DUKE STUDENT IS LOOKING FOR INTERNSHIPS IN IMMIGRATION ADVOCACY AND POLICY

#engagementstory

By MAX LEISTEN

Finding an internship can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you’re looking for something paid. Where do you even begin? One junior, eager to break into immigration policy, was stuck in that exact spot. So, they did something different. They reached out. And the response? Not just advice, but a real opportunity. An expert who had spent years inside U.S. immigration services, who knew the system, who knew where to look. A lead on a summer internship, a chance to get their foot in the door.

Sometimes, the hardest part is knowing where to start. But the right person? They can point you exactly where you need to go.

Keep it simple,

Max

The "ask"

I am a junior at Duke University majoring in Political Science and Psychology. I’m particularly interested in Equity and Diversity, Social Policy, First Gen issues, and Latin America.

I’m reaching out because I’m passionate about immigration advocacy and policy and am considering a pre-law track. I’m hoping to find a work in this field this summer, but I’ve been struggling to find paid internships. I was hoping you might have some insights into other organizations or institutions I could explore for this summer.

Thank you so much for your time and any advice you can offer.

The "give"

Hi — I hope you’re doing well. There’s a chance I could be of help. I worked as an economist during my career and retired 2.5 years ago from my position at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, which is part of the Department of Homeland Security. (FYI I was also a political science major at Duke.) We used to have summer interns there (I presume they were paid). Perhaps they’ll have summer internship positions there this year.

FYI I worked in the Investor Program Office, which administers the EB-5 Program. It provides green cards for foreigners who invest at least $800K in a U.S. business. If 10 jobs for Americans are created by this investment, they get a permanent green card and a possible path to U.S. citizenship. I don’t know if the federal government is cutting jobs in this office, although it’s self-funding through visa application fees, so it receives no funds from Congress.

Please send me your resume; my e-mail address is ******@gmail.com. Also, tell me any other information which may be useful (such as what type of position you might ideally like. However, it might be a question of what is available.) Then I could check to see if they’ll have paid intern positions this summer and get back to you.

Best!

The feedback

I’ve enjoyed corresponding with her and will try to help her get a summer internship working in the immigration area. She has a very impressive resume and I’m happy to be of help!

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