SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: IRC’s Immigration Program provides fee-based services to refugees, asylees, Cuban/Haitian entrants and other immigrants in New York. The intern will work closely with IRC staff to provide legal services to clients seeking assistance with various immigration forms.

TIME COMMITMENT: Interns: at least 2 days per week (Jan-May, May-Aug, Aug-Dec) 
(Please note that is is an unpaid internship opportunity.)

RESPONSIBILITIES:  

  • Assist immigration staff in helping refugees, asylees, and other immigrants apply for adjustment of status (green cards), United States citizenship, family petitions and      other immigration benefits:
  • Conduct initial eligibility assessments of potential applicants;
  • Assist with accurate completion of application forms for clients;
  • Notify clients via telephone or mailings about matters related to their applications;
  • Assist clients with additional necessary procedures, such as requests for evidence and follow-up advocacy
  • Help conduct outreach to refugees and other immigrants in need of assistance with immigration-related matters:
  • Assist with immigration and citizenship information sessions;
  • Conduct outreach via mailings, distributing flyers and pamphlets;
  • Assist with tracking, filing, and mailing relevant documents, applications, and notices;
  • Maintain up-to-date client data in ETO database;  
  • Other related duties as assigned by the Immigration Program Manager or Immigration Coordinator.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • JD candidate/law student preferred; will consider a college student
  • Fluency in one of the following languages very strongly preferred: Albanian, Arabic, Bosnian, Burmese, Cantonese, Farsi, Hindi, Karen, Korean, Mandarin, Nepali, Serbo-Croatian, Spanish, Vietnamese.
  • Familiar with the mission of IRC and willing to represent it appropriately
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively with refugees, asylees and other immigrants
  • Ability to work well with a culturally diverse staff
  • Prior experience in immigration a plus
  • Part or full-time internship; more than one position available

This position reports to the Immigration Coordinator and Immigration Program Manager. Click here to apply.