Volunteer Opportunities
The Binger Center collaborates with its partners to connect law students and community members with volunteer opportunities that protect and advance the rights of noncitizens. The Education & Outreach Program has initiated programs that were later established as ongoing Binger Center projects, such as the Translation and Interpretation Program and the Rural Immigrant Access Clinic. Incubated projects have also launched into ongoing programs housed by institutional partners, such as the Immigration Court Observation Project, now primarily overseen by The Advocates for Human Rights. Below you will find links to ongoing volunteer opportunities in immigration law, as well as links to current volunteer opportunities at partner organizations.
Translation and Interpretation Project
The Center seeks volunteers to be on-call for the Translation and Interpretation Project. Volunteers work with practicing immigration attorneys and law students and serve as an integral part of the interviewing team. No prior legal experience or knowledge of immigration law is required. Training provided. There is a particular need for volunteers who are fluent in Spanish, Karen, French, Arabic, Somali, Oromo, Amharic, or Kisii. If you are interested in volunteering with us, please fill out our Translation and Interpretation Project Initial Interest Form.
Human Rights Defender Project
This project is a collaboration of The Advocates for Human Rights, the University of Minnesota Law School James H. Binger Center for New Americans and Robins Kaplan LLP.
Court Observation
Court Observation volunteers bring transparency and accountability to the immigration system. Volunteer court observers attend hearings and report on issues of concern, including access to counsel, family and community support, and interpretation; the manner of arrest; and the ability of individuals to raise defenses to deportation. Get involved with the Court Observation opportunity.
Opportunities with Binger Center Partners
Learn more about opportunities to volunteer with organizations supporting immigrants in Minnesota:
- The Advocates for Human Rights
- Immigrant Law Center of Minnesota
- Mid-Minnesota Legal Aid
- Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
- Volunteer Lawyers Network
- International Institute of Minnesota
- Conversation with Friends
- IAFR Jonathon House
- Sarah’s…an Oasis for Women
Law students can earn course credit for legal internships with immigration organizations through Immigration Law Field Placements.