Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society

Immigration Legal Intern, Summer 2013

Location:

HIAS Headquarters – New York, NY


Internship Description:

The Immigration Legal Intern will work with HIAS’ Resettlement and Immigration Legal Services Unit at its New York headquarters office on immigration matters related to both Jewish and non-Jewish refugees and asylees from all over the world. The intern will provide legal and technical assistance under the direction of immigration lawyers regarding the interpretation and impact of immigration law on asylum-seekers, refugees, and asylees in the United States. S/he may also provide research and analysis on global refugee issues and crises in support of HIAS’ international and advocacy projects.


Responsibilities:

  • Providing legal and technical support for applications for individuals seeking asylum before DHS/USCIS’s asylum division or DOJ’s immigration court, including research and analysis on legal issues and country conditions
  • Conducting research, analysis, and writing for various special projects related to immigration, refugee, and asylum policy, advocacy, and programs in support of HIAS’ U.S. and international programs
  • Performing regular and periodic reviews of DHS issued policy papers and announcements of changes to rules and regulations, and keeping informed of the latest DHS directives that impact populations served by HIAS for dissemination to HIAS’ affiliate network
  • Participating in DHS conference calls, local immigration meetings/hearings, and other meetings; drafting informative memos related to the aforementioned for dissemination to HIAS’ affiliate network
  • Other duties related to program development, management, operations, and grants as assigned


Requirements:

  • Experience with immigration and/or refugees preferred
  • Experience with DHS, DOS, and/or UNHCR a plus
  • 2L or 3L desired
  • Strong research, analytical, and writing skills
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task between legal and programmatic issues, and manage time effectively
  • Excellent inter-personal skills, ability to work independently, and strong organizational skills
  • Fluency in written and spoken English; bilingual a plus
  • Proficient in Microsoft applications (Word & Excel) and internet research


Interested applicants should email the following information to Yelena Serebrenik:

  • Cover letter (please explain your interest in the position and indicate semester/time availability)
  • Résumé
  • Brief writing sample (maximum 3 pages)
  • Contact information for 3 references

 

Please note: HIAS internships are unfunded, but we work with schools to assist students in obtaining credit or funding. HIAS is located at 333 7th Ave @28th Street—walking distance from Penn Station and on the #1 subway line at 28th Street.