Summer 2023 Legal Orientation Program Internship | Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights Coalition

The Capital Area Immigrants’ Rights (CAIR) Coalition is seeking undergraduate students with a passion for immigrants’ rights and a desire to learn more about the immigration detention system to be a part of our internship program for the Detained Adult Program – Legal Orientation Program. The Detained Adult Program works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE in Virginia, providing information, support, and legal representation. The Legal Orientation Program provides information to unrepresented immigrants in detention, about their rights and about the immigrant court process, so that people in detention can make informed decisions about their legal cases. Our LOP team also works to connect unrepresented people to pro bono counsel whenever possible.   We are currently accepting applications for Summer 2023. Our Summer Internship Program requires a commitment of at least 10 weeks, starting on May 30, 2023. This will be a Full-Time internship consisting of 30-35 hours per week.  

Internships are unpaid; however, CAIR Coalition can assist students seeking internship credit or funding.  

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have a hybrid remote and in-person office model and preference will be for individuals who are able to be in person at least once a week. 

DESCRIPTION OF INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:  
General Responsibilities: 

• Enter intakes and messages from jail visit onto our client database 
• Assist on preparation and breakdown for monthly jail visit 
• Staff the detention hotline 
• Research political, economic, and social country conditions articles for pro se asylum applicants 
• Prepare other informational materials distributed at each jail visit 
• Prepare documents for filing in immigration court 

Occasional Responsibilities:  

• Provide training and support for volunteers staffing the detention hotline  
• Participate in weekly review of intakes from jails/detention centers  
• Attend training opportunities within the office 
• Shadow trial prep and other various case follow up on a jail visit, through video teleconference, phone, or written messages 
• Expand our country conditions database 
• Observe immigration court hearings  
• Go on a jail visit (depending on capacity and security clearance) 
• Filing and other administrative assistance as needed 

REQUIREMENTS:  

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program 
• Must be 18 or older 
• Spanish Intermediate skills or fluency is strongly preferred  
• Ability to work well both individually and as part of a team 
• Ability and/or prior experience to relate to and work with low-income clients with histories of trauma and/or previous interactions with the criminal justice system is a plus. 
• Detail oriented 
• Self-starter 

REQUIRED RESOURCES: 
Given the partially remote nature of this internship, all interns must also have access to: 

• A laptop or computer (*); 
• Reliable internet; 
• A phone. 

*CAIR Coalition may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed 
  
Please apply to ONLY ONE department within CAIR Coalition. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Immigration Impact Lab, please do not also apply for an internship with the Detained Adult Program. Please choose the department that best matches your preference, skills, and experience.   
 
APPLICATION PROCESS: 
To be considered for the internship, please fill out this application form and attach the following materials in .pdf format:  

• A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal or professional, have motivated you to apply. 
• A resume;  
• At least 2 references

Application Link: https://forms.gle/YT2KnHkWwj9qinHd9 

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews may be scheduled and offers given before the deadline, so please apply as soon as you are able. 
 
Please apply to ONLY ONE department within CAIR Coalition. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Immigration Impact Lab, please do not also apply for an internship with the Detained Adult Program. Please choose the department that best matches your preference, skills, and experience.  

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Friday, February 03, 2023