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2026 DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

SUMMER HONORS INTERNSHIP

            Are you a driven and passionate law student eager to delve into the complexities of immigration and criminal law?  The Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Principal Legal Advisor (DHS/OPLA) is excited to offer an unparalleled internship/ externship opportunity for the summer semester, designed for students passionate about litigation and human rights. 

 

Position:                       College/Graduate Intern/Extern 

Location:                      DHS/OPLA, 970 Broad Street, Rm. 1300, Newark, NJ 07102

Duration:                      June – August 2026 (10–12-week Internship)

Hours:                          40 hours per week (in-office)

Compensation:         Unpaid/ Credit available if your Law School offers externship credit

 

POSITION:

            As a College/Graduate Intern, you will engage directly in pressing legal matters affecting individuals in removal proceedings.  This internship/externship is designed for those who are eager to explore the intersections of human rights, national security, and immigration law. Your work will directly contribute to impactful legal proceedings and provide a robust foundation for your future career.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Deep Dive into Legal Research: Conduct in-depth research on critical issues such as asylum, cancellation of removal, adjustment of status, VAWA, and special waivers.  Explore the nuances of human rights and national security concerns, contributing to significant arguments and trial strategies. Complete specific projects related to your area of interest within the internship framework.

 

  • Litigation Training and actual Courtroom Experience: Shadow trial attorneys in both master and merits hearings. Obtain significant training on how to conduct direct examinations, cross-examinations, utilize objections in court, and impeach witnesses.

 

  • Support Trial Attorneys: Assist Trial Attorneys by obtaining crucial criminal records from various agencies, drafting legal pre-trial motions, and preparing comprehensive briefs. Your research and writing will play a key role in shaping legal arguments and case outcomes.     

 

  • Substantive Training: receive extensive training in immigration. criminal law and litigation, gaining insights into complex legal procedures and strategic decision-making. This is an invaluable opportunity to refine your legal skills and apply them in real-world scenarios.

 

  • Experience: Interns will be taught to examine the Notice to Appear, our charging document and review these cases on legal sufficiency grounds.  Interns will learn how to draft motions and prepare country packets.

 

  • Live Speakers: Attend live speaker sessions featuring former interns and other attorneys from big law firms and government agencies. You will have the opportunity to engage in networking opportunities and question sessions with past interns and current professionals

 

  • Field Trips: Participate in field trips to learn about other DHS Components such as: Newark Airport Trip with CBP, HSI Office, Newark asylum office (USCIS), Deport.

 

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:

  • Bright and Driven: We seek enthusiastic students who are proactive, self-motivated, and eager to tackle challenging legal issues.

 

  • Experienced Writers: Ideal candidates will have substantive experience, with a preference for those involved in a journal or law review. Your ability to craft compelling legal arguments will be crucial.

 

  • Litigation Enthusiasts: We value students with a keen interest in criminal and immigration law, who are excited about developing their litigation skills and making a meaningful impact. Public speaking experience in mock trial/ speech and debate preferred.

 

BENEFITS:

  • Professional Development: Gain firsthand experience in a government legal environment developing a deep understanding of immigration and criminal law.

 

  • Mentorship: Work closely with experienced and seasoned trial attorneys who will guide you through complex legal matters and provide valuable feedback.

 

  • Impactful work: Contribute to high-stakes cases that have real-world implications, shaping the legal landscape and advocating for justice.

 

APPLICATION PROCESS: 

  • To apply, interested candidates should submit the following: 1) a resume, 2) a 5–10-page writing sample and 3) a transcript. Please include “2026 DHS Summer Honors Internship” in the subject line and email it to Linda.H.Chan@ice.dhs.gov

 

  • If selected, you will get an e-mail or phone call to participate in a video interview. DHS is accepting applications until March 7, 2025. The interviews and hirings will be conducted on a rolling basis, so it is better to submit your application materials as soon as possible. 

 

  • Applicants will need to complete a full background check, which may include a drug screen and a credit check, prior to commencing an internship with DHS.  Background checks can take up to three months before an applicant is cleared.

 

*This position meets the US Department of Labor Federal Internship Guidelines.   Students can be awarded credit if their school allows for credit.  The training, even though it includes actual operation of our agency is similar to training provided in an educational program. Interns are taught the basics of criminal, immigration law and trial advocacy skills (how to conduct a direct and cross-examination, how to conduct a bond hearing, cross-examine an expert witness). Interns participate in mock hearings to hone their litigation skills. The intern does not perform the routine work of the business on a regular basis, and the business does not depend upon the work of the intern. Our work focuses on conducting courtroom hearings and writing briefs which does not depend on the work of the intern. Most of the training provided for the interns is for the intern to gain new skills, advanced knowledge in learning how to read caselaw and the training is solely for the benefit of the intern. Any benefit to our agency is merely incidental. In this internship, the intern does not displace regular employees and works under close supervision. Interns are provided with the firsthand opportunity to observe courtroom hearings and other immigration proceedings.