Name: Afiya Khan
Class Year: 2025
Major: Psychology
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
Internship Organization: Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN)
Job Title: Legal Intern
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
This summer, I had the privilege of interning with the Georgia Asylum and Immigration Network (GAIN), a legal non-profit based in Atlanta, Georgia. GAIN supports asylum-seekers and immigrant survivors of crime and persecution through two crucial programs: Asylum and Victims of Violence. As a legal intern, I primarily worked under the Asylum program, which is dedicated to offering pro bono representation to immigrants seeking refuge in the United States. My responsibilities included conducting legal research for country condition reports, preparing documentation for asylum and Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applications, and assisting with daily organizational tasks, such as data entry or file organization.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied to this internship position to gain an introduction to the legal field, specifically focusing on immigration law. As an undergraduate aspiring to pursue a career in law, I sought to find an internship that could act as a starting point for gaining practical experience. This internship provided me with amazing insights into the inner workings of a legal office, the daily responsibilities of attorneys and allowed me to gain meaningful advice from my supervisors on how to succeed in the legal profession.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
During my internship, there have been many memorable experiences, but if I were to pinpoint my absolute favorite part, it would undoubtedly be the opportunity to work with the legal team at GAIN. From my first day in the office, I was warmly welcomed and given the chance to contribute to real, meaningful, and impactful projects. The advice and mentorship I received from my supervisors and the other interns were invaluable, as they helped me develop my research skills, build on my knowledge of immigration law, and encouraged me to continue pursuing a career path in the legal field. Being surrounded by individuals who were passionate about their work and willing to share their knowledge was inspiring, and it made me eager to learn and grow throughout the entire internship journey.
What is something you have learned from your internship that you didn't expect?
Throughout my experience, I expected to learn about the intricacies of immigration law and gain insight into the asylum application process. However, what truly surprised me was the significant burden of fees associated with seeking asylum in the United States. As I delved deeper into the process, I discovered a multitude of filing fees that applicants are required to pay, which can be a substantial financial barrier for individuals already in dire situations. Witnessing this firsthand has encouraged me to explore the policy aspects of immigration law and advocate for reforms that make the process more accessible and equitable for those seeking refuge. As an aspiring legal professional, this internship has inspired me to delve further into the complexities of immigration policies and consider ways to ease the financial burden on applicants. I hope to advocate for positive change, working towards a system that prioritizes compassion and support for individuals fleeing persecution. As I move forward in my legal journey, I am committed to seeking opportunities that aim to support vulnerable communities and increase accessibility in legal processes.
Visit the Summer Internship Stories page to read more about student internship experiences.