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How much do immigrant rights jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigrant rights in Illinois is $59,099.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,100.00 and $71,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an immigrant rights advocate?

Immigrant rights advocates are professionals or activists who work to protect and promote the rights and well-being of immigrants. They provide legal assistance, education, and support to individuals navigating the immigration system, and may campaign for policy changes or improved access to resources. Their work often involves collaborating with community organizations, raising awareness about immigrant issues, and ensuring fair treatment for all people regardless of immigration status.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in immigrant rights advocacy roles?

Professionals in immigrant rights advocacy roles often navigate complex and evolving immigration laws, which can make it challenging to provide up-to-date guidance to clients. They may also encounter emotionally charged situations, such as assisting individuals facing deportation or family separation, requiring strong resilience and empathy. Additionally, collaboration with legal teams, social workers, and community organizations is common, necessitating strong communication and teamwork skills. Successfully advocating for clients often involves balancing high caseloads and working under tight deadlines, particularly when urgent legal interventions are needed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigrant rights advocate, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Immigrant Rights Advocate, you need a strong understanding of immigration law, case management, and advocacy, often supported by a degree in law, social work, or a related field. Familiarity with legal research databases, case management systems, and relevant certifications such as DOJ accreditation is typically required. Outstanding communication, cultural competence, and empathy are essential soft skills for effectively supporting clients and collaborating with diverse communities. These skills and qualities are crucial for ensuring fair representation, navigating complex legal systems, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of immigrants.

What are popular job titles related to Immigrant Rights jobs in Illinois?

For Immigrant Rights jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Immigrant Rights jobs in Illinois look for?

The top searched job categories for Immigrant Rights jobs in Illinois are:

Immigrant Rights jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigrant Rights job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,099 per year, or $28.4 per hour.

Senior Attorney NIJC

National Immigrant Justice Center

Chicago, IL • On-site

$81K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

About NIJC
The National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) advances human rights and due process for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers through direct legal services, impact litigation, advocacy, and public education. Headquartered in Chicago with offices in Washington, DC, Indiana, and San Diego, NIJC's team of over 100 attorneys, paralegals, and professionals, along with 2,000 pro bono attorneys, is at the forefront of immigration reform.
Job Summary:
NIJC seeks to fill senior attorney roles in several NIJC projects. Senior attorneys are experienced attorneys equipped to handle complex immigration matters with minimal supervision. Senior attorneys may do some supervision but are primarily tasked with advanced legal work. Senior attorneys provide legal consultations, advice, and representation to low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers before governments agencies and the federal courts. Some senior attorneys provide technical support to pro bono attorneys assigned to NIJC matters.
Projects for which NIJC is hiring senior attorneys:
  • Immigrant Legal Defense (Spanish required) - NIJC's Immigrant Legal Defense Project seeks an experienced attorney to provide training and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys representing in affirmative applications for immigration relief, including asylee/refugee adjustment of status and family petitions, U visa, VAWA, and DACA. The attorney will also provide direct representation in affirmative immigration applications and removal proceedings.
  • Asylum (Spanish preferred) - NIJC's Asylum Project seeks an experienced attorney to provide technical assistance to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC cases and develop training materials for pro bono attorneys. The attorney may also provide direct representation in some matters before government agencies and the federal courts. NIJC's Asylum Project serves asylum seekers fleeing persecution, with a focus on the representation in complex matters involving children, families, and adults.
  • Detention (Spanish required) - NIJC's Detention Project seeks an experienced attorney with detained removal defense and other relevant immigration experience to serve as a senior attorney for capacity building. This position will build capacity for high-quality free legal services to detained immigrants. This position will expand representation of detained Illinois residents and support efforts across partner organizations by providing mentorship, sharing resources, and organizing relevant trainings. This position will also support the training needs of NIJC legal staff.
  • Children's Protection (Spanish required) - NIJC's Children's Protection Project seeks experienced attorneys to work on NIJC's new school-based helpdesk project. These attorneys will embed at Chicago Public School sites where they will provide legal services - including Know Your Rights presentations, legal consultations, and limited and full representation - to students and their families.
  • Children's Protection (Spanish preferred) - NIJC's Children's Protection Project seeks an experienced attorney to provide training and technical assistance to pro bono attorneys representing children and young people in applications for immigration relief, particularly in state court predicate orders for Special Immigrant Juvenile Status, and asylum applications. The attorney may also provide direct representation in some matters before government agencies and state courts.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Conducts preliminary intake interview, gathers all relevant facts for case evaluation.
  • Makes assessment of income eligibility and makes appropriate referrals for those not eligible for services.
  • Develops and implements complex case strategies in consultation with supervisor.
  • Prepares cases for interview or hearing, including drafting legal papers, conducting client advocacy, presenting evidence, etc. in accord with the Code of Professional Responsibility for the legal profession.
  • Carries a volume of work as determined by supervisor. Has in-depth knowledge of legal and other resources. Provides technical support to pro bono counsel assigned to NIJC matters.
  • Remains current on immigration law, policies and procedures.
  • Remains current on implications of criminal and civil law as it applies to the representation of immigrants.
  • Develops and maintains professional relationships with government agencies and relevant stakeholders.
  • Explains immigration law and the work of NIJC to the public, including public speaking.
  • In accord with the ethical standards required of the legal profession, the Code of Professional Responsibility, preserves client confidentiality, accounts for client monies, and avoids conflict of interest.
  • Maintains complete and accurate client records. Prepares timely statistical reports. Conducts periodic case audits.
  • Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned. May conduct training sessions as assigned.
  • Identifies trends and recurring legal and social concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
  • Adheres to professional standards as outlined by governmental bodies, (and/or other appropriate professional associations), private funding sources, Organization plans/policies and Unit guidelines. Participates in periodic evaluative reviews and/or in-house and external staff training to ensure that she/he understands and continues to adhere to such standards. Initiates requests for assistance or guidance from Supervisor to address new issues or complex concepts affecting adherence to professional standards.
  • Other duties may be assigned.

Skills and Competencies
  • Maintains complete and accurate client records.
  • Participates in training on immigration procedures as assigned. May conduct training sessions and develop materials as assigned.
  • Identifies trends and recurring legal concerns. Recommends strategies for solutions and other needed advocacy.
  • Ability to thrive in fast-paced environments and adapt quickly to change.
  • Self-motivated and committed to immigrant advocacy.
  • Ability to build and maintain productive relationships with colleagues internally and outside of the organization.
  • Meticulous attention to detail, clear communication, and effective time management.
  • Excellent public speaking and interpersonal skills.

Qualifications:
  • Education and/or Experience: Juris Doctorate Degree required. At least three years of practicing law with a preference in immigration and/or human rights law. Self-motivated. Committed to human rights and civil liberties advocacy. Ability to represent individuals in complex cases and to formulate and implement sophisticated legal strategies.
  • Language Skills: High proficiency or fluency in Spanish required for some senior attorney positions. Excellent writing and analytical skills. Ability to communicate effectively in legal and non-legal settings with a wide range of audiences. Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to draft reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
  • Reasoning Ability: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form

How to Apply
Please Include:
  1. Your resume
  1. A brief cover letter that highlights the positions in which you are interested, why the work resonates with you, and any experience that connects to NIJC's mission and the responsibilities of the position.

Physical Abilities Statement
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.
  • The person in this position occasionally needs to move about the inside of the office to access filing cabinets, office machinery, etc.
  • Constantly operates a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a copy machine.

It is the policy of NIJC not to discriminate against any applicant for employment, or any employee because of age, color, sex, disability, national origin, race, religion, or veteran status. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
For any technical issues please contact
By submitting your application, you acknowledge and consent to undergo a comprehensive background check as part of the employment process. This background check will be conducted in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

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