Project Background
The immigration debate—one already burdened with deep partisanship—has become increasingly high profile under the Trump administration. Both Democrats and Republicans use the issue to rally their electoral bases. Public interest continues to pressure Congress to act on immigration, but efforts have been unsuccessful so far and many whose immigration status is in the balance remain in limbo. The project aims to “hold the middle” and foster an environment conducive to bipartisan immigration legislation.
Through public events, written products, and collaboration and outreach with Capitol Hill, the project focuses on all aspects of the immigration system and potential reforms. BPC focuses on four primary issue areas: controlling the flow of unauthorized immigration, legalization and citizenship, legal immigration, and economic impacts. As this debate unfolds, the project will continue to target its efforts where it perceives opportunities to positively impact the debate.
Responsibilities
The intern will work with staff on research and writing, preparing material for private and public discourse, and monitoring current events and congressional activity. The internship will also include engagement in other functions of the project such as event planning, fundraising, and communications. Interns will be asked to handle multiple assignments and deadlines. As with any job, project needs and the intern’s skill set will play a key role in determining precise responsibilities. The intern may also be asked to assist with BPC’s new Cross-Border policy project, which focuses on the politics of trade, NAFTA, and cross-border relationships in North America.
Qualifications
The ideal applicant:
SUMMER PROGRAM
BPC has a robust summer program. Interns work full time, and will receive a $4,500 stipend for ten weeks of work. Interns must be rising juniors or above. Applicants must currently be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program. Interns will provide functional support, conduct research, and work directly with project analysts and staff in various capacities. *Please note that our Summer internship will be completely virtual*
APPLICATION PROCESS
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until a qualified candidate has been identified. Please do not send multiple submissions. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Due to the number of applications received, we are unable to contact those who have not been selected for an internship. No phone calls, please. Non-U.S. citizens are eligible to apply but must have a valid work permit or visa verifying eligibility to work in the United States. We do not offer visa sponsorship.
Required materials (please submit as one PDF File):
• Cover Letter – please indicate your two areas of interest from BPC’s project and functional areas listed above.
• Resume.
• Relevant writing sample (3-5 pages).
• College or university transcript (unofficial is acceptable).
• Phone and email contact information for two professional references, including a professor or other individual familiar with your work.
• Brief response to our Diversity statement on what it means to you (5-8 sentences).
APPLICATION DEADLINE
• Summer internships: April 1st
BPC Diversity Statement
The Bipartisan Policy Center defines diversity as the range of human qualities that make us unique as individuals, including—but not limited to—age, disability, ethnicity, gender expression, geographic location, nationality, political philosophy, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.
To celebrate diversity and ensure equity and inclusivity, BPC is committed to:
• Recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce with insights and solutions for our increasingly divided society.
• Creating a workplace culture where all employees feel valued and their perspectives are heard.
• Developing policy solutions and undertaking research that reflect a diversity of thought and experience.
These commitments will help us to fulfill our mission and foster bipartisanship more effectively.