Background: The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. At work in over 40 countries and 28 U.S. cities to restore safety, dignity and hope, the IRC leads the way from harm to home. Domestically, our 28 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.   

Scope of work:  IRC's Immigration Department in Silver Spring, Maryland, provides high quality, low-cost immigration services, including filing applications for adjustment of status (i.e., green cards), work Authorization, naturalization, and family reunification for refugees, asylees, and Victims of Trafficking immigrants and other immigrants. 

Responsibilities: 

Responsible for going through client immigration documents and assisting clients with requirements for consultations and application sessions with legal staff.Answer client questions regarding immigration services, and, when necessary, refer clients to the appropriate IRC staff member.General administrative support, including tracking, filing, and mailing relevant documents, applications, and notices of action.Under the guidance of the supervising Immigration Services Manager, assist in putting client information updates in Lolly Law database.Assist clients with document translation, authentication, presentation and completion.Provide special assistance to clients with particular needs.Promote the IRC’s immigration department through online and local networks.Research immigration issues, polices and programsBuild partnerships with local agencies to improve systems of providing immigration services.

 

Learning Objectives: 

Gain Exposure to local refugee and asylee community.Learn about immigration services available to newcomers.Gain experience in online databases such as Lolly Law and application processing.Experience working in outreach to support building partnerships.