Immigration Staff Attorney Afghan Support

Connecticut Institute For Refu • Bridgeport, CT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants (CIRI) is seeking a compassionate and dedicated Staff Attorney to join our Afghan Legal Relief Project. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of Afghan families rebuilding their futures in the United States while contributing to the delivery of high-quality immigration legal services. CIRI's Refugee Services Program has resettled more than 200 Afghan individuals and families throughout Connecticut, providing comprehensive case management and support. As these families move into the next phase of establishing permanent stability, this position plays a critical role in helping clients obtain immigration relief and secure lawful status. CIRI is Connecticut's largest nonprofit provider of affordable immigration legal services. Our Immigration Legal Services Program assists approximately 2,500–3,500 individuals each year with adjustment of status, family reunification, citizenship, humanitarian relief, asylum, and other immigration matters. The Afghan Legal Relief Project expands this work by providing dedicated legal services to Afghan clients pursuing asylum, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), family-based immigration benefits, and other available forms of relief.

Requirements

• J.D. or LL.M. from an accredited law school.
• Active membership in good standing with the bar of any U.S. jurisdiction.
• Minimum of two (2) years of immigration law experience.
• Strong knowledge of asylum law, Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and other humanitarian forms of immigration relief.
• Ability to work independently while effectively managing a high-volume caseload.
• Excellent organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and sound legal judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving refugee and immigrant communities and advancing CIRI's mission.

Nice To Haves

• Experience serving low-income immigrant populations and individuals who have experienced trauma preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide legal consultations, case assessments, and direct representation for Afghan clients seeking immigration relief, including asylum, TPS, family-based petitions, and other humanitarian options.
• Prepare, file, and manage immigration applications and supporting documentation.
• Represent clients during immigration interviews and other proceedings, as appropriate.
• Independently manage a full caseload while ensuring timely, accurate, and high-quality legal services.
• Collaborate with CIRI's Refugee Services staff to coordinate comprehensive client support.
• Assist with coordinating and supporting pro bono attorneys and legal volunteers.
• Conduct community outreach, legal information sessions, and educational presentations regarding immigration options and eligibility.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and confidential client records in accordance with legal and organizational standards.
• Stay informed of changes in immigration laws, regulations, and policies affecting Afghan clients and humanitarian immigration programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level