Department of Homeland Security Press Releases

Statement by Press Secretary Matt Chandler on Secretary Napolitano's Upcoming Visit to Germany, Israel and Jordan

15 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

“Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will travel to Germany, Israel and Jordan on May 18-23. In Munich, Secretary Napolitano will join her counterparts and Attorney General Eric Holder at the G6+1 Conference of Home Affairs Ministers to discuss international efforts to combat terrorism and international piracy, and ensure a more safe, secure and resilient global supply chain. The G6+1 includes representatives from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom (G6) as well as the United States. Secretary Napolitano will also participate in a cybersecurity roundtable with Attorney General Holder, Bavarian Justice Minister Beate Merk, and Bavarian Interior Minister Joachim Hermann.

Secretary Napolitano will travel to Israel and Jordan on May 19-23. In Israel, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks on the Department’s collaboration with international partners to combat terrorism and facilitate trade and travel at the International Institute for Counter-Terrorism, and meet with Israeli President Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and her counterparts.

In Jordan, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks on women in security at the Columbia University Middle East Research Center and meet with King Abdullah II, Prime Minister Fayez Tarawneh, and her counterparts in bilateral meetings. More details on the trip will be released once they are finalized.”

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U.S. And Canada To Consult On Facilitating Cross-Border Business

14 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Canada's Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, Jason Kenney today announced joint consultations with stakeholders on cross-border business - increasing efforts to facilitate business travel between the United States and Canada.

As outlined in the United States-Canada Beyond the Border Action Plan, announced by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Stephen Harper in December 2011, the goal of the joint consultations is to 1) receive comments on the implementation of commitments included in the Action Plan and 2) identify and assess new ways to facilitate cross-border business travel in the short and medium terms.

"DHS is committed to working with our Canadian partners to facilitate cross-border business, strengthening the economies of both our countries," said Secretary Napolitano. "Through these joint consultations, we will receive direct feedback from businesses on how we can improve travel and trade at the border."

"This Government's top priority remains jobs, growth and long-term prosperity," said Canada's Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews. "These consultations will help improve cross-border trade and bring greater economic benefits to both Canada and the United States."

"Billions of dollars worth of goods and hundreds of thousands of people cross our shared border every day. We want to hear directly from businesses on both sides of the border about how cross-border business travel could improve. We especially want to hear fresh ideas," said Minister Kenney.

Secretary Napolitano today attended the first joint consultation between representatives from several major companies and industry associations in Washington. Minister Kenney will attend the joint consultation in Toronto on May 24. Consultations will be facilitated by the Migration Policy Institute - a non-profit, non-partisan think tank based in Washington, D.C. Stakeholder comments regarding Canadian and U.S. government commitments made in the Action Plan, as well as recommendations for additional improvements, will be accepted online starting today, until June 15, 2012.

A report on the outcomes of this process will be distributed to stakeholders and will be available on the DHS and Citizenship and Immigration Canada websites once consultations have been completed.

For more information, visit http://www.dhs.gov/beyond-the-border.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Participation in the 24th Annual Candlelight Vigil

13 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined Attorney General Eric Holder, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Acting Commissioner David Aguilar, U.S. Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan, National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund Chairman and CEO Craig W. Floyd, and other law enforcement leaders at the 24th Annual Candlelight Vigil, honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement professionals who lost their lives in the line of duty.

“We come to pay our respects to these officers and honor their service and selfless sacrifice. We remember the lives they led and the examples they set in their agencies and departments, and their communities,” said Secretary Napolitano. “And we recommit ourselves to the cause they served, to uphold the rule of law and the pursuit of justice.”

During the vigil, Secretary Napolitano joined officials in the lighting of candles to honor the memory of the 362 fallen law enforcement officers being added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial this year.

Dedicated in 1991, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial honors U.S. law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty. Including the officers whose names are being added this year, there are now 19,660 names engraved on the Memorial, representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia, U.S. territories, and federal law enforcement and military police agencies.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Remarks at the Southern University at New Orleans Commencement

12 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

NEW ORLEANS—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the Southern University at New Orleans Commencement ceremony, congratulating the 2012 graduating class and underscoring the remarkable strength and resilience of the Southern University at New Orleans and the entire New Orleans community.

“Across our country, communities are coming together to collaborate, solve problems, make our cities and towns better prepared, and more resilient for whatever might come their way,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today is not just a day of celebration for this university, but a day to celebrate you as individuals, and congratulate you on your accomplishments.”

Secretary Napolitano first visited the university in March 2009 to announce more than $32 million in funding for the rebuilding of four educational buildings. While at the university, Secretary Napolitano toured the campus to see the university’s progress since Hurricane Katrina. During the ceremony, Secretary Napolitano was honored by the Southern University at New Orleans with a Doctor of Humane Letters degree.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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DHS Announces Expanded List of STEM Degree Programs

11 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) today announced an expanded list of science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) designated-degree programs that qualify eligible graduates on student visas for an optional practical training (OPT) extension. This announcement builds on a series of administrative reforms designed to further the Department's commitment to attracting international students.

"Attracting the best and brightest international talent to our colleges and universities and enabling them to contribute to their professional growth is an important part of our nation's economic, scientific and technological competitiveness," said Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano. "International students and exchange visitors bring invaluable contributions to our nation, and this helps empower the next generation of international entrepreneurs, right here in America."

Under the OPT program, international students who graduate from colleges and universities in the United States are able to remain in the country and receive training through work experience for up to 12 months. Students who graduate from a designated STEM degree program can remain for an additional 17 months on an OPT STEM extension.

By expanding the list of designated STEM degree programs to include such fields as pharmaceutical sciences, econometrics and quantitative economics, the Department is helping bring the best, most qualified international students to the United States.

These reforms reflect the Obama administration's ongoing commitment to promote policies that embrace talented students from other countries, who come to study in our finest colleges and universities and enrich the nation by allowing highly skilled foreign graduates to extend their post-graduate training in the United States and work in their field of study upon graduation.

A full list of expanded STEM degrees is available here.

Earlier this year, DHS announced several measures they will implement to streamline existing pathways for immigrant entrepreneurs to enter and create businesses in the U.S., retain more foreign-born science and technology graduates from U.S. universities, facilitate immigration by top researchers, and help U.S. startups and other companies compete for global talent.

For more information, visit http://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/.

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Readout Of Secretary Napolitano's Remarks At The Center For American Progress

9 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks on her career in law enforcement and public service, and the challenges and opportunities facing the next generation of leadership in homeland security at the Center for American Progress "Women's Leadership Series."

"We are working within DHS, and across the homeland security enterprise, to develop and train the next generation of leaders, including developing opportunities for women to succeed in this field," said Secretary Napolitano. "We're also committed to advancing the rights, security, and dignity of women, children, and families through the work of our Department."

Secretary Napolitano highlighted significant work that's taken place at DHS to prevent violence and protect victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse. These include the development of a training program for DHS personnel who work in an immigration-related setting on the requirements of the Violence Against Women Act and a resource guide for local law enforcement on U visas, which provide immigration protection to eligible victims of crime who are willing to assist with criminal investigations and prosecutions.

Secretary Napolitano also reiterated the Department's commitment to combating human trafficking. In January, the Department's Blue Campaign - a first-of-its-kind initiative to coordinate and enhance the Department's anti-human trafficking efforts launched in 2010 - released a new suite of awareness trainings, which are distributed to key sectors, including transportation, hospitality, retail, law enforcement, first responders, and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness about how to identify and report suspected cases of human trafficking.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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The United States and Canada Announce Plans to Increase NEXUS Benefits

8 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
CBP Public Affairs
Contact: 202-344-1780

WASHINGTON— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today they are delivering on key commitments under the U.S.-Canada Beyond the Border Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness—increasing benefits to NEXUS members, streamlining the NEXUS membership renewal process and launching a plan to increase NEXUS membership.

“CBP and CBSA are working together to expand NEXUS membership and enhance its benefits, to ensure more pre-screened travelers enjoy expedited processing at the border,” said CBP Commissioner David Aguilar. “This is just one of a number of initiatives the United States and Canada are undertaking as part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan that will help facilitate lawful trade and travel while enhancing security.

“Our Government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Toews. “The Border Action Plan is designed to speed up legitimate trade and travel, and improve security in North America by aligning the entry of people and goods at the perimeter while streamlining processes at the Canada-U.S. border. With these commitments to retain and increase NEXUS membership, Canada and the United States will increase efficiency to better focus their resources and examination efforts on travelers of high or unknown risk.”

The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing by United States and Canadian officials across the U.S.-Canada border at designated air, land and marine locations.

Delivering on their commitment to streamline the membership renewal process for the NEXUS program, the CBP and CBSA and will waive the interview for members who have not had changes to their information and have maintained their low-risk status. The United States and Canada also announced they have begun enrolment blitzes to expedite the processing of NEXUS applications and have launched an outreach and awareness plan to increase membership in NEXUS.

As part of our work refining the NEXUS program, earlier this year, additional benefits were announced including a new trusted traveler kiosk at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to expedite passage for members flying into Canada; and a NEXUS lane at the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge.

Enhancements to the NEXUS program are critical to facilitating the lawful flow of pre-approved, low-risk travelers while enabling a focus on people about whom we know the least. Increased membership further encourages cross-border travel, supporting both American and Canadian economies.

On February 4, 2011, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper released the Beyond the Border Declaration, articulating a shared vision in which our countries work together to address threats at the earliest point possible while facilitating the legitimate movement of people, goods and services across our shared border. The Action Plan, released on December 2011, outlines the specific steps our countries intend to take to achieve the security and economic competitiveness goals outlined in the Beyond the Border Declaration.

-CBP-

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Readout Of Secretary Napolitano's Remarks At The 42nd Annual Conference On The Americas

8 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the 42nd Annual Conference on the Americas luncheon underscoring the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) commitment to leveraging international partnerships to strengthen security and expedite legitimate trade and travel. During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano discussed the Department's efforts to implement risk-based, information-driven security measures that support trade and travel essential to our economies.

"At DHS, we believe good, thoughtful, sensible security by its very nature facilitates lawful travel and legitimate commerce," said Secretary Napolitano. "A risked-based approach is not just smart security - it is efficient security. It can decrease wait times, increase trade and travel, and, importantly, keep costs down."

Secretary Napolitano highlighted critical partnerships within the Western Hemisphere, to secure our borders and improve our ability to detect and deter a range of transnational threats. Over the past several months, Secretary Napolitano has traveled to Canada, Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Panama, signing 14 agreements on a broad range of topics, including combating human trafficking and transnational crime and other threats through enhanced information sharing while facilitating legitimate travel and international commerce.

Secretary Napolitano also underscored the Obama administration's commitment to global supply chain security. In January, Secretary Napolitano announced the U.S. National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland to promote a layered, risk-based approach to increasing the security, efficiency and resilience of the global supply chain.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano's Participation in the 33rd Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service

7 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined Washington, D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray, Metropolitan Police Department Chief of Police Cathy Lanier and members of the local law enforcement community to participate in the 33rd Annual Washington Area Police Memorial Service, honoring the service and sacrifice of law enforcement professionals who gave their lives in the line of duty.

“The loss of these brave individuals is another reminder of the dangers the men and women of law enforcement often face while on the job, the risks they so willingly take, and the sacrifices they make for us, our communities, and our nation,” said Secretary Napolitano. “It is because of their service and sacrifice that our nation remains safe today and we continue to enjoy the freedoms and liberties that we all cherish.”

The annual service recognizes the members of the Washington area law enforcement family who have given their lives in service to their communities. In 2011, three local officers lost their lives in the line of duty.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to Brisbane, Australia

5 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

BRISBANE, Australia—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Brisbane, Australia where she led the Presidential delegation, which included U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeff L. Bleich and Commander of the United States 7th Fleet Vice Admiral Scott H. Swift, at the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

“Australians and Americans have fought together—and given lives together—in every single major conflict over the past hundred years,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today reminds us of the sacrifices made by our fellow countrymen—Americans and Australians alike—and their courage, bravery, and determination to achieve victory, whatever the costs.” Secretary Napolitano also read a commemorative message from President Obama, which noted that seven decades after the Battle, the U.S. and Australia “remain united in our purpose to preserve freedom, maintain stability, and promote lasting peace.”

The Battle of the Coral Sea was a series of naval engagements off the northeast coast of Australia between May 4-8, 1942, that prevented the invasion of Port Moresby by Japanese forces and helped turn the tide of World War II in favor of the Allies.

From May 2-5, Secretary Napolitano traveled to Wellington, New Zealand, and Canberra and Brisbane, Australia, where she met bilaterally with international counterparts to discuss a variety of security-related issues including enhancing information sharing, combating transnational crime and human trafficking, countering violent extremism and working to ensure a more safe, secure, and resilient global supply chain and signed and signed several security agreements.

In New Zealand, Secretary Napolitano signed a Joint Statement on Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Pacific Islands Region; and a Joint Statement to Strengthen Border Security, Combat Transitional Organized Crime, and Facilitate Legitimate Trade and Travel. In Australia, Secretary Napolitano signed a Joint Statement on Countering Transnational Crime, Terrorism and Violent Extremism, a Statement of Intent on Frequent Traveler Facilitation; a Joint Statement on the Development of a Framework for Cooperative International Targeting and Assessment; and a Joint Statement on Global Supply Chain Security.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to Australia Day 2

4 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

CANBERRA, Australia—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today continued her visit in Canberra, Australia where she was joined by U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeff Bleich and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin for a roundtable discussion on national security and bilateral meetings with Australian counterparts to discuss a variety of issues including information sharing, trusted traveler programs, cybersecurity, countering violent extremism, combating transnational crime, and global supply chain security.

“Our partnership with Australia is growing deeper and stronger, as evidenced by the security-related statements signed today,” said Secretary Napolitano. “By enhancing collaboration between our two countries, we will continue to work together to develop a cooperative and global approach to the challenges and threats we all face.”

While in Australia, Secretary Napolitano signed a Joint Statement on Countering Transnational Crime, Terrorism and Violent Extremism with Attorney-General and Minister for Emergency Management Nicola Roxon, underscoring the collaboration between the two nations to combat terrorist and criminal threats. Secretary Napolitano also met with Minister for Home Affairs, Justice and Defense Materiel Jason Clare to sign a Statement of Intent on Frequent Traveler Facilitation; a Joint Statement on the Development of a Framework for Cooperative International Targeting and Assessment; and a Joint Statement on Global Supply Chain Security, reaffirming the commitment of both countries to strengthen the global supply chain while facilitating international trade and travel. Secretary Napolitano also met bilaterally with Senator George Brandis, Shadow Attorney-General.

Secretary Napolitano also joined Australian National Security Advisor Dr. Margot McCarthy for a roundtable discussion on national security, highlighting the continued cooperation between the two nations to address evolving threats, including countering violent extremism and cybersecurity. Since 2006, Australia has participated in Cyber Storm, DHS’ biennial cybersecurity exercise series to strengthen cyber preparedness in the public and private sectors.

Tomorrow, Secretary Napolitano will travel to Brisbane to lead the Presidential delegation to Brisbane for the commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to Australia

3 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

CANBERRA, Australia—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Canberra, Australia where she led the Presidential delegation, which included U.S. Ambassador to Australia Jeff L. Bleich and Commander of the United States 7th Fleet Vice Admiral Scott H. Swift, at the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

While in Canberra, Secretary Napolitano delivered remarks at the Australian National University, highlighting the importance of security, privacy, and strong international partnerships. During her remarks, she underscored the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) commitment to protecting privacy rights through the DHS Privacy Office, which ensures that privacy protections are built into the department's systems and technologies.

Secretary Napolitano concluded her visit to New Zealand earlier today, meeting with Leader of the Opposition David Shearer and signing a Statement of Intent to explore frequent traveler facilitation pilot programs with Customs Minister Maurice Williamson. On May 4-5, Secretary Napolitano will participate in bilateral meetings with Australian counterparts and lead the Presidential delegation to Brisbane for another commemoration ceremony of the Battle of the Coral Sea.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to New Zealand

2 May 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WELLINGTON, New Zealand—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to Wellington, New Zealand where she was joined by U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand David Huebner and Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for International Affairs Alan Bersin in bilateral meetings with Prime Minister John Key and other New Zealand counterparts to discuss a variety of issues including information sharing, trusted traveler programs, combating transnational crime and human trafficking.

“Our two nations may be oceans apart, but we are both tied to the same global economy and same international transportation networks – and we must work together to protect them,” said Secretary Napolitano. “By enhancing collaboration between our two countries – and with our many partners across the region – we will continue to ensure the security of the region, while combating threats to our citizens.”

While in New Zealand, Secretary Napolitano signed a Joint Statement on Combating Trafficking in Persons in the Pacific Islands Region with Immigration Minister Nathan Guy, and signed a Joint Statement to Strengthen Border Security, Combat Transnational Organized Crime, and Facilitate Legitimate Trade and Travel with Customs Minister Maurice Williamson, which emphasized the commitment to combating transnational crime, while facilitating legitimate trade and travel.

Secretary Napolitano also met bilaterally with Prime Minister Key, Minister of Justice Judith Collins, Foreign Affairs Minister Murray McCully and Attorney General Chris Finlayson.

Tomorrow, Secretary Napolitano will meet with Leader of the Opposition David Shearer before continuing on her trip to Canberra and Brisbane, Australia where she will lead the Presidential delegation to the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the World War II battle that marked the start of the U.S.-Australia security partnership. While in Canberra and Brisbane, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks on the importance of security, privacy, and strong international partnerships at the Australian National University, and meet with Australian counterparts to discuss efforts to combat transnational crime, counter violent extremism, enhance information sharing, and ensure a more safe, secure, and resilient global supply chain.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Statement by Press Secretary Matt Chandler on Secretary Napolitano's Upcoming Visit to New Zealand and Australia

30 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

"Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano will travel to Wellington, New Zealand, and Canberra and Brisbane, Australia on May 2-5. In Wellington, Secretary Napolitano will meet with Prime Minister John Key, and participate in bilateral meetings with New Zealand counterparts to discuss a variety of issues including information sharing, combating transnational crime and human trafficking.

In Australia, Secretary Napolitano will lead the Presidential delegation to the 70th Anniversary Commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea, the World War II battle that marked the start of the U.S.-Australia security partnership. While in Canberra and Brisbane, Secretary Napolitano will deliver remarks on security, privacy, and strong international partnerships at the Australian National University, and meet with Australian counterparts to discuss the ongoing partnerships to combat transnational crime, counter violent extremism, enhance information sharing, and work to ensure a more safe, secure, and resilient global supply chain. More details on the trip will be released once they are finalized."

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Remarks at the Anti-Defamation League’s National Leadership Conference

29 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today delivered remarks at the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) National Leadership Conference—underscoring the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) partnerships with faith-based communities and organizations to address threats and help keep communities safe. Secretary Napolitano was also presented with the William & Naomi Gorowitz Institute Service Award by the ADL, which recognizes outstanding achievements in combating terrorism, extremism and injustice.

“Local communities and organizations are an important part of our efforts to counter violent extremism and keep communities safe,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Nonprofit organizations, such as the ADL, help in this effort by providing invaluable training to thousands of local law enforcement officers on how to identify early signs of violent extremism.”

During her remarks, Secretary Napolitano underscored the Department’s efforts to collaborate on security efforts with Israel, through initiatives such as the Container Security Initiative, which identifies and screens high-risk cargo before it enters the U.S. in more than 50 seaports throughout the world, and other collaborative efforts to combat illicit finance and bulk cash smuggling, and transnational crimes.

In FY 2012, DHS sustained funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program in order to support target hardening and physical security enhancements at nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. For the first time, FEMA also made nonprofit organizations eligible for Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) funding in the FY 2012 grant guidance. Through this funding, DHS encourages states, urban areas, and regions to work closely with the nonprofit community to address terrorism prevention concerns and the needs of the nonprofit sector.

Last week, Secretary Napolitano met with New York Jewish community leaders from the UJA-Federation at the White House, where she highlighted the Department’s efforts to support faith-based communities through DHS grants and information sharing, including collaboration through the Faith Based Task Force under the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Statement By Secretary Napolitano On The European Parliament's Vote On The Passenger Name Record (PNR) Agreement

19 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

"Today's ratification by the European Parliament of the Passenger Name Record (PNR) agreement demonstrates how the United States and the European Union continue to take vital steps to fight terrorism and transnational threats, while protecting privacy and civil rights. Addressing the shared security threats we face requires strong international partnerships, and this agreement is a testament to the long tradition of European and American cooperation.

PNR is an indispensible tool in our terrorism prevention efforts, and PNR data has aided nearly every high profile U.S. terrorist investigation in recent years, including New York City subway bomber Najibullah Zazi, Times Square bomber Faisal Shahzad, and David Headley, who was involved in the 2008 Mumbai terrorist attack and was planning attacks in Europe. Additionally, this agreement will provide legal certainty for the travel and tourism industries, which will help facilitate transatlantic tourism which accounts for more than $72 billion in trade every year.

The PNR agreement reaffirms our commitment to extend essential security arrangements and protect individual liberty across the breadth of the U.S.-EU relationship. In an era of transnational threats, we should all be proud of this strong international partnership."

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Meeting with Jewish Community Leaders

18 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

WASHINGTON—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today met with New York Jewish community leaders from the UJA-Federation at the White House, to discuss a variety of topics including information sharing and underscoring the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) partnerships with faith-based communities to prevent, prepare for and respond to terrorist threats.

“DHS recognizes the important role the nonprofit community has in our homeland security efforts,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We work closely with nonprofit organizations throughout the country- including the faith-based community- to share information, offer training, conduct risk assessments and provide resources to give the nonprofit sector the tools to address threats and help keep communities safe.”

During the meeting, Secretary Napolitano highlighted the Department’s efforts to support faith-based communities through DHS grants and information sharing, including collaboration through the Faith Based Task Force under the Homeland Security Advisory Council.

In FY 2012, DHS sustained funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program despite significant overall cuts to grants in order to support target hardening and physical security enhancements at nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. For the first time, FEMA also made nonprofit organizations eligible for Law Enforcement Terrorism Prevention Activities (LETPA) funding in the FY 2012 grant guidance. Through this funding, DHS encourages states, urban areas, and regions to work closely with the nonprofit community to address terrorism prevention concerns and the needs of the nonprofit sector.

Last year, Secretary Napolitano announced the expansion of the “If You See Something, Say Something™” public awareness campaign to Jewish community by partnering with the Jewish Federations of North America and the Secure Community Network—a mechanism for information sharing with faith- and community-based organizations designed to quickly improve overall security awareness in a crisis situation.

The “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign—originally implemented by New York City’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority and now licensed to DHS for a nationwide campaign—is a simple and effective program to engage the public and key frontline employees to identify and report indicators of terrorism and terrorism-related crime to the proper transportation and law enforcement authorities.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Readout of Secretary Napolitano’s Visit to California

16 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

LOS ANGELES—Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today traveled to California to deliver remarks at San Jose State University on expanding the cybersecurity workforce and later at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) on the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) work internationally as part of the Campus Lecture Series.

At San Jose State University, Secretary Napolitano met with industry stakeholders as well as students and faculty to discuss cybersecurity, and delivered remarks highlighting the Department’s current efforts to secure cyberspace and develop the cyber workforce. Emerging cyber threats require the engagement of the entire society. To increase public awareness of the growing cyber threat, DHS launched the Stop.Think.Connect.™ campaign to promote safety measures to keep our cyber networks safe.

In addition to protecting civilian government networks (the .gov domain), DHS also works with owners and operators of critical infrastructure to help them secure their own networks, by conducting risk assessments and developing plans to mitigate risks. Last year, the U.S. Computer Emergency Readiness Team, DHS’ 24-hour watch and warning center, responded to more than 106,000 incident reports, and released more than 5,000 actionable cybersecurity alerts and information products to public and private sector partners.

Secretary Napolitano also delivered remarks at UCLA, underscoring DHS’ commitment to leveraging international partnerships to strengthen security and expedite legitimate trade and travel. DHS works closely with international partners, including foreign governments, major multilateral organizations, and global businesses, to strengthen the security of global trade and travel, upon which our nation's economy and communities rely.

Secretary Napolitano visits colleges and universities across the country to discuss the most important homeland security issues facing America, as part of the Campus Lecture Series.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.

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Statement by Secretary Napolitano on Deaths of Coast Guardsmen

13 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

“I was greatly saddened to learn of the loss of two Coast Guardsmen, ET1 James "Jim" Hopkins and Mr. Richard "Rich" Belisle, yesterday in a shooting at Communications Station Kodiak in Kodiak, Alaska. I have directed the full resources of the Department to support the investigation into this terrible tragedy and we are working closely to support our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners. All of us across DHS join in solidarity with the families and colleagues of the fallen, and our larger Coast Guard and DHS family, as we cope with this senseless act of violence.”

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Border Patrol Academy Graduates 1000th Class

12 Apr 2012 07:00:00 EDT

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010

ARTESIA, N.M. —Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Acting Commissioner David V. Aguilar, and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Director Connie L. Patrick today traveled to Artesia, N.M. to deliver remarks at commencement ceremonies for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Academy’s 1,000^th graduating class.

“Every day, the American people depend on the Border Patrol to keep our borders secure,” said Secretary Napolitano. “Today, we have the largest, best trained, and best equipped Border Patrol we’ve had at any time in our nation’s history, and I’m proud of all the brave men and women who dedicate themselves to this important work.”

The Department of Homeland Security has deployed unprecedented levels of personnel, technology, and resources to the Southwest border, resulting in a 53 percent decrease in border apprehensions—a key indicator of illegal immigration—over the past three years.

“Our nation owes a great debt of gratitude to the men and women from the Academy who, over the years, have prepared agents for the increasingly challenging and vital mission of securing our nation's borders,” said Acting Commissioner Aguilar. “If you want to make a difference, if you want to give back, if you want to live your love of country, then you are in the right place.”

The Border Patrol Academy at the FLETC in Artesia is one of the most rigorous federal law enforcement academies in the nation. The 45 graduates of the 1,000th Session who completed a 58-day training program will be assigned to Border Patrol sectors in Tucson, Ariz.; Del Rio, Texas; and Laredo, Texas.

“This training program is long and challenging, and each of these men and women worked very hard to get here today,” said Director Patrick. “It is my hope that the training they received at the FLETC has prepared them to serve the United States with honor and distinction.”

The Border Patrol Academy offered its first session in 1934 in El Paso, Texas. The 32 students attended classes in marksmanship and horsemanship. Today, the Academy maintains its strong training tradition; students attend classes in immigration, customs and drug laws, firearms as well as physical training. To date, the Academy has graduated nearly 41,000 students.

For more information, visit www.dhs.gov or www.dhs.gov/careers.

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