Internship Program

About the Organization

The National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights works to defend and expand the rights of all immigrants and refugees, regardless of immigration status. Since its founding in 1986, the organization has drawn membership from diverse immigrant communities, and actively builds alliances with social and economic justice partners around the country.  Through grassroots organizing, advocacy, research, and international collaboration, NNIRR fights for just immigration policies, fair border practices, and the protection of human rights for all migrants.

For more about NNIRR’s priorities:

  • Rights-Center Border Governance: NNIRR is a leading voice in raising awareness about the devastating consequences of militarized border policies—human rights violations, migrant disappearances, and the preventable tragedy of migrant deaths that continue to unfold every day. Interns will undertake research projects, strategic communications and network-building activities to advance this goal. 
  • International Human & Migrant Rights Work: NNIRR has been a pioneering force in advocating for the rights and dignity of migrants in the US and around the globe. As a founding member of Migrants Rights International (MRI),  NNIRR helped lay the groundwork for a unified, global network of migrant rights organizations and advocated for rights-affirming pathways for regular migration and regularization programs. As part of this work, interns will engage in gathering data gendered-sensitive protections for people on the move.

About the Internship

NNIRR offers academic internships for advanced undergraduate or graduate students who are passionate about immigrant and refugee rights. We offer 4 types of internship programs and offer 3 spaces for each program.

Internship programs typically last 3-4 months. We require a minimum of a 6 week commitment. This program is part-time and provides flexible hours and schedules. Interns can commit 8-20 hours per week. Interns may increase hours if needed for academic credit. Select full academic-year internships are available for interested and qualified students.

Location: Remote or Hybrid in Oakland, CA or El Paso, TX

Requirements:

Must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate program, or recently graduated

Minimum 6 week commitment (12 weeks preferred)

U.S.-based students only (international students must already reside in the U.S.)

Submit completed application form and resume 

Application Deadlines and Timeline:

Fall Internship:

Application Deadline:  July 25 

Interviews: July 28-30

Decision: August 01

Proposed Start Date (Flexible): August 30 

Spring Internship:

Application Deadline: November 30

Interviews December 3-5

Decision December 17

Proposed Start Date (Flexible): January 15 

Summer Internship:

Application Deadline: April 25 

Interviews: April 28-30

Decision: May 01

Proposed Start Date (Flexible): May 30 

Intership Program Positions

Communications
This intern will help shape NNIRR’s digital voice and enhance its advocacy reach. Key tasks include drafting and scheduling content across Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, and Bluesky; monitoring immigration news; supporting digital campaigns; and creating visuals using tools like Canva. Successful candidates are skilled writers and editors, familiar with social media platforms, visually creative, and passionate about immigrant justice and human rights. They should also be organized, deadline-oriented, and able to work independently.

Intership Application Process

To apply please fill out our application form and email your resume.

Application Form

Resume required; Cover Letter suggested

Please label attachments like this: LastName_FirstName_Resume.pdf

Submit your materials to: nnirr@nnirr.org

CC: Alma Maquitico (amaquitico@nnirr.org) & Amelie Resendiz (ajresendiz@nnirr.org)

Thank you!