IRAP Berkeley works with pro bono attorneys, IRAP Headquarters, and IRAP chapters across the United States and Canada to advance legal pathways to safety for refugees and other displaced people. We do so through a variety of means such as supporting cases directly, contributing to litigation matters and novel research, or working on policy projects. Through IRAP, students can develop legal research, policy work, and client advocacy skills. Projects from this past year included leading (virtual) client intake interviews, preparing Title-42 exemption applications, conducting immigration screenings for Afghan Parolees, engaging in advocacy work with members of Congress as part of IRAP’s Congressional Advocacy Week, researching and updating IRAP staff on current immigration litigation and policy developments, providing translation services in immigration interviews, and writing immigration research summaries to IRAP attorneys to share with the IRAP team nationwide.
This year, we envision students being able to participate in much of the same work with the opportunity to participate in both direct client services and substantive research and policy work. Through projects, casework, and trainings, Berkeley students have the opportunity to learn about refugee law and contribute to IRAP’s important work advocating for refugees, asylum seekers, and displaced people at large.
Supervision: Students will receive training from and provide pro bono legal services under the supervision of attorneys at the International Refugee Assistance Project.
Time Commitment: The time commitment may vary depending on the project and the semester, but will likely be around 15-20 hours per semester, including casework, training, IRAP meetings, and other related activities.
For more information, please contact the student leaders at irap@berkeley.edu.