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

Op-Ed: DREAMers Need Real Tuition Equality

New Jersey's undocumented students are part of our community, and they deserve a better shot at success.

How Lawmakers Can Deliver True ‘Tuition Equality’

Increasing access to higher education will directly help undocumented students and significantly benefit all of New Jersey.

How Lawmakers Can Deliver True 'Tuition Equality'

Increasing access to higher education will directly help undocumented students and significantly benefit all of New Jersey.

Op-Ed: Why Unauthorized Immigrants Should Be Permitted to Drive Legally

New Jersey should become the 13th state to adopt this common-sense policy.

The Time for True 'Tuition Equality' is Now

Allowing undocumented students to apply for state financial aid would boost educational and economic opportunities.

Let’s Drive New Jersey: Expanding Access to Driver’s Licenses is a Common-Sense Step in the Right Direction

New Jersey should be the 13th state to allow all its residents to apply for driver’s licenses, regardless of their immigration status.

Failure to Act on DACA and Dream Act Would Harm New Jersey’s Tax Revenues

Meanwhile a comprehensive fix for young immigrants would boost tax revenues.

Dream Act Would Help Many Young New Jersey Immigrants & Boost the Economy

The positive impact of a clean Dream Act would be felt across the state.

Congressional Tax Proposals Target Immigrant Children

As many as 5 million immigrant children across the country could be harmed.

As DACA Ends, Here’s How New Jersey Can Help DREAMers

Allowing undocumented students access to state financial aid is a good start.