Undergraduate Internship, Detained Adult Program - Direct Representation

Overview

The organization is seeking undergraduate students passionate about advancing immigrants’ rights to join its Spring 2027 internship program for the Detained Adult Program (DAP).

The Detained Adult Program works with hundreds of adults detained by ICE in Maryland and Virginia, providing information, support, and legal representation. Interns will contribute to trauma-sensitive, client-centered services that respect clients’ autonomy while navigating the immigration system.

Internship Details

• Program term: 10 weeks
• Schedule: 15–20 hours per week
• Start date: On or about Monday, January 19, 2027
• Work model: Remote for Spring 2027
• In-person options: No in-person work is required; interns may have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in-person if comfortable. Occasional in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns may also be available.

Responsibilities

Undergraduate interns will provide administrative and programmatic support to staff at the Detained Adult Program. This internship provides exposure to immigration law and current immigration issues, including:

• Conducting individualized country conditions research for asylum and other protection-based cases
• Assisting in the preparation of applications for immigration relief and related materials, including FOIA requests
• Assisting with interpretation and translation
• Supporting the hotline for detained adults
• Obtaining criminal and medical records and collecting other evidence in support of clients’ cases
• Communicating with clients and their family members via telephone

Qualifications

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate program
• Ability to commit 15–20 hours a week
• Spanish fluency
• Strong interest in human rights, social justice, and immigration rights issues
• Excellent research and writing skills
• Willingness to complete administrative work
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to relate to and work with low-income clients with histories of trauma and/or previous interactions with the criminal justice system is a plus

Required Resources (Remote Internship)

All interns must have access to:

• A laptop or computer (*)
• Reliable internet
• A phone

*The organization may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Internships are unpaid.
• Internship credit assistance may be available.
• A limited number of small scholarship stipends are available through a separate application.

Application Process

Submit an application with the following materials (in .pdf format):

• Cover letter describing the applicant’s interest and experiences motivating their application
• Resume
• At least 2 references

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis; interviews and offers may occur before the deadline.

Applicants should apply to only one department within the organization.

Deadline

November 30, 2027

Location

Remote (Spring 2027). The Detained Adult Program serves detained adults in Maryland and Virginia.