Local government and their role in promoting integration
Over the years, the Center for Immigrant Integration has highlighted over 70 different best practices to promote immigrant integration. While each initiative focused on different needs specific to their communities, what they all share in common is the unity that blossomed among residents through these efforts.
CLINIC believes that immigrant integration is most successful at the local level. Meaningful and active partnerships are essential for encouraging integration locally, especially collaboration with elected officials. Local leaders have the ability to enact policies that promote inclusivity. Having a city office that is committed to immigrant integration is another opportunity to ensure that all residents feel welcome, included and safe within their new community, setting the stage for more expansive integration efforts.
Immigrant integration is not a linear process. Therefore, initiatives can range from simple to complex, as well as introduce various possibilities for local officials to engage. CLINIC has previously highlighted three affiliates who joined forces with local officials to promote integration in their communities.
- Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Pueblo united with the Latino Chamber of Commerce and other city officials to address fears in the immigrant community, where many felt uncomfortable reporting crimes to the police department.
- The Immigration & Citizenship Organization, or IACO of Passaic New Jersey, holds an annual immigrant integration day. This event brings together newcomers and long-standing residents together for the opportunity to engage with elected leaders, consular delegates and educators.
- The Jersey City Division of Immigrant Affairs is the first city in the nation to receive DOJ Recognition and Accreditation. The division is housed within the city’s Department of Health and Human Services.
Through the work of CLINIC affiliates, the Center for Immigrant integration is committed to exploring the ways local officials are currently implementing integration efforts, in hopes to inspire and encourage other localities to get involved in the integration journey. Whether participating in community events, hosting workshops, or creating an office within local government, elected officials in all jurisdictions have the chance to promote inclusivity and integration in their communities.
Stay tuned! As we highlight several different offices over the next several months. In the meantime, share with us your communities’ integration efforts for the opportunity to be featured in CLINIC’s monthly newsletter!
Program Director, Immigration Removal Defense
Building One Community (B1C) – The Center for Immigrant Opportunity is a non-profit organization established in 2011 to provide a comprehensive resource center for immigrants in the Stamford, Connecticut area. Our mission is to advance the successful integration of immigrants and their families.
Our Immigration Legal Services (ILS) program, founded in 2016, provides accessible legal services to lowincome immigrants and their families so that they understand their rights and feel safe pursuing available legal options. We are expanding our removal defense program by hiring a Director of Removal Defense and adding to the management and support functions of the ILS program.
Position Summary
The Program Director for Immigration Removal Defense will provide direct representation to B1C clients in complex immigration cases, including removal proceedings. Representation will initially be limited to non-detained cases. The Program Director will also help build B1C's ties with other public interest legal service providers in Connecticut to provide more representation in immigration court, and assist in building public opinion in favor of assured legal representation for immigrants facing deportation. This full-time position will report to the Deputy Director of B1C.
Essential Duties
- Represent Connecticut residents in removal proceedings before the Hartford Immigration Court, as well as potential appeals to the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) and the Second Circuit Court of Appeals while building a sustainable removal practice
- Represent individuals in a limited number of affirmative applications (those more at risk of removal) before the asylum office of USCIS in Newark, NJ and coordinate with the affirmative practice side on potential cases involving both affirmative and defensive aspects
- Provide or coordinate representation in state court for children for whom Special Immigrant Juvenile Status is sought
- Support the staff and volunteers on the removal defense team through regular supervision, case assistance, and mentorship
- Help create guidelines for deciding which cases receive full representation, pro se assistance, or no services
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date case information in the LawLogix program database
- Provide occasional community education sessions for immigrants regarding deportation, pathways to relief, and access to legal resources
- Working with the ILS Manager, occasionally collaborate with other organizations and pro bono attorneys to help build statewide capacity to provide legal representation in deportation cases and to help build public support for widespread free legal representation
Skills/Qualifications:
Required
- 3 -5 years of experience in immigration law
- Significant deportation defense work
- Admitted to practice law in any state (admission in Connecticut a plus); admitted or able to be admitted to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals
- Willingness to travel as needed to immigration court in Hartford, CT and occasionally to the asylum office in Newark, NJ using independent transportation
- English/Spanish language proficiency
- Strong written and oral communication skills
- Strong commitment to B1C’s mission
Strongly preferred
- Appellate experience
- Experience advocating for Special Immigrant Juveniles in state court
- Proven experience supervising staff in immigration cases
- Proven ability to work both independently and in a team setting
To apply for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter to jobs@b1c.org. Resumes without a cover letter will not be reviewed; no telephone calls please.
Building One Community is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Closing Date
Employment Type
Employment Level
Hours
Position
Organization
Job Location
Stamford, CT
United States
