Undergraduate Internship, Detained Adult Program - Direct Representation

Description

The Amica Center for Immigrant Rights is seeking undergraduate students with a passion for advancing immigrants’ rights to be part of our internship program for the Detained Adult Program (DAP). The Detained Adult Program works with hundreds of adults who are detained by ICE in Maryland and Virginia, providing information, support, and legal representation. We provide trauma-sensitive, client-centered services, and deeply value our clients’ autonomy as they navigate the fundamentally inhumane immigration system. The Detained Adult Program is comprised of three sub-programs: Know Your Rights (KYR), Universal Representation Program, and the National Qualified Representative Program (NQRP).

We are currently accepting applications for Fall 2026. Our Internship Program asks for a commitment of 15-20 hours a week for 10 weeks, starting on or about Monday, August 31, 2026.

Internships are unpaid; however, Amica Center can assist students seeking internship credit. There is also a limited number of small scholarship stipends available by separate application. More information on our scholarship fund and the application instructions is available here: https://amicacenter.org/join-the-fight/careers-internships/

To keep our internships accessible to all students regardless of geographic location, all Fall 2026 internships will be remote. We encourage applicants from local law schools, as well as those from outside the D.C. area, to apply. While there will be no requirement that interns conduct any in-person work during their internships, interns have the opportunity to appear in or observe court in-person if they are comfortable doing so. There will also be opportunities for occasional in-office work, in-person meetings, and events with staff and fellow interns.

DESCRIPTION OF INTERNSHIP:

Undergraduate Interns will provide invaluable administrative and programmatic support to our staff at the Detained Adult Program. This internship offers exposure to immigration law and current immigration issues.  

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conducting individualized country conditions research for asylum and other protection-based cases;
• Assisting in the preparation of applications for immigration relief and other forms related to the immigration case such as FOIA requests;
• Assisting with interpretation and translation;
• Assisting with our 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:

Given the remote nature of this internship, all interns must also have access to:

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

*Amica Center may be able to provide access to a temporary laptop as needed

Please apply to ONLY ONE department within Amica Center. For example, if you apply for this internship with the Immigration Impact Lab, please do not also apply for an internship with the Detained Adult Program. Please choose the department that best matches your preference, skills, and experience.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

To be considered for the internship, please fill out this application form and attach the following materials in .pdf format:

• A cover letter indicating your interest in the position. Please describe what experiences, personal or professional, have motivated you to apply.
• A resume;
• At least 2 references;

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Interviews may be scheduled and offers given before the deadline, so please apply as soon as you are able.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: August 7, 2026.

Requirements

See above.