Hello! My name is Vy-An (pronounced vee-on), and I am a rising junior. I am studying sociology with a concentration in criminology and minoring in social justice and constitutional studies. Phew! I know that is long.
It was a challenge seeking a host site, but I landed an internship with IRCO Immigration Legal Services (ILS). I recently started this internship, and I have been working remotely. Despite the late start, I got exposed to a lot of information that I am still processing. So far, I have learned about immigration laws and their challenges, experience life as an immigrant lawyer, and communicating with non-English speaking clients.
IRCO Immigration Legal Services (ILS) has been doing legal work over the past 13 plus years. The first Refugee Adjustment Day at IRCO began in 2007. This program started with Board of Immigration Appeals accredited reps- non-attorneys who have enough education and experience in immigration law to provide immigration legal services. The ILS program was official when they had their first attorney in Fall 2017. And in Spring 2019, they brought in a second attorney.
IRCO’s ILS program has three areas of focus: know your rights (outreach, education, and information hub), navigations (connecting community members to legal services), and direct services (affirmative applications to USCIS and removal defense). The ILS program works alongside and supports other IRCO’s internal programs- senior refugee services, domestic violence, and anti-trafficking.
During my time here, I have been alternating between the affirmative and removal defense side of work. I am currently working alongside the removal defense attorney and have been doing background researching for a case. The removal defense side of work focuses on deportation defense at Portland Immigration Court. I enjoy this side of work since I get a better understanding of what asylum seekers go through. Also, I get to do legal research and (possibly) go to court to see my supervisor in action. But overall, before starting this internship, I did not realize how difficult it was for immigrants to become US citizens. The process is complex.
I am content and grateful to work with the IRCO Immigration Legal Services team and I look forward to continuing interning with them for the rest of the summer, learning more about life as a lawyer, and more about immigration law!