1

Asylum Jobs in Ohio (NOW HIRING)

Litigation Paralegal

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$70K - $85K/yr

With over 60 years of combined experience, the firm handles a wide range of cases, including work visas, permanent residency, asylum, deportation, and naturalization. The team operates from offices ...

Machine Operator

Fairfield, OH · On-site

$16 - $19/hr

S. citizen,Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), orIndividual granted asylum or refugee status under U.S. law.Applicants who do not meet these requirements cannot be considered.

S. under asylum or refugee status. Desired * 10+ years in relevant career experience. * Consultancy experience with at least one prior employer. * Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

S. citizen,Lawful permanent resident (Green Card holder), orIndividual granted asylum or refugee status under U.S. law.Applicants who do not meet these requirements cannot be considered.

next page

Showing results 1-20

Asylum information

See Ohio salary details

$29.7K

$49.2K

$80K

How much do asylum jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for asylum in Ohio is $49,239.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $36,564.00 and $63,988.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an asylum officer?

Asylum officers are trained government officials who evaluate applications from individuals seeking asylum in a country, typically because they fear persecution in their home country due to race, religion, nationality, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group. These officers conduct interviews with applicants, assess their credibility, and determine whether they meet the legal definition of a refugee. Their decisions can grant asylum, refer cases to immigration courts, or deny claims, depending on the evidence and circumstances. Asylum officers play a critical role in ensuring that those who genuinely need protection receive it under the law.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an asylum officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Asylum Officer, you need a background in law, international relations, or social sciences, along with knowledge of immigration policies and procedures. Proficiency in case management systems, legal research databases, and sometimes foreign languages is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for interviewing applicants and making sound decisions. These skills ensure fair, thorough, and efficient evaluation of asylum claims, which is critical for protecting vulnerable individuals and upholding legal standards.

What are some common challenges faced by asylum officers during the interview and decision-making process?

Asylum officers often encounter challenges such as navigating complex and sensitive personal histories, working with interpreters, and balancing empathy with objectivity. They must thoroughly assess the credibility of applicants' claims while adhering to strict legal frameworks and tight timelines. Additionally, officers must remain updated on changing country conditions and policies, which can impact case outcomes. Collaboration with legal advisors and other officers is essential to ensure fairness and accuracy in decisions.

What is the difference between Asylum vs Immigration Specialist?

AspectAsylumImmigration Specialist
Required CredentialsLegal education, law degree, bar admission often preferredLegal or immigration-related certifications, training in immigration law
Work EnvironmentLegal offices, NGOs, government agenciesGovernment agencies, law firms, immigration service providers
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on asylum cases and refugee statusHandles broader immigration processes including visas, green cards, and asylum

While both roles involve immigration law, an Asylum specialist primarily focuses on refugee and asylum cases, providing legal assistance to individuals seeking protection. An Immigration Specialist handles a wider range of immigration services, including visas and permanent residency. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

How do I become an asylum officer?

To become an asylum officer, candidates typically need a bachelor's degree and relevant experience in immigration, law, or social services. The hiring process involves applying through federal job portals, passing written exams, interviews, and background checks, and often requires knowledge of immigration laws and strong communication skills.

What are popular job titles related to Asylum jobs in Ohio?

For Asylum jobs in Ohio, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Asylum job openings in Ohio as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 80% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,239 per year, or $23.7 per hour.

Staff Attorney- Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group

Dayton, OH • On-site

Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.
Legal Services • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Medical, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Position Available:
STAFF ATTORNEY
Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights Practice Group
Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. (ABLE) is a regional non-profit law firm. Our mission is to pursue justice and equity, facilitate access to opportunities for people with low incomes through passionate legal representation, and provide steadfast advocacy for systemic reform. ABLE is affiliated with Legal Aid of Western Ohio (LAWO), also a regional non-profit law firm that provides legal assistance.
Job Summary:
The Agricultural Worker and Immigrant Rights (AIR) Practice Group provides high-quality legal representation to immigrants and agricultural workers throughout Ohio while advocating for systemic change to protect the rights of vulnerable communities. ABLE is seeking a passionate Staff Attorney to represent clients in immigration and immigration-related civil rights matters before administrative agencies and state and federal courts.
This position will serve as the primary AIR attorney representing clients in Springfield and Lima during a pivotal period for immigration advocacy in these communities. Springfield has become a focal point of the national conversation surrounding immigration, creating a unique opportunity for an attorney committed to advancing justice for immigrant communities. The attorney will provide direct legal representation in a variety of humanitarian immigration matters while collaborating with AIR's litigation team on systemic advocacy to protect civil and due process rights.
The successful candidate will work closely with attorneys, paralegals, community partners, and client groups to provide legal services, conduct outreach, and build trusted relationships within immigrant communities. This position is ideal for an attorney who is passionate about combining direct representation with community engagement and impact litigation to advance equity and justice.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES (other duties as assigned):
  • Provide high-quality legal representation to eligible clients in immigration matters before USCIS, EOIR, and when appropriate, state and federal courts.
  • Represent clients in matters including U Visas, T Visas, affirmative and defensive asylum, Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS), VAWA self-petitions, and related immigration relief.
  • Collaborate with the AIR litigation team to advance civil rights and due process protections through strategic litigation and systemic advocacy.
  • Conduct client interviews, legal research, case preparation, negotiations, and hearings.
  • Coordinate and participate in pro se asylum clinics and other community legal clinics based on client needs.
  • Conduct outreach and build collaborative relationships with immigrant communities, community organizations, and service providers.
  • Educate community members regarding immigration rights and available legal resources.
  • Maintain a strong working knowledge of immigration law, immigration court procedures, and relevant federal and state laws.
  • Handle a reasonable caseload and advocacy projects commensurate with skill and experience.
  • Participate in Practice Group initiatives that support ABLE's Strategic Advocacy Initiatives.
  • Complete required administrative tasks, including case management, timekeeping, and reporting requirements.
SCOPE amp; IMPACT:
The Staff Attorney plays a vital role in protecting the legal rights of immigrants and advancing equal access to justice throughout western Ohio. Through direct representation, community outreach, and systemic advocacy, this position helps safeguard vulnerable populations while strengthening relationships with immigrant communities and promoting meaningful policy change.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
  • Juris Doctor (JD) from an accredited law school.
  • Licensed to practice law in Ohio or eligible for admission by motion, temporary certification, or passage of the next Ohio bar examination.
  • Strong commitment to ABLE's mission, Strategic Advocacy Initiatives, and serving immigrant and low-income communities.
  • Excellent legal research, writing, analytical, negotiation, and oral advocacy skills.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment, professionalism, and initiative while managing a diverse caseload.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build trust among diverse cultural and linguistic communities.
  • Ability and willingness to travel throughout ABLE's service area.
  • Fluency in Spanish, French, or Haitian Creole
PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:
  • Three (3) years of experience practicing immigration law preferred.
  • Experience representing clients before USCIS and EOIR.
  • Experience conducting community outreach and building partnerships with community organizations.
  • Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or underserved populations.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • May supervise paralegals or legal assistants as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
  • Work is performed in a normal office environment.
  • Requires frequent sitting, keyboarding, and face-to-face or phone communication.
  • Must possess a valid driver's license and be insurable.
  • May require walking several blocks or overnight travel.
  • New staff are required to work in the office full-time during their first 90 days of employment. Following this onboarding period, a hybrid work schedule is available with a minimum of two in-office days per week.
COMPENSATION, BENEFITS AND WORK LOCATION:
ABLE is committed to providing an equitable work environment, including a commitment to pay equity. The annual salary range for this position starts at $68,000.00. ABLE offers comprehensive fringe benefits, including health insurance, annual leave, sick leave, supplemental language compensation, loan repayment assistance for attorneys through the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation and paid parental leave. This position is based out of our Dayton, Ohio office. The successful candidate will primarily serve clients in Springfield, Lima, and Dayton, with travel required to those communities, courts, and USCIS offices as necessary.
OTHER DUTIES: Please note this job posting is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the incumbent for this job. ABLE can revise or eliminate the requirements and responsibilities of this position at any time to reflect its needs and objectives. ABLE will notify affected employees of any changes and the effective date of such changes.
TO APPLY: Please visit https://www.ablelaw.org/careers-with-able to submit your application. The position will remain open until it is filled.
ABLE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to create an environment welcoming to all individuals. Applicants requiring accommodation for the interview/application process should contact the recruitment coordinator at hrteam@ablelaw.org.