Community Outreach

The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties works to foster ongoing communications and build lasting relationships between the government and the American public.

Since its inception, the Office has worked to help the Department establish and cement positive relationships with the public, focusing on communities that are particularly affected by DHS activities, and the organizations that represent them. One of the Office's primary statutory missions – assisting the Department to develop policies and procedures that are mindful of civil rights and civil liberties – is best accomplished when it listens to the reactions and concerns of the American people.

Arabic Speakers Graduate from Innovative Internship

On August 7, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security graduated its first class from the National Security Internship program. The Department created this intensive summer program in collaboration with the FBI and The George Washington University in response to the need for Arabic speakers and cultural competency in the federal government.

Through classes and internships in language and national security, the students earned new skills that can lead to a government career. For more information on the program, check out the Department's leadership blog or visit the program Web site at www.nationalsecurityinternship.com.

Community Resources

	Federal Protections Against National Origin Discrimination Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on a person's national origin.
	www.WelcometoUSA.gov This US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Web site lists resources for new immigrants, including welcome guides in 13 different languages.
	How to File A Civil Rights Complaint If you believe that your civil rights or civil liberties have been violated, you may file a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties.
	Civil Service Career and internship opportunities in the federal government.
	Training Resources Online training resources from the Department of Homeland Security.

Outreach Communication Materials

These materials may be downloaded for display and distribution.

• Terminology To Define The Terrorists: Recommendations From American Muslims
• The Office for Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Poster (PDF, 1 page - 154 KB)