Immigration Intern

Please note: This is an unpaid internship position. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

In addition to completing this application, interested applicants should email a resume, cover letter, and two letters of recommendation to VolunteerSLC@Rescue.org with “Immigration Intern” in the subject line.

BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. In the U.S., the IRC resettles approximately 11,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. The IRC in Salt Lake City opened it office in 1994, and provides resettlement services through extended case management to newly arrived refugees for up to 24-months as well as over twenty different programs to educate and empower refugees.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK: The Immigration Program at IRC in Salt Lake City assists New American clients during all stages of their immigration process. This includes assisting refugees, asylees, and all other documented immigrants with obtaining or replacing their immigration documents, petitioning to bring clients’ family members to the U.S. from abroad, and adjusting clients’ statuses to permanent resident or citizen. The IRC SLC also provides comprehensive support to clients applying for US citizenship: offering administrative support, education, and one-on-one coaching to help prepare clients for the application process. Under the supervision of the Immigration Team, the Immigration & Citizenship Intern will play a crucial role in working with clients at all stages of their immigration process. The Intern will assist with case filing and documentation, communication with clients, and researching basic immigration case law.

COMMITMENT: 12 weeks starting in January 2022 with option to extend, 20-30 hours per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Manage Immigration Case Files and Documentation

• Compile case notes and enter data into tracking systems.

• Contact clients regarding their case and upcoming appointments.

• Assist with completing case file intake and applications with clients.

Administrate the Citizenship Preparation Classes

• Conduct intake and assessments of program participants.

• Connect program participants to a program volunteer for weekly instruction.

• Provide direction, support and supervision to program volunteers.

• Enter data into program’s information systems and track progress of program participants.

Other duties as assigned, including:

• Assist with completion of program grant requests and reports.

• Conduct community outreach for immigration program.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

• The Intern will gain a broad understanding of the U.S. Immigration system, Immigration law and its interaction with and effect on New Americans.

• The Intern will gain a broad understanding of systems used to track client’s records with USCIS and other agencies that handle immigration related documents.

• The Intern will utilize and improve both written and verbal communication skills and increase cultural understanding as they interact with New Americans of all languages and cultural backgrounds.

• The Intern will gain broad knowledge in writing legal briefs and researching law.

• The Intern will be able to demonstrate and understand the importance of client confidentiality.

• The Intern will have knowledge of the U.S. mail system.