Immigration Legal Services Intern

International Rescue Committee • Baltimore, MD

19h • Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian non-governmental organization founded in 1933, dedicated to helping people affected by conflict and disaster. Operating in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, the IRC provides services to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power. The organization is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to offer immigration legal services, including assistance with applications for adjustment of status (green cards), naturalization, and family reunification for refugees, asylees, and immigrants. This internship provides an opportunity to gain experience within an internationally recognized non-profit, offering a first-hand look at basic immigration processes and procedures. Interns will be exposed to the challenges and opportunities in providing nonprofit immigration legal services, learn basic policies of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and acquire practical methods for completing USCIS forms, organizing supporting documents, and assisting clients with financial affidavits and responses to USCIS requests for additional evidence. The role also involves practicing basic interviewing techniques for client intake, focusing on building trust, ensuring complete disclosure, and identifying red flags while gathering information. This is an unpaid internship, but university credit may be arranged, and interns are eligible for per diem reimbursement for food and travel, as well as mileage reimbursement for approved activities.

Requirements

• 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, global environment.
• Ability to learn new immigration processes quickly.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong writing skills: ability to keep clear and accurate case notes and records.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook) and web-based applications (databases, Box).
• Fluency in English required.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual ability in one of the predominant languages of the local client base is desired.

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.

Benefits

• University credit may be arranged.
• 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.
• Reimbursement for mileage driven for any approved activities (based on round-trip mileage from the IRC office).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 1,001-5,000 employees