USCIS History Office and Library Internship Program
Description
The USCIS History Office and Library preserves and promotes understanding of USCIS history and the histories of its predecessor agencies and programs. Student Interns will assist the History Office and Library staff in providing well-researched responses to reference requests, performing primary source research both in the library’s collection and at the National Archives, developing content for the USCIS History and Genealogy website and social media feeds, and processing items for the library’s digital and physical collections.
Program Length
A commitment of at least 130 hours. Internships may be performed over a semester period, an academic year, or another agreed upon timeframe.
Component
USCIS History Office and Library, International and Interagency Information Sharing Branch (IIISB), Identity and Information Management Division (IIMD), Immigration Records and Identity Services Directorate (IRIS).
Location
Camp Springs, Maryland (Washington, D.C. area)
Salary
Unpaid
Eligibility Requirements
To be considered you must:
- Be a U.S. citizen
- Be able to obtain and hold a security clearance
- Be a student accepted for enrollment or enrolled at least half-time at a college, university, or other accredited educational institution
- Preference is given to scholars currently enrolled in graduate-level programs related to public history, history, museum studies, library science, or archival studies and upper level undergraduate students majoring in history or related fields requiring strong research and writing skills. Students must be in good academic standing with their institution
Application Deadline
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please note that selected candidates are required to complete a background check that may take several weeks to complete. Applications should be submitted at least 4 months prior to the applicant’s desired start date.
Application Requirements and How to Apply
To apply, students must submit a resume, cover letter, an unofficial copy of their transcripts and a completed application form to cishistory.library@uscis.dhs.gov. Cover letters should explain the applicant’s interest in the position and qualifications. Only email applications will be considered.
Students will have the opportunity to:
- Enhance and build upon current educational or professional experiences and/or expertise related to library science, historical research and the development of historical publications and online exhibits
- Apply academic learning to real-world projects and assignments
- Develop workplace skills and acquire specific experience needed to pursue professional goals
- Explore the federal work environment and learn about the history, mission, and responsibilities of USCIS
Students should accomplish the following during their Internships:
- Contribute substantially to research projects related to the history of USCIS, its predecessor agencies, or federal immigration and naturalization policies in general.
- Perform original research in USCIS and legacy agency records located at the National Archives
- Propose and develop content suitable for the USCIS History and Genealogy website and social media feeds
- Assist in the processing and maintenance of the library’s digital and physical collections
- Become knowledgeable of USCIS’s history and mission
All materials produced by Student Interns while working at USCIS become the property of USCIS and will be maintained by the USCIS History Office and Library.
- Student Interns are unpaid and not entitled to benefits through the federal government as they are not federal employees.
- Unpaid Student Interns are protected in the event of job-related injuries under the Federal Torts Reform Act.
- Relocation expenses and recruitment incentives are not paid for Student Interns.