For many immigrant families, especially those who are undocumented, building a life in the United States can feel confusing and stressful. You may not know which documents you need, what rights you have, where to go, or who you can trust for help. And when you’re worried about making the wrong decision, it’s easy to put important things off.

The good news is that there are steps you can take to protect your family, organize your documents, access essential services, send your children to school, handle taxes, and build a more stable life. You don’t need to know everything today you just need to know where to start and who to ask.

This checklist is a practical starting point for immigrant families in New Jersey. It explains some of the important steps you can take and the professionals or organizations you may need to contact along the way.

This is a right, not a favor.

Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in Plyler v. Doe, every child has the right to free K-12 public education regardless of immigration status. School districts cannot ask about your immigration status and cannot require a Social Security Number to enroll.

Many families delay enrolling their children out of fear. Don’t. What the district will actually ask for:

• Proof of residency (lease, utility bill, or affidavit)
• Child’s birth certificate — translated if it’s not in English
• Immunization records
• Previous school records, if available

We translate the documents and help you complete the enrollment forms.

You need it to file taxes, open a bank account, and apply for a driver’s license. Start early processing takes about seven weeks, longer during tax season.

New Jersey issues standard driver’s licenses regardless of immigration status. Under state law A4743/S3229, a Social Security Number is not required  you can use an ITIN or an affidavit instead.

What to know:

• It’s a standard license, not a REAL ID  valid for driving, registering, and insuring a vehicle
• It cannot be used to board domestic flights or enter federal buildings
• It does not indicate anything about your immigration status it looks like any other NJ license
• You’ll need to satisfy the MVC’s six-point ID system, pass the written and vision tests, and complete a road test

A note if you commute: New York also issues licenses regardless of status. Pennsylvania does not.

We help with the document checklist, translations, appointment booking, and study materials.

Most banks accept an ITIN with a valid passport. Carrying cash is a risk you don’t need to take.

New Jersey covers all children through NJ FamilyCare regardless of immigration status. For adults, federally qualified health centers throughout Passaic County provide care on a sliding scale based on income not status.

If you’re earning income, you likely have a filing obligation. Filing builds a documented history that can matter later. Come talk to us before tax season, not during it.

The New Jersey Dream Act allows undocumented students who attended New Jersey high schools to qualify for in-state tuition at New Jersey public colleges and to apply for New Jersey state financial aid through the Alternative Financial Aid Application.

Most families have never heard of this. If you have a high school student, ask us.

You Don’t Have to Figure It Out Alone

If you’re an immigrant trying to build a life in the United States and simply don’t know where to start, reach out to Eva’s Agency. Since 2001, Eva’s Agency has been helping immigrant families navigate important services, paperwork, translations, and everyday challenges that come with starting a new life in the U.S. You don’t have to have all the answers before you call—sometimes the first step is simply knowing who to ask.