About Us
Our Mission
El Centro Hispanoamericano, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) recognized organization, located in Plainfield, New Jersey. Created in 1984, El Centro has a 40-year history of counseling and representation of low-income immigrants, including the undocumented. El Centro represents clients before the Citizen and Immigration Service (CIS), in Immigration Court, and in appeals covering matters such as political asylum, cancellation of removal, temporary protected status, naturalization, and self-petitioning aliens under the Violence against Women Act of 1994.
We are a nonprofit organization recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ). Under the supervision of an attorney, our representatives are accredited by the by the U.S. Department of Justice to represent clients before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
El Centro represents people without regard to country of origin, but we primarily serve the Spanish-speaking community in the central New Jersey region. To promote the rights and help meet the needs of immigrants and refugees through affordable
legal services, social services, education, community advocacy, organizing, and cultural programs.
We are committed to dignity, respect, and justice for those we serve.
Our Staff
El Centro Hispanoamericano is recognized by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ)
Board of Trustees
- Laura Lobe – Chair, Law School Graduated
- Duina Llanes – HR Simply Solutions
- Erik Werfel, Esq. – Secretary, Fragomen, Del Ray, Bernsen & Loewy
- Maria Grana – Case Manager Supervisor
- Jessica Estevez – Territory VP Capital One
- Rev. Brooks Smith – Retired Pastor / Founder
- Orlando Castillo – Computer Operations
- Rich Mckeon – Attorney
- Deborah Hoggins – Associate Pastor Central Presbyterian Church
Advisory Committee
- John Ripton – Gill St. Bernard’s School (Retired)
- Walter Korfmacher – Scientist Retired
- Lee Anne Lowman – AT&T Manager Retired
- Ivan Flores – Para-Medic
- Skip Winter – First Presbyterian Church