Ayuda's Virginia office is currently accepting applications for Fall 2013 internships, and will interview and accept applicants on a rolling basis. Positions are open to all applicants (law students, graduate students and undergraduate students, or individuals holding an undergraduate degree). Applicants must be bilingual (Spanish/English). Fall internships will last from September through December, but start and end dates are flexible. Interns must commit to working a minimum of 16 hours a week. All internship positions are unpaid but Ayuda can work with you if you intend to obtain school credit or funding for your internship hours.
Immigration Intern Responsibilities:
- Communicating with clients from all over the world in Spanish and English, and in other languages through the use of interpreters
- Carrying active caseloads of immigration cases, under the supervision of experienced attorneys and paralegals
- Preparing filings to the US Citizenship and Immigration Services,including (but is not limited to) petitions for survivors of domestic violence (VAWA petitions), crime (U-visas) and human trafficking (T-visas), petitions for abandoned/unaccompanied minor immigrant children, political asylum applications, family reunifications petitions, adjustments of status to permanent residence, naturalization, Temporary Protected Status, work authorization, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)
- Working closely with attorneys and paralegals in the preparation of cases for submission to the Immigration Court for clients in removal proceedings
- Coordinating all aspects of a client's case, including client communication, relevant research, translation, drafting personal statements, preparing immigration forms, writing memos and briefs, drafting court motions and orders, and advocacy with law enforcement and other agencies
- Attending clients' interviews with USCIS officers for immigration benefits, as an interpreter
Immigration Intern Qualifications:
- Applicants must be bilingual in Spanish and English (speaking, oral comprehension, reading and writing)
- Applicants who speak other languages (such as French, Amharic, or Thai), in addition to Spanish, are encouraged to apply
- Previous experience working in immigration law is helpful but not required
- Previous experience working with immigrant communities or with victims of domestic violence is highly desired
- Applicants must work well independently and together with a team of attorneys, paralegals and social service professionals
- Applicants must be detail-oriented, well-organized, responsible and personable
Location:
- 2755 Hartland Road, Suite 100, Falls Church, Virginia 22043. Please note that our office is metro-accessible and is located half a mile from the Dunn-Loring Metro Station.
