Summer Legal Internship

Written By Jenna Tan

Who We Are

Born out of the legal efforts at JFK Airport during the Muslim Ban, Immigrant ARC (I-ARC) has been growing exponentially since spinning out as a stand-alone non-profit over three years ago. During that time, we have been on the frontlines of responding to the Afghan evacuation, the reception of Ukrainian refugees, and welcoming recently arrived immigrants to New York City and New York State, all while strengthening and growing the immigration legal services field to increase immigrant New Yorker’s access to counsel and access to justice.

Our community includes over 80 legal service providers in New York State. We come together in solidarity with all New Yorkers who believe in fair and just immigration policies and who share our collective outrage at the injustices confronting immigrant communities. We use our knowledge of immigration law and practice to empower each other and the communities we serve to collectively fight systemic oppression and seek respect and dignity for all. We recognize that access to justice for immigrant communities is inextricably linked to the broader fight for racial justice. We commit to working alongside all others who are fighting to achieve a vision of a more just and equitable world.

About the Summer Internship Role  

We are looking for energetic individuals to join us this summer as we assist newcomers to appear in immigration court and access services throughout New York.  The summer intern position will combine in-person and remote work.  Interns will be assigned to a direct supervisor, have regular virtual check-in meetings, and have a designated feedback session during the summer program. Interns will work with I-ARC staff and directly engage with our members and the New York immigrant community.   

 

Projects and Responsibilities  

Interns will receive hands-on experience in projects such as the following:

  • Participating in know your rights (KYR) presentations in the community

  • Interpreting during intake sessions in New York City immigration courts

  • Helping to complete friend of the court (FOTC) intake questionnaires and immigration court change of address forms

  • Observing immigration court hearings

  • Developing and expanding know your rights (KYR) resources

  • Translating material for our Immigrant Help NY website

  • Presenting on projects and initiatives during remote or in-person I-ARC meetings 

Interns must take ownership of their projects, track their assignments, and maintain regular communication and feedback with their supervisors.

We seek someone who is 

  • A student in good standing at a U.S. accredited undergraduate or law school

  • Fluently speaks Spanish or another language other than English

  • Open to giving and receiving feedback 

  • Flexible and willing to roll up their sleeves and work on a variety of assignments 

  • Able to meet deadlines and work independently 

  • Available to work in-person in Manhattan and potentially in other boroughs of New York City or in upstate New York

  • Able to work remotely on written assignments and join virtual meetings

Compensation 

We are unable to offer compensation for the internship, but we encourage and support students finding external funding.  

General Information 

Part-time 8 week internship

Official starting date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

Official end date: Thursday, July 25, 2024

Our office is closed every Friday throughout July and August.

  

How to apply  

Please submit a resume that lists language skills and a cover letter to https://forms.gle/MBftp2SDZLc3hpVr7.  

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.

I-ARC is an equal-opportunity employer with a strong commitment to diversity. At Immigrant ARC we aim to foster a diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment where everyone feels empowered to be their whole selves and is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from qualified individuals, irrespective of their race, skin color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability status, or any other characteristic. We encourage anyone who feels qualified to apply regardless of gaps in resume, unconventional career paths, or other factors.

Jenna Tan
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