Types of Volunteer Opportunities
The Immigration Justice Campaign offers several different types of volunteer opportunities that require varying levels of experience and a variety of skill sets. See below for more details about each opportunity, and apply to volunteer here. *Note: Please only complete one application.
Choose the opportunity you want to learn more about:
Attorneys: Detention Program
Attorneys: LGBTQ+ Asylum Program
Interpretation and Translation
Attorneys: Represent a Client Being Held in ICE Detention
| We match volunteer attorneys with individuals who are being held in detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The type of relief sought varies by case. | |
| Case Types | Merits (for Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and/or Protection under CAT), Bond, Parole, Board of Immigration Appeals |
| Hours and Duration | Depends on the case type and complexity. Bond and parole cases are generally three to four weeks with approximately 10-20 hours of work. Asylum, Withholding of Removal, and Protection under the Convention Against Torture merits cases are generally two to four months depending on if the attorney requests a continuance, with approximately 50-75 hours of work. |
| Types of Volunteers Needed | Attorneys, with or without immigration law experience |
| Mentorship and Interpretation | When you take on a client, we will connect you with a dedicated mentor who will support you for the duration of the case. Volunteers are encouraged to provide their own interpretation, but when this is not possible, we can connect you with an interpreter who will also remain with you for the duration of the case. |
| Malpractice Coverage | Volunteers who do not have their own malpractice insurance can generally be covered under ours. |
Attorneys: LGBTQ+ Asylum Program
| We match volunteer attorneys with LGBTQ+ clients who are seeking to live in safety. We provide attorneys with training to enable them to navigate the specific issues that can arise related to claims based on LGBTQ+ identity. | |
| Case Types | Affirmative Asylum, Non-detained Defensive Asylum |
| Hours and Duration | Depends on the case type and complexity. Defensive asylum cases (where the client is in removal proceedings before the Immigration Court) are approximately 50-75 hours of work. Affirmative asylum cases before the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Asylum Office are approximately 40-75 hours of work and the length of the cases can vary significantly, sometimes stretching to a multi-year commitment. |
| Types of Volunteers Needed | Attorneys, with or without immigration law experience |
| Mentorship and Interpretation | When you take on a client, we will connect you with a dedicated mentor who will support you for the duration of the case. Volunteers are encouraged to provide their own interpretation, but when this is not possible, we can connect you with an interpreter who will also remain with you for the duration of the case. |
| Malpractice Coverage | Volunteers who do not have their own malpractice insurance can generally be covered under ours. |
Interpreters and Translators
| We need volunteer interpreters to help attorneys and clients communicate about their cases, and volunteer translators to help prepare documents. | |
| Case Types | All case types |
| Hours and Duration | Time commitments vary widely by case. |
| Types of Volunteers Needed | Individuals who are fluent in English and at least one other language (written and/or spoken) are encouraged to apply. We welcome speakers of any languages. Specialized knowledge of legal terminology is not required. |