Immigration Legal Services Intern (Unpaid)

International Rescue Committee•Elizabeth, NJ

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. 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 more than 40 countries and over 20 U.S. cities, the IRC provides resettlement, education and empowerment support to refugees and displaced people.

Requirements

JD candidate/law student preferred; will consider a college student
Fluency in Spanish, Arabic, Dari, or Ukrainian are strongly preferred
Familiar with the mission of IRC and willing to represent it appropriately
Strong interpersonal skills; 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

Responsibilities

Assist immigration staff in helping refugees, asylees and other immigrants apply for adjustment of status (green cards), United States citizenship, family petitions, reunification applications, work permits, travel documents, DACA renewals and other immigration benefits:
Assist with accurate completion of application forms for clients;
Meet with clients to review their applications and documentation, obtain necessary client information, information from them, follow up with them in preparing their petitions;
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 with USCIS or local or federal political / legislative offices;
Help to strategize, plan and execute community outreach efforts related to immigration matters, including assistance with planning know-your-rights and citizenship workshops as well as other informational forums:
Conduct outreach mailings;
Assist immigration team with tracking, filing, mailing relevant documents, applications and notices;
Maintain up-to-date client data in online immigration database;
Other related duties as assigned by the Immigration Program Manager or Immigration Assistant.

Benefits

10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
medical insurance starting at $163 per month
dental starting at $6.50 per month
vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.