Providing help and creating hope in Maine
Related Program: Refugee & Immigration Services
Portland, ME 04101
Full Description:
ILS Volunteers provide immigration legal representation only before U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This position is to supervise a new FOIA request initiative to systematically help our refugee clients request their A-Files, review their FOIA responses, help them articulate their underlying refugee claims, and prepare for re-interviews regarding their refugee status. Immigration law training, supervision, and malpractice insurance are provided on an ongoing basis.
Key Responsibilities:
- Training non-attorney volunteers on how to help refugees create online USCIS accounts
- Training non-attorney volunteers on how to help refugees make pro se FOIA requests
- Reviewing FOIA request results with law students and helping them identify nexus categories and persecution
- Supervising law students in client meetings regarding refugee re-interviews, assisting with mock interviews.
Impact of Opportunity:
Catholic Charities Maine is one of only three US Department of Justice Recognized Organizations in Maine. This new initiative will help prepare refugees for interviews that could potentially jeopardize their status.
Qualifications & Skills Required:
- An active bar license in any state.
- Willing to learn. Excellent communication skills and client-centered approach to direct service. Must be dependable.
- Detail-oriented, highly organized, and comfortable with technology
- Supportive teaching approach and hands-on supervision of multiple volunteers
Training Offered:
Comprehensive immigration law trainings, Regular supervision, access to case consultations with expert national immigration attorneys, volunteer orientation training.
Time Commitment/Schedule
Long term commitment of at least 10 hours per week preferred. Must be available to attend weekly team meetings on Tuesday mornings (remote or hybrid is acceptable).
Benefits:
- Increased understanding of US immigration policy & law
- Ability to help protect vulnerable refugees
- Since refugee status is now being questioned, you help address and urgent need
Program Contact: Eliana Trenam, etrenam@ccmaine.org, 207 560-7689
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