Immigration Legal Intern - UNPAID - Summer 2027

Location: Denver, CO USA

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.

INTERNSHIP OVERVIEW: The IRC in Denver’s Legal Program currently serves hundreds of clients annually with defense representation and asylum services before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), as well as affirmative representation before US Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS) to pursue humanitarian visas, family reunification, employment authorization, adjustment of status, naturalization, and other immigration benefits. The Immigration Legal Intern will support and assist attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives with client intake and enrollment, preparing and filing immigration applications and petitions, and maintaining contact with clients. The Immigration Legal Intern may also assist in facilitating client workshops, Know Your Rights presentations, and legal trainings for IRC in Denver’s network of pro bono attorneys.

This position may be of particular interest to law students hoping to work in immigration-related fields, although a prior immigration experience is not a requirement. This internship is a great opportunity to gain professional experience in a multi-cultural, social service setting.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

The intern will gain professional experience providing technical assistance and programmatic support to the Denver IRC legal program

The intern will gain a deep understanding of immigration law and policy, particularly as it pertains to refugees, asylees, and asylum-seekers in the US

The intern will gain practical experience working in a fast-paced environment for a large NGO in a challenging policy environment for refugees and immigrants

TRAINING ACTIVITIES:

Participate in comprehensive client intake and needs assessment under the supervision of IRC staff

Manage appointments with clients, interpreters, and pro bono attorneys.

Assist clients to complete applications or petitions for various immigration benefits and prepare these for review by Immigration legal staff

Assist with legal research and with drafting motions to submit before the immigration court under the supervision of an attorney or DOJ accredited representative.

Maintain accurate and up-to-date physical and electronic files with detailed case notes, enter data in a timely manner

Assist in outreach efforts to let the community know about events and immigration services offered by IRC

Other duties as needed and assigned by immigration program managers

SUPERVISION & MENTORSHIP:

The intern will report to and receive ongoing mentorship from IRC Case Management staff

Regular check-ins will be scheduled to review progress toward learning objectives to ensure a meaningful educational experience

Performance will be evaluated based on learning and skill development

REQUIREMENTS:

Current law students or recent graduates with interest or experience with immigration law

Must have reliable work hours and able to commit to a minimum of 25 hours a week during IRC office hours

Able to work independently and under pressure with multiple tasks and competing deadlines

The ideal candidates are independent, detail-oriented, and highly organized

Strong intercultural communication skills; demonstrated ability to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and across language barriers

Ability to communicate effectively in English; additional fluency in one of the following languages is desirable, but not required: Arabic, Burmese, Dari, Pashto, Kinyarwanda, Kiswahili, French, Spanish

Ability to handle sensitive client information confidentially

Computer literacy, preferably with PC systems

Applicants must be open to evolving responsibilities

TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit an online application here (please only use this link to apply, not the Apply button on the IRC careers site) IRChttps://volunteer.rescue.org/opportunities/9c1pQiA7oT. Qualified applicants will be selected for initial phone screenings starting in October and continuing through mid-March, or until all positions are filled. Summer intern orientation will be held June 1, 2027.

QUESTIONS? Email [email protected]

This is an unpaid educational internship designed to provide professional development and learning experience. No financial compensation, including compensation for relocation, is available.

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 or disability.

Professional Standards: 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 operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection