For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

IINE offers internships to students, graduate students, and recent graduates with demonstrated interest or experience in supporting refugee, and immigrant populations. Each internship includes an educational component, through which interns contextualize their experience and reflect on their service.

All internships are unpaid and correspond roughly with the US School (education) semester system:

• Fall Internships: Mid September through Mid December 2026

First consideration is given to applicants who can commit at least 16 hours per week over the course of the semester outlined above. Applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of whether their schedule fits the semester system; IINE makes exceptions on a case-by-case basis. Slots fill quickly and candidates are encouraged to apply earlier than the requested date above.

This internship has a on-site format. Ideally, we are looking to recruit individuals near to the Lowell area who are able to commute into the office.

Immigration Legal Services Internship Overview

IINE’s Immigration Legal Services team provides high quality legal assistance in immigration matters including applications for citizenship, legal permanent residence, extension of parole, work authorization, family reunification, and humanitarian immigration matters.

Depending on skills and qualifications, interns may assist in various tasks including but not limited to document review, preparing immigration forms, file management, legal research, and data analysis for grant reports. Interns may have opportunities to support legal representatives in client matters as appropriate.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with legal case management including but not limited to:
  • Document collection and review
  • Assisting clients in completing information worksheets for case preparation
  • Case data entry and management
  • Assist in preparing application forms as appropriate
  • File management
• Legal research into general immigration law matters and case specific issues
  • Draft research memos and guides to support legal services team
  • Review and summarize updates to immigration policy and court cases
• Observe and assist legal representatives in client matters
• Assist in preparing legal presentation materials

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Interest in immigration law with an emphasis on humanitarian immigration matters
• Exceptional reading and writing skills (preference for legal research and writing experience)
• Patience speaking with non-native English speakers/non-English speakers
• Professionalism, discretion, and maturity in dealing with confidential information
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of client information
• Experience with or strong interest in advocating on behalf of others
• Bilingual candidates preferred (not required)
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly organized with great attention to detail
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Familiarity with e-immigration or other case management software is desirable but not required

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize common challenges faced by immigrant and refugee populations
• Develop strong advocacy and interpersonal skills
• Develop legal research and writing skills
• Gain familiarity with current immigration laws, policies and practices
• Gain familiarity with immigration applications (forms and procedures)
• Identify best practices associated with legal case management
• Identify best practices in effective client communications
• Capture important information from meetings in concise case notes
• Identify and access community resources and services, particularly those responsive to the needs of refugees and immigrants.
• Respectfully express and engage with ideas and values in a multilingual environment.

Education & Experience:

• Preference for current law students; however, highly achieving undergraduate students with an interest in immigration law may also be considered
• Prior experience working for a law firm or legal services provider preferred but not required

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit at a desk for extended periods and use a computer and telephone.
• Occasional light lifting and handling of documents or office supplies.