Erika J Nava


Erika J. Nava, Policy Analyst, works on immigration issues and how they relate to fiscal and economic policy. She also engages in immigration advocacy and outreach. During her time at NJPP, Erika has participated in successful campaigns that include the passage of the NJ DREAM Act. Erika research interest include: immigration policy, education policy, racial justice issues, criminal justice policy and border/Latino politics. Before joining NJPP in September 2013, she previously served as the project manager for the Hispanic Directors Association of New Jersey (HDANJ), where she administered the Capacity Building Program that included 27 nonprofit organizations and served as a liaison between HDANJ’s member organizations and the state of New Jersey. Erika also worked as a research assistant for Rutgers University, where she conducted demographic analyses of New Jersey’s population and researched the Perth Amboy riots. Erika is a national McNair Scholar. She holds a MPP with a concentration in Immigration and Education Policy from Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, and holds a BA degree in Political Science and Latino Studies from Douglass College at Rutgers University. Email: nava (at) njpp.org | Phone: 609-393-1145 ext. 17 Follow Erika on Twitter

New Immigration Rule Will Have Chilling Effect on New Jersey’s Mixed-Status Families

New "Trump Rule" will restrict immigration by making family income and potential use of assistance programs a central consideration.

Working with ICE: A Costly Choice for New Jersey

New Jersey's cooperation with ICE comes with real costs to local governments, immigrant communities, and the broader economy.

FAQs: Universal Driver's Licenses

New Jersey is poised to become the 13th state to expand access to driver's licenses.

NJPP Statement: Restricting Low-Income Immigrants is Un-American

Trump administration's proposal is state-sponsored cruelty and will penalize those struggling to provide for their families.

Legal Representation in Immigration Courts Leads to Better Outcomes, Economic Stability

Immigrants with legal representation are more likely to avoid deportation.

DACA Recipients Contribute $59 Million Per Year in Taxes

Their tax contributions would drop by 33 percent if DACA protections end.

Equal Access to Financial Aid Now Law

New Jersey becomes the tenth state to allow all students, regardless of immigration status, access to financial aid.

Tuition Equality Benefits All of New Jersey

The Asbury Park Press got it wrong on tuition equality.

Undocumented Immigrants Pay Taxes: County Breakdown of Taxes Paid

In all, they pay $587 million a year in New Jersey state and local taxes.

New Jersey Legislature Passes Tuition Equality Bill

This will put undocumented students – and New Jersey – on the path toward greater economic opportunity.