Unaccompanied Minors Program Unit Intern (unpaid)

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Diocesan Migrant & Refugee Services, Inc. (DMRS) has an opening for an Intern within its Unaccompanied Minors Program. DMRS is a full service immigration legal aid organization providing high quality free and low cost legal services to individuals residing within the geographical boundaries of the Catholic Diocese of El Paso, Texas.
The Legal Intern will work with a team to provide know-your-rights ("KYR") presentations, case screening intakes for the determination of eligibility for relief from removal, and court preparation sessions, as well as assist with direct legal representation of minors in immigration court, family court, and before U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services. The large majority of DMRS clients are detained, and the Legal Intern will be required to travel with other team members to the minors’ detention facilities. Depending on client needs, the Legal Intern may assist with applications for asylum, U and T visas, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and other applications for relief, as appropriate.
Responsibilities include:
* Provide KYRs, screenings, and follow-up services to minors in federal custody at the ORR facilities within the El Paso, Texas Immigration Court jurisdiction;
* Assist with legal or factual research and preparation of pleadings or applications for relief;
* Review materials and legal updates related to unaccompanied immigrant minors; discuss these updates with the rest of the team and incorporate relevant materials in the KYR script and interactive tools, screening tools, training materials and legal strategies;
* Attend regular staff meetings to discuss cases and program developments;
* Attend weekly organization-wide CLEs in addition to unit-specific trainings;
* Participate in meetings and calls with stakeholders;
* Prepare for and participate in site visits and conference calls with the Vera Institute.
Qualifications:
* Preference for candidates who have taken immigration law, an immigration law clinic, or who have assisted with asylum or other related legal work, but not necessary for candidates who have the ability and are eager to learn;
* Fluency in Spanish/English;
* Demonstrated commitment to serving youth and/or immigrant populations; highly responsible;
* Excellent oral and written communication skills;
* Strong organizational skills; tech savvy