How to Become an Immigration Paralegal

Immigration paralegals work with attorneys to draft documents, conduct research and prepare for trials involving citizenship, immigration, and naturalization matters. They may also be responsible for issuing subpoenas, preparing for trial and serving as a liaison between their clients and the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the Department of Homeland Security.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Earn a degree in paralegal studies or other related field. Most immigration paralegals hold a specialized paralegal certificate or a two-year college degree in a discipline that covers the structure, terminology and processes of the state and local courts and government.

2. Gain an understanding of the issues related to immigration law. An immigration paralegal should also understand the procedures and functions of the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Naturalization Service. An immigration paralegals must also familiarize himselfwith immigration, naturalization, citizenship and amnesty application processes. Other important areas are international adoption and family law issues as they relate to immigration.

3. Develop your writing, research and organizational skills. Immigration paralegals are responsible for drafting petitions for drafting petitions for citizenship and amnesty, appeals to INS decisions and correspondence to clients whose native language may not be English. It is important for immigration paralegals to have strong communication skills.

References

• Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition - Paralegals and Legal Assistants
• Immigration Law

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