Asylum Seeker Legal Team Intern; Unpaid

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), operating in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities.

IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions, and invite solutions‑driven, passionate change‑makers to join us in positively impacting the lives of people worldwide.

The Asylum Seeker Legal Services Intern will assist immigration legal staff in providing services to asylum seekers and other immigrants. The intern will work closely with immigration staff to draft applications (such as Asylum, Employment Authorization, TPS, etc.) and provide follow‑up communication to clients, while also performing clerical and administrative duties to keep client files up to date.

• Assist immigration staff in providing services to clients, including setting up legal consultations and drafting immigration applications under the supervision of an immigration attorney.
• Perform research on various immigration issues.
• Assist staff with sorting and filing of documents and case files.
• Adhere to IRC policies, particularly those related to confidentiality and client privacy.
• Display sensitivity to cultural and personality differences of clients and respect their beliefs and values.
• Perform follow‑up communication to clients.
• Provide translation and interpretation when necessary.
• Other related duties as assigned.

• Learn about U.S. immigration law.
• Develop problem‑solving and client services skills.
• Learn how to manage client cases within established deadlines.

• Minimum 15 hours per week; preference for those who can work 35+ hours.
• Undergraduate level studies in social sciences, international relations or a related field, or current law student.
• Proficiency in Spanish required.
• Languages desired but not required:
  French, Dari/Pashto, Arabic.
• Strong desire to help immigrants in New York.
• Ability to work independently, exercise good judgment, and demonstrate high attention to detail.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, data tracking, and file management.
• Effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Patience, understanding, flexibility, and an unceasingly positive attitude.
• Willing to learn about IRC history, philosophy, global work, and local efforts.
• Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies.

This position reports to the Immigration Supervisor.

All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation, and is committed to creating a safe environment and taking necessary corrective measures when harm occurs.

Compensation:
Posted pay ranges apply to U.S.‑based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

US Benefits:
We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the U.S., these include 10 sick days, 10 U.S. holidays, 20–25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program available to staff and families.

Equal Opportunity

Employer:

IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.