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Immigration Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NYLAG has an immediate opening for an Immigration Policy Director (PD) who will lead systemic policy advocacy work both within NYLAG and in partnership with other immigration service providers in New ...

Monitor global regulatory developments and proactively adapt policies, playbooks, and tooling to ... D., immigration certification, or equivalent professional credential (e.g., AILA, CIPD)

... policies, playbooks, and tooling to mitigate risk and seize opportunities • Partner with Legal, People Partners, and Recruiting to solve complex immigration challenges and provide strategic ...

Maintain organized and confidential immigration files and records in accordance with company policies and legal requirements. Assist Human Resources with onboarding processes involving foreign ...

Support with strategic external messaging on issues of immigration policy and reform for the Immigrants' Rights Center in collaboration with communication and policy department * Help create and ...

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Immigration Policy information

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$33K

$73.9K

$115K

How much do immigration policy jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration policy in the United States is $73,895.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $48,000.00 and $90,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does immigration mean?

Immigration, in the context of an immigration policy role, refers to the process by which individuals move to a country to live and work permanently or temporarily. It involves laws and regulations that govern entry, stay, and rights of foreign nationals, often requiring knowledge of legal procedures, documentation, and compliance with government policies.

What do professionals working in immigration policy do?

Professionals in immigration policy analyze, develop, and implement laws and regulations related to the movement of people across borders. Their work often involves researching current immigration trends, advising lawmakers or organizations, and advocating for policy changes. They may focus on areas such as border security, refugee resettlement, or pathways to citizenship. These experts also monitor the impact of immigration policies on communities and help ensure compliance with national and international laws.

What's the hardest citizenship to get?

In the context of immigration policy, the hardest citizenship to obtain typically involves countries with strict residency requirements, lengthy processing times, and rigorous language or cultural tests. For example, some nations require 10 or more years of legal residence, high language proficiency, and extensive documentation, making their citizenship processes particularly challenging. These policies often reflect national security concerns or cultural preservation efforts.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in immigration policy roles?

Professionals in immigration policy often navigate complex and evolving regulations, requiring them to stay up-to-date with frequent policy changes at local, national, and international levels. They may also face the challenge of balancing stakeholder interests, including government agencies, advocacy groups, and affected individuals. Effective communication and analytical skills are essential, as the role frequently involves drafting policy recommendations, preparing reports, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, managing tight deadlines and high-profile cases can be demanding, but also provides opportunities for significant professional growth and impact.

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

To thrive as an Immigration Policy Analyst, you need a strong background in public policy, law, or international relations, often supported by a relevant degree or advanced certification. Expertise in data analysis software, legal research tools, and policy modeling systems is commonly required. Exceptional analytical thinking, written communication, and cultural sensitivity help professionals excel in this field. These skills are vital for developing effective, evidence-based immigration policies that address complex legal and societal issues.

Can ICE legally ask for ID?

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have limited authority to request identification during certain enforcement actions, such as during lawful arrests or investigations. However, individuals are generally not required to carry ID unless specified by state law or involved in specific activities. It is advisable to know your rights and consult legal guidance if unsure about interactions with ICE agents.

What is the difference between Immigration Policy vs Immigration Consultant?

AspectImmigration PolicyImmigration Consultant
Required CredentialsPolicy analysts often hold degrees in law, political science, or public administrationLicensed professionals with certifications in immigration consulting or law
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, or policy organizationsPrivate consulting firms, law offices, or government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageDevelops and analyzes immigration laws and regulationsAdvises clients on immigration options and application processes

In summary, Immigration Policy focuses on creating and analyzing immigration laws and regulations within government or research settings, while Immigration Consultants assist individuals with immigration applications and compliance. Both roles require specialized knowledge but serve different functions in the immigration industry.

Can I move to Canada without a job?

Immigration policy roles involve understanding visa requirements, but generally, moving to Canada without a job offer is possible through programs like Express Entry, which considers factors such as education, work experience, and language skills. Applicants often need to demonstrate sufficient funds and meet health and security criteria; however, having a job offer can simplify the process. Job seekers should review specific immigration pathways and eligibility requirements for their situation.
More about Immigration Policy jobs
What cities are hiring for Immigration Policy jobs? Cities with the most Immigration Policy job openings:
What states have the most Immigration Policy jobs? States with the most job openings for Immigration Policy jobs include:
Infographic showing various Immigration Policy job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, and 18% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,895 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Immigration Policy Director

NYLAG

Manhattan, NY • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Provide strategic leadership in identifying and responding to changes in immigration law and policy to support communities and advocates.

  • Engage in policy advocacy to advance immigrant justice and oppose rollbacks in protections, laws, and policies.

  • Coordinate meetings and summarize immigration-related policy and legislative changes for NYLAG and partner agencies.


Job description

About NYLAG:
Founded in 1990, NYLAG is a leading civil legal services organization combatting economic, racial, and social injustice by advocating for people experiencing poverty or in crisis. Our services include comprehensive, free civil legal services, financial empowerment, impact litigation, policy advocacy, and community partnerships. NYLAG exists because wealth should not determine who has access to justice. We aim to disrupt systemic racism by serving individuals and families whose legal and financial crises are often rooted in racial inequality. NYLAG goes to where the need is, providing services in more than 150 community sites (e.g. courts, hospitals, libraries) and on our Mobile Legal Help Center.  NYLAG’s staff of 410 impacted the lives of nearly 129,000 people last year.
Job description
NYLAG has an immediate opening for an Immigration Policy Director (PD) who will lead systemic policy advocacy work both within NYLAG and in partnership with other immigration service providers in New York. The PD will serve as an internal and external resource to build capacity, strategize priorities ripe for reform, and balance emergency response with long-term goals to advance immigrant justice.
This newly created role will support strategic inter-organizational coordination with over a dozen NYC legal service providers.
The Policy Director will report to a Vice President.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Provide strategic leadership in identifying and responding to changes in immigration law and policy to support communities and advocates.
  • Engage in policy advocacy to advance immigrant justice and oppose rollbacks in protections, laws, and policies.
  • Coordinate meetings and emails to digest, and summarize Executive Orders, policy and practice changes, proposed and adopted rule changes, and proposed and passed federal legislation pertaining to immigration law, border policy, litigation and case law updates, and enforcement action for NYLAG and partner agencies.
  • Coordinate and develop trainings and resources for internal and external providers to elevate practice in response to the changing environment.
  • Bring together partner agencies to share information and promote cross-collaborative spaces for immigration legal service providers to strategize on programmatic and policy work.
  • Alongside internal NYLAG units and external partners, identify opportunities to lead and/or collaborate in impact litigation cases.
  • Provide comments and testimony grounded in community experience, for issues related to immigration.
  • Serve as a resource for NYLAG and partner organizations to break down changes, impacts, advise on best practices and innovative responses; conduct legal and factual research; complete legislative and data analysis; and pursue advocacy opportunities as a collaborative.
  • Coordinate with local, state-wide, and national coalitions and networks.
  • Create public facing materials and information guides for communities and community partners.
  • Collaborate inter-agency to track and coordinate resources, capacity, and services of various partners to minimize repetition, identify gaps in need, and expand collective impact.  
  • Work closely with leadership, staff, and partners on the ground serving immigrant communities, to ensure priorities and work center the communities we serve and is informed by the realities of navigating our legal systems.
  • Assist with reporting.
Qualifications
  • Juris Doctorate, and admission in good standing to a Bar Association in the U.S.
  • Either:
    • A minimum of 10-15 years of experience in immigration law, a minimum of 8 years of which doing removal defense; or
    • A minimum of 10 years of experience with immigration policy and legislative advocacy or drafting, including work in coalitions towards the same;
  • Experience providing direct services to immigrant communities in New York, required.
  • Expertise building and managing relationships with legal and social service organizations, community-based organizations, and elected officials.
  • Project management experience, including building and adapting innovative programs, strongly preferred.
  • Dedication to advancing social, racial, and economic justice through direct service work and policy advocacy within communities.
  • Familiarity with the network of New York City services that serve immigrant New Yorkers.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Excellent writing skills.
  • Highly organized and able to juggle multiple priorities.
In addition, successful candidates will:
  • Demonstrate commitment to active mentorship of staff and effective team building cross units and organizations.
  • Be innovative and adaptable, including efficiently leveraging resources to strengthen our collective capacity to do our work.
  • Embrace incorporating perspectives of communities, community-based organizations, and stakeholders in setting advocacy goals and priorities.
  • Demonstrate ability to cultivate and develop inclusive and equitable working relationships with partners and community members.

NYLAG’s Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
NYLAG is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, people with disabilities, immigrants, veterans, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer people, and those with lived experiences in the communities we serve are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employment type:
Full-time
Professional Level:
Managerial
Salary Range: NYLAG is a unionized workplace, and salaries are set pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement. The current salary range for this position is $130,000 - $140,000.
Covid Vaccination Policy: Please note, to safeguard the health and well-being of our employees and clients, NYLAG requires all employees to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19, unless a medical or religious exemption is approved.
 

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