Department: Immigration
Location: Hybrid- San Jose, CA
Duration: Internships require a commitment of 4 months, 15 hours/week, or minimum of 240
hours total.
This is an unpaid internship requiring a minimum of 240 hours to be completed during business hours 9a-5p, M-F.
Placement is dependent on completion of a background check and fingerprinting at a cost of $40 each.
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 45 countries and 29 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
SCOPE OF WORK:
In addition to integrating refugees into the U.S., the Immigration Team provides
comprehensive immigration services to assist not only refugees and asylees but also people of any immigration status, from undocumented, DACA recipients, and US Citizens, on their path to becoming permanent residents, U.S. citizens, requesting family members from abroad, or other immigration related services. Immigration Interns work with Immigration Legal Representative(s) to directly assist clients with the processing and follow up of applications for lawful permanent residence, family reunification, and other immigration petitions necessary to receive legal residency in the United States and reunite family members. Interns will gain skills in the development and naturalization process and tracking processing of applications through case file management. Interns will also gain familiarity in cross-cultural training techniques.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
General responsibilities could include, but are not limited to the following:
• Maintain case files by copying, faxing, and inputting information in LollyLaw (immigration case management database) and other tracking systems;
• Notify clients of USCIS interviews; ensure they have immunization records, photos, and other required documents complete and available for the interview;
• Assist with virtual and in person citizenship workshops, including intake, N-400 application preparation and guidance on submission of the application to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS);
• Assist with weekly Wednesday in person consultations by pre-screening clients, assigning clients to representatives, and assisting with related administrative duties;
• Assist with projects and administrative duties as assigned by the Immigration Legal Representative(s).
REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding client information;
• Strong verbal and written skills in English;
• Punctuality and reliability;
• Fluency in Spanish, Farsi, and/or Arabic is preferred;
• Strong intercultural communication skills and a demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from other cultural backgrounds.
TO APPLY:
Complete an online application at here. Please submit a cover letter (including desired position, availability and motivation for applying) and resume. You will be contacted for a virtual initial interview and next steps. All volunteer and internships are part-time, unpaid positions and require a background check.
If your school requires any documentation or agreement for a volunteer or internship position, please reach out to GetInvolvedSanJose@rescue.org prior to the initial interview.