2023 Department of Homeland Security Summer Honors Internship

The Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Office of the Chief Counsel (DHS/ICE) is currently seeking unpaid college/ master interns for the 2023 Summer Honors Internship Program. Students must be currently enrolled in an accredited college or master’s program on a part-time or full-time basis. The summer internship is ten weeks from approximately June to August 2023. Interns must commit to a weekly minimum of 40 hours for the Summer Internship. This internship can be completed for credit if your institution allows. Some of our former interns have been able to secure funding from their respective schools for this summer position.

 

The positions are within the Litigation Unit of ICE, which is located, either in Newark, NJ The duties include researching various issues raised by respondents in removal and deportation proceedings such as the filing of asylum applications, cancellation of removal and other relief applications. Students will research a myriad of issues, e.g., issues pertaining to foreign countries’ political systems, human rights condition, religious freedom, status of women, educational conditions, health care options, etc. In addition, legal interns may be required to assist attorneys in preparing cases for court hearings by contacting local, state, and federal agencies to obtain criminal records; to prepare evidentiary materials for filing with the court; and, on occasion, route telephone calls and walk-in inquiries. 

 

Interns will be given extensive training on immigration and criminal law. Students will be taught how to conduct direct and cross examination. In addition, students will be asked to help research human rights cases, national security cases, marriage fraud, and other types of adjustment cases. Interns will be taught to examine the Notice to Appear, our charging document and review these cases on legal sufficiency grounds.

 

There will be weekly brown bag lunches where we invite speakers from other DHS/ICE components such as deport officers from Enforcement Removal Operations (“ERO”), Homeland Security Investigations Agents (“HSI”), and outside speakers from private law firms and district attorney’s office to come and speak to our interns. Former interns, who are now in law school or working as attorneys or in other fields will provide trainings as well. 

 

           We encourage students, who are interested in developing their litigation skills to apply. Interns will be allowed to observe removal cases. Interns will assist in the preparation of cases for its final merits hearings.

1.             United States Citizen.

2.           Work 40 hours per week.

3.             Be familiar with internet research, Microsoft word, and Microsoft Excel.

4.             Have a GPA no lower than 3.5

5.             Prefer some type of Journal Experience (Law Review and other Journals) Moot Court/ Mock Trial Experience

6.             Strong writing skills

 

1.             Resume.

2.             Latest transcript.

3.             A writing sample of 5-10 pages

 

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/ICE.  Please note that background checks can take up to three months before an applicant is cleared. 

 

You can e-mail your application materials to Linda Chan, (Assistant Chief Counsel/ Intern Coordinator) to her below-listed address at:

 

 

If selected, you will get an e-mail for an interview. DHS is accepting applications until January 31, 2023. Interviews are conducted on a rolling basis until all positions are filled so it is better to submit your application materials as soon as possible. Interviews will be conducted from December 2023 to February 2023.

 

 

*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.