigration legal aid societies
- Law school clinics
- Non-profit legal organizations
- Bar association referral services
Some organizations have Arabic or French-speaking staff available.
Resources
Catholic Charities - Archdiocese of Newark
Immigration and refugee services. 976 Broad St, Newark, NJ 07102. Phone: (973) 733-3516.
VisitThe Legal Aid Society - Immigration
Free immigration and deportation help in NYC. Helpline: (888) 663-6680, Mon-Fri 10am-3pm.
VisitAILA Immigration Lawyer Search
Free directory to find licensed immigration lawyers who are members of the American Immigration Lawyers Association.
VisitLegal Services of New Jersey (LSNJ)
Free legal help hotline for low-income NJ residents. Call 1-888-LSNJ-LAW (1-888-576-5529).
VisitArab-American Family Support Center (AAFSC)
Immigration legal services serving Arab, North African, and Muslim communities. 150 Court St #3, Brooklyn, NY 11201. Phone: (718) 643-8000.
VisitDriver's License
How to get a driver's license in New Jersey and New York as a new resident or immigrant.
New Jersey (MVC)
All NJ residents can apply for a standard driver's license regardless of immigration status. NJ uses a 6-point identification system.
- 4-Point Documents: Foreign passport with valid I-94, foreign passport with I-551 stamp, alien registration card (I-551)
- Proof of Address: Utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement with your NJ address
- SSN/ITIN: Either your Social Security Number, ITIN, or a sworn statement that you do not have one
- Tests: Written knowledge test, vision test, and behind-the-wheel road test
- Fee: $11 for a 4-year license
New York (DMV)
Under the Green Light Law, all NY residents can apply for a standard driver's license regardless of immigration status.
- Documents: Must total at least 6 points of ID (foreign passport, consular ID, foreign birth certificate accepted)
- Proof of Residency: Utility bills, rental agreements, official school records
- SSN: If you have never been issued an SSN, sign an affidavit
- Tests: Written test, 5-hour pre-licensing course, and road test
Privacy: NY law limits data sharing with immigration enforcement agencies.
Help: NY Office of New Americans Hotline: 1-800-566-7636 (200+ languages)
Resources
NJ MVC - First Driver License
Official NJ Motor Vehicle Commission page for first-time license applicants with document requirements.
VisitNJ REAL ID Information
Information about REAL ID requirements and documents needed for the federal standard.
VisitNY DMV - Green Light Law
Official NY DMV page explaining driver's license options for non-US citizens.
VisitNY DMV - Resources for Non-US Citizens
NY DMV resources page specifically for non-citizens applying for licenses.
VisitHealth Insurance
Understand your health insurance options in New Jersey and New York.
Health Insurance Marketplace
Lawfully present immigrants can enroll in health insurance through the federal or state marketplaces and may qualify for financial help to lower costs.
New Jersey: GetCoveredNJ
- NJ has its own state marketplace at GetCoveredNJ
- Open enrollment is typically November 1 - January 31 each year
- NJ offers state subsidies for individuals earning up to $93,900/year
- NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid): Children under 19 qualify regardless of immigration status through "Cover All Kids"
- Apply online or call 1-800-701-0710
New York: NY State of Health
- NY has its own state marketplace at NY State of Health
- Free enrollment assistance available in many languages
- NYC Care: For NYC residents who cannot afford or are ineligible for insurance, NYC Health + Hospitals offers low-cost/no-cost healthcare regardless of immigration status
Note: Receiving NJ FamilyCare or using NYC Care does not trigger public charge rules.
Resources
Healthcare.gov - Immigrant Coverage
Official federal guide to health coverage options for lawfully present immigrants.
VisitGetCoveredNJ
New Jersey's official health insurance marketplace. Compare plans and apply for financial assistance.
VisitNJ FamilyCare / Cover All Kids
Apply for NJ FamilyCare for children under 19 regardless of immigration status.
VisitNY State of Health
New York's official health insurance marketplace for individuals and families.
VisitNYC Care
NYC Health + Hospitals program providing low-cost/no-cost healthcare regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
Visit