Immigration Legal Assistant

Lutheran Immigration & Refugee - Fargo, ND

Full-time - Entry Level

Fargo, ND

Justice, Public Order, and Safety Activities

About the position

The Immigration Legal Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting the Global Refuge's Immigration Legal Services program, which is dedicated to serving multiethnic immigrants and refugees. This position involves working closely with clients who include asylum-seekers, parolees, refugees, Special Immigrant Visa holders, and others seeking humanitarian protection and family reunification. The Immigration Legal Assistant will collaborate with Immigration Legal Services Program staff and interpreters to provide high-quality, trauma-informed legal services to low-income clients. Responsibilities include preparing applications and petitions for review by the Director of Legal Affairs, the Managing Attorney, and/or the Immigration Staff Attorneys. Global Refuge, formerly known as Lutheran Immigration and Refugee Service (LIRS), has a long-standing history of serving newcomers since 1939. The organization is committed to welcoming individuals and families seeking safety and support as they begin their new lives in the United States. The Immigration Legal Assistant will be instrumental in ensuring that clients receive the necessary information and assistance regarding immigration benefits before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This role requires a strong commitment to the mission of the organization and the ability to work effectively in a diverse and dynamic environment. The Immigration Legal Assistant will also be responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date files, entering required data in a timely manner, and assisting in the completion of various reports. This position offers an opportunity to make a significant impact in the lives of newcomers while working in a supportive and inclusive environment that values diversity and equity.

Responsibilities

• Provide clients with information on immigration benefits before USCIS under attorney supervision.
• Gather required and supporting documents from clients and assist them in completing applications.
• Work closely with interpreters and translation services to ensure effective communication with clients.
• Assist attorneys in client communication and drafting applications for relief.
• Follow up with federal agencies regarding case status and process correspondence from USCIS and DOS.
• Update the immigration case management system and notify clients of any correspondence received.
• Assist clients in preparing responses to notices or Requests for Evidence as appropriate.
• Respond to inquiries from clients regarding the status of their cases pending with USCIS and DOS.
• Coordinate with attorneys and clients to escalate cases to the CIS Ombudsman or seek Congressional assistance.
• Make referrals to other service providers and community partners as needed.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date files and detailed case notes, meeting all reporting requirements.
• Perform administrative tasks and data collection as assigned.
• Represent the organization with clients and community members, scheduling appointments and supporting events.
• Pursue Department of Justice accreditation by completing required training.
• Maintain knowledge of relevant laws and policies affecting the target population.
• Observe client confidentiality and ethical practices as outlined in the Practice Manual.
• Assist in managing interns and volunteers as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution or equivalent experience.
• Two years of experience working in a legal or similar setting is preferred.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Proficiency in Spanish, Pashto, or Dari is strongly preferred.
• Meticulous organizational skills with the ability to manage caseloads and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working with diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles.
• Understanding of legal practice and pro bono culture is a plus.
• Computer proficiency, particularly in MS Office Suite (Word and Excel).
• Flexibility to adapt to program changes and client needs.
• Experience in a fast-paced and diverse work environment.
• Commitment to Global Refuge's core values.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of immigration law and procedures.
• Familiarity with case management systems.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance available on the first day of employment.
• Professional development and tuition reimbursement.
• Generous paid time off including 20 days of vacation, 12 days of sick leave, and 12 paid holidays.
• 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave and up to 12 weeks of fully paid FMLA leave.
• Company 403(b) contribution of 3% with an additional 7% match that vests immediately.
• Family Building benefits for reproductive procedures and adoption/foster care assistance.
• Annual wellness benefit that can be customized to support personal needs.