Application Guide

How to Apply for IMPOWER Staff Attorney

at National Immigration Project

🏢 About National Immigration Project

The National Immigration Project is a unique 50-year-old organization that bridges litigation, education, and advocacy across movements to support those most harmed by immigration and criminal systems. Working here means joining a membership organization of attorneys and advocates committed to dignity, freedom, and flourishing for all people through direct impact and movement building.

About This Role

This IMPOWER Staff Attorney role involves protecting immigrant workers' rights through screenings, referrals, limited direct representation, and rapid response to enforcement actions against union members. It's impactful because you'll directly support vulnerable workers with temporary statuses while collaborating with AFL-CIO affiliated unions to build systemic protections.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve conducting screenings for union members with temporary statuses, coordinating rapid response to enforcement actions against workers, referring cases to outside attorneys, and collaborating with the IMPOWER team on strategy. You'll balance direct client work with systemic advocacy through the union partnership.

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Interview Prep

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🎯 Who National Immigration Project Is Looking For

  • Attorney with deep expertise in immigration law, particularly enforcement defense and detained client representation
  • Experience with habeas corpus litigation involving immigrants (highly valued per job description)
  • Ability to screen workers with TPS, DACA, DALE, deferred action, or parole statuses to identify relief options
  • Comfort working in a collaborative team environment with unions while managing rapid response situations

📝 Tips for Applying to National Immigration Project

1

Highlight specific experience with detained client representation and enforcement defense - this is explicitly mentioned as important

2

Demonstrate understanding of the IMPOWER collaboration with AFL-CIO unions by mentioning relevant union or worker advocacy experience

3

Include concrete examples of habeas corpus work with immigrants if you have it, as this is 'highly valued'

4

Address the temporary nature (1 year with possible extension) by showing flexibility and commitment to the project duration

5

Show familiarity with screening processes for TPS, DACA, DALE, deferred action, and parole cases specifically

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your direct experience with immigration enforcement defense and detained client representation', 'Specific examples of working with vulnerable immigrant populations, particularly workers', "Understanding of the IMPOWER collaboration's mission to protect immigrant workers' rights", 'Why a temporary position aligns with your career goals and how you can contribute immediately']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → The IMPOWER collaboration specifically - understand its history and current work with AFL-CIO unions
  • → National Immigration Project's recent litigation and advocacy work around immigrant workers' rights
  • → The organization's 50-year history and how it 'builds bridges across movements'
  • → Current enforcement trends affecting immigrant workers with temporary statuses
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💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through your experience representing detained immigrants and preparing for enforcement actions
2 How would you conduct a screening for a union member with DACA status facing potential deportation?
3 Describe your experience with habeas corpus litigation in immigration cases
4 How do you prioritize cases when dealing with rapid response to enforcement actions?
5 What experience do you have collaborating with unions or worker organizations?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic immigration law experience without specific focus on enforcement defense and detained clients
  • Not addressing the temporary nature of the position or showing discomfort with a 1-year commitment
  • Lack of understanding about the specific vulnerable populations (union members with TPS, DACA, etc.) mentioned in the job description

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to National Immigration Project!

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