Immigration Legal Services Intern - Academic Year 2020-21

Background
The International Rescue Committee, Inc. (IRC) helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to people forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 25 U.S cities, we restore safety, dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to rebuild their lives. The IRC in Baltimore was established in 1999 and currently serves over 2,500 immigrants and refugees per year.

Scope of Work
The IRC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Justice to provide immigration legal services. Some of our services include filing applications for adjustment of status (i.e. green cards), naturalization, and family reunification for refugees, asylees and immigrants. Interns will learn about refugees and new cultures, working in a diverse and multi-cultural environment, experience working at an internationally recognized non-profit organization and a first-hand look at the basics of immigration processes and procedures.

Reports To
Senior Immigration Specialist or Immigration Specialist

Learning Objectives
- Gain exposure to the challenges and opportunities for providing nonprofit immigration legal services.
- Learn basic policies and procedures of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
- Learn practical methods to fill out USCIS immigration forms, to organize and provide supporting documents, and to help clients write financial affidavits for fee waivers, affidavits of birth, and affidavits in response to USCIS requests for additional evidence.
- Practice and apply basic interviewing techniques to conduct client intake forms, including methods to develop trust with clients, ensure complete disclosure, and identify red flags while gathering information.

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.