Immigration Legal Services Intern (Unpaid)

BACKGROUND: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Immigration Department Intern will assist immigration staff in providing services to refugees, asylees, and other immigrants such as adjustment of status, citizenship, and family reunification. (S)he will work closely with immigration staff to draft applications and provide follow-up communication to clients.   The intern will also perform a series of clerical and administrative duties to ensure client files are kept up to date.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Assist immigration staff in providing services to clients, including setting up legal consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney and a DOJ accredited representative.  

• Perform research to connect clients to services including food pantries, mental health services, and more. 

• Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files.

• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.  

• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients.  Respect their beliefs and values.  

• Perform follow-up communication to clients and inform them about the status of their cases and explain processing delays. Prepare change of address forms with USCIS (The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services) as needed.   

• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.

• Other related duties as assigned.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES: 

• Student will learn about U.S. immigration law

• Student will develop problem solving and client services skills

• Student will learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines

REQUIREMENTS: 

• Minimum 15 hours per week; preference for those that can work 35+ hours.

• Must be able to receive school credit

• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field.

• Languages desired but not required: Spanish, French, Dari/Pashto

• Strong desire to help immigrants in New York

• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgement, and have high attention to detail.

• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management

• Effective communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.

• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.

• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.

• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies