
An LVC fellow would be an integral member of our team, working specifically to support individuals impacted by immigration detention. Every day the United States government incarcerates approximately 33,000 men and women in a vast network of over 250 facilities authorized to hold individuals in for civil violations of immigration law. LIRS believes that detention is an inhumane and fiscally irresponsible default response to migration in the U.S, and we strive to create a more just system that treats every individual with the respect they deserve. In response, LIRS advocates for the use of community based alternatives to immigration detention. Community based alternatives provides culturally appropriate case management, ongoing legal assistance, and housing to individuals who demonstrate a need for such services and are eligible to be released from detention. With access to holistic care, including but not limited to health care, educational opportunity, vocational training and employment skill building, spiritual support and social engagement, individuals eligible for community-based alternatives are empowered to integrate into their new surroundings and encouraged to fulfill ongoing legal expectations. The LVCer plays a critical role in this work by supporting national network communications and capacity building. This includes writing the network newsletter, responding to inquiries and directing stakeholders to appropriate resources, creating the development of resources and supporting the development of trainings in both live and webinar format.In collaboration with legal and social service providers in our Community Support and Detained Torture Survivor Networks, LIRS is implementing a community based alternatives model in 7 hub communities nation-wide. The LVC fellow would play an integral role in supporting the growth and development of the networks through creating resources, facilitating webinars, conducting research and providing ongoing technical support. This position includes several opportunities to be exposed to a range of projects with the Access to Justice unit of LIRS, thereby building various skills.