Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a preferred deadline on December 20, 2024 and a final deadline on January 8, 2025.
About Us
The ABA Commission on Immigration’s Detention & Legal Orientation Program (LOP) Information Line provides legal information on immigration matters to callers in Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody throughout the nation. Our goal is to ensure that the human and due process rights of immigrants in detention are respected. We aim to provide high-quality legal information and related support to immigrants and asylum-seekers detained by ICE as well as to promote pro bono service across the country.
People in ICE custody face many challenges including limited access to legal information and representation, barriers to communicate with family and friends, lack of financial support, language barriers, and overall dehumanizing conditions. The Information Line aims to orient callers about the immigration process and their rights and responsibilities by offering information to callers in their native languages by phone and by mail and referring them to legal service providers in their area.
ABA staff and interns answer calls daily from individuals in ICE custody regarding complex immigration matters that require deep knowledge of constantly changing immigration law and policy. Law students will be able to participate in calls between staff and people in detention to better understand the complex immigration system and to debrief about the call afterwards as a team.
Duties
The Commission on Immigration national office operates two legal information hotlines that can be reached directly from all ICE detention facilities across the country. One hotline is part of the Legal Orientation Program, and the other hotline is part of the ABA’s partnership with UNHCR.
The purpose of both hotlines is to provide legal information, pro se assistance, improved language access, referrals, support, and more, to unrepresented individuals currently facing removal from ICE detention.
Intern duties include preparing pro se guides, country conditions research for protection claims, as well as distributing legal information via email and tablet programs with individuals in detention. Other duties may include document translation, legal research and pro se material development, and assistance under attorney supervision with limited advice of pro se respondents in immigration matters.
Other opportunities include attending training, webinars, in-person networking events in Washington, D.C., gaining experience in immigration law and meeting other Commission on Immigration attorneys and program staff who focus on humanitarian immigration law.
Interns should show a demonstrated commitment to public interest law and the issues facing immigrants and asylum-seekers. Interns must demonstrate respect and compassion for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Spanish fluency is preferred, as are other foreign language skills.
Stipend and Commitment
Unpaid internships may include a stipend for those who commit to an in-person hybrid schedule and who are not receiving a stipend from their academic institution or other funding source.
Internship Hours Commitment: About 20 hours per week (unless the institution’s internship program requires additional hours) for 14-16 weeks. If the institution’s internship program requires additional hours, documentary evidence must be provided. To receive a stipend, a participant must commit to a minimum of 10 weeks for 15 hours a week on the Detention & LOP Information Line in person for a hybrid schedule.
Application Process
Please email your resume, a brief cover letter, and your expected weekly hours of availability to [email protected]. If possible, please include your days and times of unavailability and which semester you are applying for. The upcoming internship start date will be in mid-to late January 2025.
Application Deadline
Interns are selected on a rolling basis. For internships starting in January, we accept applications starting in October with a preferred deadline on December 20, and a final deadline on January 8. For internships starting in April, we accept applications starting in late January with a final deadline on March 20. For internships starting in August, we accept applications starting in May with a final deadline on July 20.