Immigration Legal Services Intern

International Rescue Committee • Part-time • Salt Lake City, UT, United States • 1d ago

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.

IRC BACKGROUND:

Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 26 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.

IMMIGRATION PROGRAM OVERVIEW:

The IRC in Utah’s Immigration Legal Services program serves more than 800 individuals each year, providing accessible, affordable and critical legal representation and advice to immigrants and their families in order to acquire and maintain legal status in the U.S., keep families together, access their full rights, and successfully integrate in the U.S.

SCOPE OF INTERN WORK:

Under the supervision of a Department of Justice Accredited Legal Representative, the Immigration Legal Services Intern (UNPAID ROLE) 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, researching immigration case law, and conducting community outreach. The Intern will also work with the Immigration Intern Supervisor to develop goals based on personal areas of interest within the Immigration Team.

COMMITMENT:

Minimum of 1 year starting September 2025, 10 hours minimum per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manage Immigration Case Files and Documentation.
- Assist with completing case file intake with clients.
- Compile case notes and enter data into tracking systems.
Perform administrative duties for the immigration program, including receiving, screening and responding to phone calls, text messages, emails and in-person inquiries.
Assist Legal Representative with preparation and drafting of applications, cover letters, legal briefs and other documents related to immigration cases.
Contacting clients to inform them of notices, appointments, documents or information needed, and communicating with clients about their case.
Conduct research on various legal topics and precedent to assist the Legal Representative with developing legal arguments.
Other tasks and research projects based on Intern areas of interest developed with supervisor.

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 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.

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

Minimum Qualifications:

REQUIREMENTS:

This internship is fully in-person – it is required for the intern to be in the office for the majority of the internship hours.
Interest in immigration, law or international studies is a plus (not required).
Must be currently enrolled in a graduate/undergraduate program or have graduated less than 6 months ago.
Ability to communicate clearly and effectively in English; fluency in additional refugee languages preferred.
A background check is required.
Experience working and communicating effectively in a multicultural environment, specifically with refugee and immigrant populations preferred.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and capable of working independently.
Strong teamwork and collaboration skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

POSITION LOGISTICS:

Position requires in-person availability for the majority of the hours completed. The internship will be held at the IRC in Utah's office in West Valley City.
10 hours minimum per week required.
Work with the IRC for a 12-month period. Shorter periods of time can be discussed.
Start Date: September 2025
End Date: September 2026

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.