Immigration Legal Services Intern – Fall 2024

Background
The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) helps people
whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive,
recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of
Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to
people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries
and 28 U.S cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are
uprooted and struggling to rebuild their lives. The IRC in Baltimore was established
in 1999 and currently serves over 2,500 immigrants and refugees per year.

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.

Minimum 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.
 
Position Details 
• IN-PERSON:  Fall 2024 internships will be in-person. This includes a combination of standard office environment, remote work, and field time within the greater Baltimore area.
• DATES: Internships start with a required in-person orientation on Monday, September 9, 2024 (approx. 9:30 AM – 3 PM) at the IRC Baltimore office. Regular weekly hours start the week of September 10, 2024, and will continue through December 6, 2024 (13 total weeks).
• HOURS: Internships require a minimum of 15 hours per week for 13 weeks. Interns should be able to come to the office at least 1 day per week.
• LAPTOP: Interns will be issued an IRC laptop for the duration of the internship to perform both remote and in-office responsibilities. 
• REIMBURSEMENT: Internships with the IRC in Baltimore are unpaid. University credit may be arranged. Fall 2024 interns are eligible for per diem reimbursement at the rate of $15 per day (defined as 7.5 hours) to offset the costs of food and travel of the internship. Interns may also be reimbursed for mileage driven for any approved activities (based on round-trip mileage from the IRC office). 

Application Process
•DUE DATE: apply online at www.rescue.org/careers by 11:59 PM ET on Sunday, July 28.
•INTERVIEWS: Applicants selected for interviews will be contacted to schedule interviews. Due to the volume of applications, only applicants who are selected for interviews will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted approximately August 15-19. When possible, interviews will be conducted in-person in the Baltimore office.
•OFFERS: Applicants who have interviewed for positions can expect to receive a decision no later than August 29, 2024. Confirmations will be due at the latest by September 4, 2024.

Equal Opportunity Employer
We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.