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Immigration Legal Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ogletree Deakins

Immigration Legal Writer 3

Washington, DC · On-site

$71K - $125K/yr

Position Summary The Immigration Legal Writer role is an exciting opportunity to grow your career with one of the largest law firms in the United States. Ogletree Deakins is an international law firm ...

Amigos de Guadalupe

Immigration Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Immigration Attorney Reports to: Director of Immigration Services Classification ... The ideal candidate will provide legal , and case management support to the most vulnerable ...

Amigos de Guadalupe

Immigration Attorney

San Jose, CA · On-site

$100K - $110K/yr

Job Title: Immigration Attorney Reports to: Director of Immigration Services Classification ... The ideal candidate will provide legal , and case management support to the most vulnerable ...

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Immigration Legal information

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$21K

$55.4K

$90K

How much do immigration legal jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration legal in the United States is $55,419.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40,000.00 and $62,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is immigration law a good career?

Immigration legal work involves advising clients on immigration policies, preparing documentation, and representing them in legal proceedings. It requires strong research, communication skills, and knowledge of immigration laws, often involving a demanding schedule but offering opportunities to make a meaningful impact. The field can be rewarding for those interested in human rights and international issues.

What are immigration legal professionals?

Immigration legal professionals are experts who assist individuals and organizations with legal matters related to immigration, such as visas, green cards, citizenship, and deportation defense. They can include immigration lawyers, legal assistants, paralegals, and accredited representatives. These professionals interpret and apply immigration laws, help clients complete paperwork, represent them in court or before government agencies, and provide guidance throughout the immigration process. Their work is essential for ensuring clients' rights are protected and that all procedures are followed correctly.

How to get a job as an immigration lawyer?

To become an immigration lawyer, you need to earn a bachelor's degree, complete a Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an accredited law school, and pass the state bar exam. Gaining experience through internships or clerkships in immigration law and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in this field.

What is the most an immigration lawyer can make?

The salary of an immigration lawyer varies based on experience, location, and whether they work in private practice or for an organization. Experienced immigration attorneys can earn from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually, with some top earners in large firms or specialized areas making higher incomes. Factors such as certifications, reputation, and client base influence earning potential.

What exactly do immigration lawyers do?

Immigration lawyers assist clients with visa applications, green cards, asylum, and other immigration processes by providing legal advice, preparing documentation, and representing clients in hearings or appeals. They ensure compliance with immigration laws and help navigate complex legal procedures, often requiring knowledge of relevant regulations and legal research.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in immigration legal roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in immigration legal roles often encounter challenges such as rapidly changing immigration laws, high caseloads, and emotionally charged situations with clients facing uncertainty. Managing these challenges requires staying updated on legal developments, maintaining strong organizational skills, and practicing empathy and clear communication with clients. Collaborating closely with colleagues and leveraging support networks within the firm or organization can also help manage workload and provide effective client service.

What is the difference between Immigration Legal vs Immigration Paralegal?

AspectImmigration LegalImmigration Paralegal
Required CredentialsLaw degree, bar admission, legal licenseAssociate degree or paralegal certification
Work EnvironmentLaw firms, government agencies, legal officesLegal support departments, law firms, immigration clinics
Employer & Industry UsageLegal professionals providing legal advice and representationAssist attorneys with case preparation and documentation

Immigration Legal professionals are licensed attorneys who provide legal advice, represent clients, and handle complex immigration cases. In contrast, Immigration Paralegals support attorneys by preparing documents, conducting research, and managing case files. While both roles work within the immigration industry, Immigration Legal professionals have legal authority and credentials, whereas Immigration Paralegals focus on administrative and support tasks.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Immigration Legal professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Immigration Legal professional, you need a strong understanding of immigration law, case management, and legal research, typically supported by a law degree or paralegal certification. Familiarity with legal databases, immigration case management software, and government filing systems is essential. Attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and excellent communication skills help build trust with clients and ensure accurate documentation. These skills are crucial for successfully navigating complex regulations and achieving positive outcomes for clients.
More about Immigration Legal jobs
What cities are hiring for Immigration Legal jobs? Cities with the most Immigration Legal job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Immigration Legal jobs? The most popular types of Immigration Legal jobs are:
What states have the most Immigration Legal jobs? States with the most job openings for Immigration Legal jobs include:
Immigration Legal jobs near you
Infographic showing various Immigration Legal job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $55,419 per year, or $26.6 per hour.
Paralegal, Immigration Legal Services

Paralegal, Immigration Legal Services

Jewish Family Service of San Diego

San Diego, CA • On-site

$23 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

Position Title: Paralegal
Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Department: Immigration Legal Services
Position Type: Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Non-Exempt
Work Setting: Fully Onsite
Reports To: Lead Paralegal
Pay Range: $23-$26/hour
Total Compensation:
In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:
  • Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
  • Generous employer 401(k) contributions
  • Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:
Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:
  • Paid vacation time and sick leave
  • 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
  • 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees' mental wellness

Position Overview:
JFS is looking for a compassionate, mission-driven individual to join the Immigration Legal Rights Program, Immigration Legal Services, team as the temporary Paralegal. Under the supervision of the Lead Paralegal, the temporary Paralegal is responsible for directly supporting the Immigrant Legal Rights Program (ILRP) staff. The temporary Paralegal supports with tasks related to legal representation to ILRP clients in immigration cases, which includes representation before EOIR, DHS, federal circuit courts, and state courts.
Responsibilities:
Under the supervision of Lead Paralegal, the temporary Paralegal will be responsible for:
  • Supporting with requests for case work assistance from ILRP attorneys and DOJ accredited representatives
  • Communicate with representatives of Immigration Court and various DHS agencies to advocate for and schedule meetings for ILRP clients
  • Manage all requests for services received by ILRP and coordinate the scheduling of legal screenings or dismissal of request, if applicant is not eligible for our services due to income or funding restrictions
  • Support our Intake and Referral Coordinator with the management of our general immigration phone line and email addresses, and request for services via postal mail
  • Provide and coordinate intakes for non-detained and detained potential ILRP clients
  • Coordinate the organization of all physical and electronic files
  • Help clients prepare immigration filings, including the completion of draft applications, motions, and declarations, for review by attorneys
  • Assist attorney and DOJ Accredited Representatives with the filing of FOIA requests and affirmative applications for cases s/he is supporting
  • Stay in constant communication with clients about the status of their pending immigration cases
  • Interpret during meetings and translate documents if you speak another language
  • Provide support to legal team with in-person visits to clients at Imperial Regional Detention Facility and Otay Mesa Detention Center. This will require flexibility in schedule as some of these visits may happen outside JFS business hours
  • Support the Lead Paralegal with maintaining the waiting list for intakes for potential clients detained at Otay Mesa Detention Center; coordinate with Otay Mesa staff to schedule weekly intakes for ILRP
  • Support with data entry for all ILRP cases
  • Provide administrative support to the attorneys and DOJ Accredited Representatives, such as the completion of mailings, scheduling, reimbursements, and assistance to our other immigration programs, as needed
  • Attend trainings on various aspects of immigration law to stay up to date with legal and policy changes

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have:
  • A passion for social justice for immigrants
  • A passion for providing culturally competent, trauma-informed, services to noncitizens and newcomers in San Diego County, Imperial County, and generally in the San Diego border region, including but not limited Tijuana/Mexicali, Mexico
  • Bachelor's degree
  • A paralegal certificate or equivalent experience
  • 1-2 years of work experience in a nonprofit setting
  • A willingness to attend immigration law trainings, including ethics trainings
  • A minimum of 1 years of experience with immigration law
  • Excellent interpersonal skills, including good communication and active listening skills
  • Detail oriented and self-directed with strong oral and written communication skills in English
  • An ability to record accurate data
  • Strong relational skills and professional attitude
  • Strong case management, legal research, and legal writing skills
  • A demonstrated ability and willingness to zealously defend the rights of immigrants
  • A demonstrated ability to take initiative and work under pressure
  • An ability to work both independently and in a group and with a team
  • An ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekend
  • Ability to prioritize, multi-task and organize in a fast paced and fluid environment.
  • Proficient in Microsoft software including Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • Program and project management experience and supervisory skills
  • A passion for our mission and work
  • Multilingual English/Arabic, Spanish, Farsi, Dari, Haitian Creole, French, Russian, and/or Portuguese - desired
  • Experience working with immigrant populations and in multi-cultural settings
  • Experience working with detained immigrants or other incarcerated populations
  • Experience working with marginalized populations and survivors of trauma
  • Dedication to serving immigrant communities with a sincere commitment to working on behalf of low-income immigrants

Skills/Abilities We'd Like You to Have:
  • A paralegal certificate or equivalent experience

Physical Requirements:
  • Occasional evening and weekend work may be required
  • Travel may be required for conferences, client meetings, court hearings, or community events

  • While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, and listen

  • The employee frequently needs to stand, walk, use hands and fingers to operate a keyboard, handle documents, and reach for the telephone or other office equipment

  • The work environment has a moderate noise level, requiring the ability to concentrate and maintain good auditory perception

  • The employee must have the ability to lift, push, or pull up to 25 pounds as needed. ding leg and spine

  • Reaching - Extending hand(s) and arm(s) in any directions

Other Duties:
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Important Notice:
Please submit a resume and cover letter on your application.
Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Please, principals only. Please, local candidates only (relocation is not provided).
About Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, more resilient community. For over 100 years, Jewish Family Service has been a trusted resource for the entire community, offering an array of services that are always life-changing, and often life-saving. At Jewish Family Service, we believe our employees are the backbone of our Agency. We strive to ensure that each employee is treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is your success. Come work at JFS and be our partner in Moving Forward Together. To learn more about JFS, please visit jfssd.org.
*Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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