Refugee & Immigrant Program
Volunteer Opportunities

There are many volunteer opportunities with the Refugee & Immigrant Program.

Lack of experience with asylum law is not an obstacle to helping asylum-seekers.  Refugee and Asylum Project volunteers receive training, are paired with experienced immigration attorneys who are available to consult on the case, and have the support of Project staff and the online resources of www.probono.net/asylum.

Attorneys who volunteer to represent an asylum applicant through Minnesota Advocates undertake a significant responsibility – they agree to represent their client through the asylum application process.  In return, volunteers receive the opportunity to engage in one of the most fulfilling cases of their career and to literally save the life of their client.  The volunteer is primarily responsible for meeting with the client, preparing and filing the necessary application and supporting documents, and representing the client at their asylum interview, or before the immigration court or Board of Immigration Appeals.  Volunteers serve as the client’s primary point of contact throughout the asylum process. 

• If you are an attorney or paralegal interested in volunteering with the Refugee and Asylum Project, go to www.probono.net/asylum and apply to join the Asylum Law practice area.  Your contact information will be sent to Minnesota Advocates and we will contact you to take a case.
  

• If you are a law student or undergraduate interested in volunteering in with the Refugee and Asylum Project, click here for an Internship Application.  While we do not provide paid internships, we are happy to work with qualified applicants to pursue independent funding or course credit.  The intern selection project is competitive, and applicants are encouraged to submit their completed applications well in advance of the term for which they are seeking a placement.

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