Immigration Staff Attorney, VA

PURPOSE STATEMENT: To provide comprehensive legal representation to immigrants involving clients that are survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence, asylum-seekers, victims of crimes, families, and minors.

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ORGANIZATIONAL PROFILE

Ayuda is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing direct legal, social and language access services, education, and outreach to low-income immigrants in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Since 1973, Ayuda has provided critical services on a wide range of issues, in the process acquiring nationally recognized expertise in several fields including immigration law, language access, domestic violence and human trafficking. Ayuda has office locations in Washington, DC, Silver Spring, MD and Fairfax, VA.

WHY DO YOU WANT THIS JOB?

Because, just like everyone at Ayuda, you believe:

• In seeing communities where all immigrants succeed and thrive in the United States.
• In the overall success of our organization and all our programs.
• That families should be healthy and safe from harm.
• That all people should have access to professional, honest, and ethical services, regardless of ability to pay or status in this country.
• That diversity and equality make this country better.

WHAT WILL THIS JOB ENTAIL?

This position will be based primarily in our Virgina office, but may require occasional visits to the DC and MD office. This position will also require travel to local immigration agencies and courts as well as state courts. This position is hybrid and will include both in-person and remote workdays. On average, this position would be expected to be in the office at least 1-2 days a week.

• Provide direct legal representation to low-income immigrants in a variety of matters before the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), the US Citizenship and Immigration Service (USCIS), with a focus on serving immigrant survivors of intimate-partner violence, human trafficking, and vulnerable children and youth
• Provide legal representation to children either in ORR custody or formerly in ORR custody released to custodians in Northern Virginia, including representation in removal proceedings, state court custody matters in Virginia, and applications for other forms of relief before USCIS
• Where necessary, advocate on behalf of clients who have been victims of crimes, including human trafficking, in interactions with law enforcement
• Attend local and regional stakeholder, coalition, and advocacy meetings as a representative of Ayuda and on behalf of Ayuda’s client population
• Stay current on relevant laws and policies by attending trainings and conferences and reviewing new laws, regulations and court rules
• Assist with preparation of grant applications, grant administration, and reports
• Other duties as assigned.