Immigration Legal Services Intern | International Rescue Committee

 

Immigration Legal Services Intern
Location: Baltimore, MD

Requisition ID: req46012
Closing Date: November 26, 2023

Scope of Work
The IRC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services. Some of our services include filing applications for adjustment of status (i.e. green cards), naturalization, and family reunification for refugees, asylees and immigrants. Interns will learn about refugees and new cultures, working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment, experience working at an internationally recognized non-profit organization and a first-hand look at the basics of immigration processes and procedures.

Reports To
Immigration Legal Assistant or Legal Representative

Learning Objectives

• Gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities for providing nonprofit immigration legal services.
• Learn basic policies and procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Learn practical methods to fill out USCIS immigration forms, to organize and provide supporting documents, and to help clients write financial affidavits for fee waivers, affidavits of birth, and affidavits in response to USCIS requests for additional evidence.
• Practice and apply basic interviewing techniques to conduct client intake forms, including methods to develop trust with clients, ensure complete disclosure, and identify red flags while gathering information.

Responsibilities

• Under the guidance of IRC immigration staff, meet with clients to assist with specific applications and forms.
• Track, file and mail relevant documents, applications and notices of action; maintain immigration databases.
• Ensure that translation services for immigration processes and procedures are provided in a language that is accessible to clients during intakes and application completions.
• Assist with special research or other projects.
• Other tasks and related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Prior experience and/or interest working with refugees and immigrants.
• Prior experience and/or interest in law or providing nonprofit legal services.
• Ability to work independently and as a team member in a fast-paced, cross-cultural environment.
• Ability to learn new immigration processes quickly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, particularly with a diverse client base.
• Strong writing skills: ability to keep clear and accurate case notes and records.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and we-based applications (databases, Box).
• Fluency in English required. Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.