Position: Immigration, full-time
Location: Atlanta, Georgia; Hybrid
Reports to: Legal Director
Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Start Date: ASAP
About CAIR-Georgia
CAIR-Georgia is the Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest civil liberties and advocacy group serving the Muslim community. Our mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil liberties, and empower Muslims in America to advocate for themselves. From restrictions placed on Muslims to practice their religion, to profiling and discrimination stemming from a lack of understanding of Islam, the need for CAIR in Georgia is great. The proof is reflected in the dramatic increase in civil rights cases by more than 600% from 2023 to 2024, and in the increased need for immigration services amongst Muslim immigrants, refugees, and asylees in Georgia.
The Opportunity
The Georgia chapter of the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR-Georgia) seeks an Immigration Attorney with a demonstrated commitment to and interest in immigration law and serving Muslim communities to join our Legal Department. CAIR-Georgia’s immigration program provides culturally and linguistically competent immigration services to lawful permanent residents from Muslim-majority countries looking to become naturalized citizens and to those people whose immigration status or immigration application have been affected by the United States’ War on Terror. Our goal in providing these limited immigration services is two-fold: to increase the number of Muslim immigrants participating in American civic life and engaging with their elected officials; and to ensure that people who are being scapegoated by the federal government under the guise of national security, both those who are at risk of losing their permanent legal protections and those currently undocumented, are provided competent immigration services.
As such, the immigration attorney will primarily work on our immigration docket by handling full-scope consultation and representation of various immigration cases, participating in community engagements, outreach and assisting with deliverable requirements for grants as needed (90%-95%); provide policy analysis and assistance to the Policy Department on issues pertaining to immigration law on the state and federal level (5%); and work on civil rights cases related to travel issues as they impact Muslims at the U.S. border and represent community members in FBI interactions (5%). The attorney is expected to use a combination of direct services, litigation, community education, and advocacy to address immigration issues facing the Muslim community in Georgia. They will report to the Legal Director.
Responsibilities
- Conduct client intakes and legal screenings to provide consultations.
- Prepare immigration applications and petitions for submission to the appropriate agency.
- Research and analyze legal sources such as statutes, legal articles and legal codes to prepare legal documents such as memos, training material, advisories, motions and appeals.
- Handle and manage their own full caseload of immigration cases, including removal defense cases before EOIR.
- Represent clients before USCIS, ICE, CBP, DOS and EOIR.
- Represent clients dealing with FBI interactions and interviews.
- Assist the Policy Department with analysis, testimony, and talking points on bills related to immigration on the state and federal levels.
- Oversee work of volunteers and law clerk as needed, including law students and interns to ensure their success by providing training, consultation, and guidance.
- Lead and participate in community outreach and educational activities, including planning and conducting legal clinics, KYRs, and other community events.
- Participate in, lead, and/or form coalitions with partner organizations, while collaborating with and uplifting immigrant communities and immigrant-led organizations.
- Assist other staff in producing internal and external reports, including data collection, testimonials, and narrative writing.
- Other duties as assigned.
All CAIR-Georgia staff are required to assist in general duties such as answering phones, weekly outreach, fundraising, and other office tasks.
Qualifications
- B.A./B.S. and J.D. degrees with membership in good standing with the Georgia State Bar, required.
- At least 2 to 4 years of immigration law experience, specifically in areas of asylum, family-based petitions, removal defense, and naturalization is required.
- Highly motivated and self-starting.
- Excellent research, analytical, written, and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated leadership and ability to work independently and in collaboration with other attorneys, community advocates, and community-based organizations.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing the rights of low-income, Black, Muslim, people of color, and/or immigrant communities.
- Experience in organizing and/or working in coalition spaces to advance the rights of low-income, Black, Muslim, people of color, and/or immigrant communities.
- Bilingual skills in a language native to Arab, Black, and/or South Asian Muslim communities, such Arabic, Dari, Somali, preferred.
Compensation and Benefits
- Compensation $68,000 – $80,000 depending on experience.
- Generous vacation and sick leave policy.
- Healthcare coverage options
- Bar dues, CLE funding support, and malpractice insurance.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply via email to [email protected], and include the following as PDF attachments:
- Cover letter addressing your interest in the position, relevant experience, and particular interest and/or experience in immigration issues as they affect the Muslim community.
- Resume summarizing your education, qualifications, and experience.
- Legal writing sample (no more than 10 pages).
- Three professional references and their contact information (email and phone).
Please indicate “2024 Immigration Attorney” in the subject line.