Immigration Services (Family Reunification)
Internship Overview
Our Immigration Services program serves residents of the Twin Cities area, the majority of whom originally entered the U.S. as refugees or asylees. Interns will be exposed to a variety of immigration issues, mainly related to the process of family reunification through the Affidavit of Relationship (AOR) program. The AOR provides access to the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program and promotes family reunification for members of designated nationalities who have immediate family members in the United States who entered as refugees or were granted asylum. The AOR process is long, and clients contact the Institute for help verifying their case status and setting up DNA mouth swab appointments.
In this customer service role, interns will connect with clients who have completed an AOR application and who are looking for a status update on their application and/or help setting up a DNA appointment. Interns will talk with clients over the phone (80%), via text or email (10%), and in-person (10%).
About the Internship
Please read each section below before applying.
- Communicate (by phone, text, email, or in-person) AOR case updates, information, and other case changes between client and the Institute
- Assist clients to schedule DNA mouth-swab appointments
- Review and analyze past and current case files, documents and case notes.
- Support immigration staff with additional case management and related tasks
- Interest and coursework in political science, international relations, social work or sociology
- Familiarity and interest in working with immigrant populations
- Emotionally intelligent and able to maintain boundaries (click for details)
- Experience providing customer service
- Detailed oriented
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interest in learning about immigrant and refugee communities
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Experience working or volunteering in a cross-cultural environment
- Experience with Microsoft Office applications
- Minimum of 12 hours/week for 4 months
(We are willing to consider less weekly hours if commitment can be made for more than 4 months.) - Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- The position is unpaid, though we are willing to work with the student if they are able to facilitate the earning of class credit through their internship or if they are interested in applying for compensation through a fellowship program.
- Workspace at IIMN office
- Free parking and bus line accessibility
- Individualized supervision with IIMN staff
- Opportunity to gain immigration and non-profit experience and work directly with clients
About Us
Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. Our comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and support, and immigration and citizenship assistance. The Institute also provides advocacy for policy reforms and supports systems change that improve opportunities for New Americans to move their lives forward.
Contact Us
Call or email us if you have questions about volunteering.
Rachel Kennedy
Volunteer and Community Partnerships Manager
(651) 377-8663