ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Immigration Policy Research Assistant Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NYLAG

Immigration Policy Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

... research; complete legislative and data analysis; and pursue advocacy opportunities as a ... * Assist with reporting. Qualifications * Juris Doctorate, and admission in good standing to a Bar ...

NYLAG

Immigration Policy Director

Manhattan, NY · On-site

NYLAG has an immediate opening for an Immigration Policy Director (PD) who will lead systemic ... research; complete legislative and data analysis; and pursue advocacy opportunities as a ...

Federal Reserve System

Research Assistant

Chicago, IL · On-site

$75K/yr

As a Research Assistant, you will gain hands-on experience across the research process, including ... You will contribute to both long-term research and timely policy analysis while building the ...

Visatopia

China Law Research Assistants

California, MO · On-site

$17.25 - $23.75/hr

Conduct in-depth research on China's foreign direct investment laws, visa and immigration policies ... actionable insights. * Assist Chinese clients to prepare EB5 and L1 source‑of‑fund ...

PHEAA

Policy Research Analyst

Harrisburg, PA · On-site

$71K/yr

Participate in and contribute to relevant meetings to assist areas outside of State Grant and Special Programs with their research and policy needs. Forecast staffing needs for the State Grant and ...

Pheaa

Policy Research Analyst

Harrisburg, PA · Hybrid

$71K/yr

Participate in and contribute to relevant meetings to assist areas outside of State Grant and Special Programs with their research and policy needs. Forecast staffing needs for the State Grant and ...

The Texas A&M University System

Research Assistant

Bryan, TX · On-site

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Job Title Research Assistant Agency Texas A&M Transportation Institute Department Pavement ... Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult ...

Tamus

Research Assistant

Bryan, TX · Hybrid

$17.75 - $24.50/hr

Job Title Research Assistant Agency Texas A&M Transportation Institute Department Pavement ... Therefore, if you need immigration sponsorship for your employment, we recommend that you consult ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsLegal JobsLegal Specialist JobsImmigration Specialist JobsImmigration Policy Research Assistant Jobs

Immigration Policy Research Assistant information

See salary details

$33K

$73.9K

$115K

How much do immigration policy research assistant jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for immigration policy research assistant 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 an immigration policy research assistant do?

An Immigration Policy Research Assistant supports research projects related to immigration laws, policies, and their social or economic impacts. They gather and analyze data, review academic and policy literature, and help prepare reports or presentations for policymakers or advocacy organizations. Their work often involves tracking legislative developments, conducting interviews or surveys, and providing administrative support to senior researchers. This role is essential for informing effective policy decisions and public understanding of immigration issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an immigration policy research assistant?

To thrive as an Immigration Policy Research Assistant, you need strong analytical skills, knowledge of policy analysis, and a relevant degree in political science, public policy, or a related field. Familiarity with data analysis software (such as Stata or SPSS), literature review tools, and government databases is typically required. Excellent written communication, attention to detail, and teamwork are essential soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating with stakeholders. These skills and qualities are crucial for producing accurate, impactful research that informs policy decisions and supports organizational goals.

What are some common challenges faced by immigration policy research assistants when gathering and analyzing data?

Immigration Policy Research Assistants often encounter challenges such as accessing reliable and up-to-date data, navigating complex legal and policy documents, and synthesizing information from diverse sources. Additionally, they must ensure that their analyses are objective and free from bias, which can be difficult given the sensitive nature of immigration topics. Collaborating with policy analysts, legal experts, and advocacy groups is common, and effective communication is key to successfully presenting findings to both technical and non-technical audiences.

What is the difference between Immigration Policy Research Assistant vs Immigration Analyst?

AspectImmigration Policy Research AssistantImmigration Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or related fieldBachelor's or master's degree in law, public policy, or related area
Work EnvironmentResearch institutions, government agencies, NGOsGovernment agencies, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in research and policy development rolesIn policy analysis, program evaluation, and immigration data interpretation
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in immigration policy researchComparing research and analytical positions in immigration

While both roles involve immigration and policy work, Immigration Policy Research Assistants focus on supporting research projects and data collection, whereas Immigration Analysts analyze immigration data and develop policy recommendations. The roles often overlap in skills and work environments but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are popular job titles related to Immigration Policy Research Assistant jobs?

For Immigration Policy Research Assistant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Immigration Policy Research Assistant job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,895 per year, or $35.5 per hour.

Immigration Policy Director

Manhattan, NY • On-site

New York Legal Assistance Group
Legal Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about New York Legal Assistance Groupexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 21 days ago

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.

Apply