The Department of Homeland Security's mission is broad and diverse and covers everything from counterterrorism to the Nation's maritime and border security, from protection of our national leaders to coordinating the federal government's response to natural disasters.
Here are some of the key current issues that are part the Department's mission.
Following the September 11 attacks, President George W. Bush established DHS by signing the Homeland Security Act of 2002. On March 1, 2003, 22 agencies unified under a single department with a common mission: to safeguard the American people.
The Department of Homeland Security is committed to engaging the skills, talents, and experience of our nation’s veterans.
Uniting for Ukraine provides a pathway for displaced Ukrainian citizens and their immediate families to come to the United States. U.S.-based individuals can apply to support Ukrainians through this process.
Leading up to May’s Public Service Recognition Week, Secretary Mayorkas and Department leadership are paying special tribute to members of the workforce and their incredible contributions.
President Biden has directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to have his department serve as the lead agency coordinating ongoing efforts across the federal government to resettle vulnerable Afghans, including those who worked on behalf of the United States.
President Biden has made cybersecurity, a critical element of the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) mission, a top priority for the Biden-Harris Administration at all levels of government.
The climate crisis poses a multi-level threat to the American people, the global community, and DHS operations at home and abroad. It is vital for the Department to provide leadership and act to minimize its own environmental impact, to promote resilience against the risks posed by climate change, and to facilitate adaptation, so as to reduce harms and threats to the American people and abroad.
DHS and the Administration launched an early and ongoing effort to protect as many Americans as possible from COVID-19.
Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) is a non-congressionally authorized administrative program that permitted certain individuals who came to the United States as juveniles and meet several criteria - including those lacking any current lawful immigration status - to request consideration of deferred action for a period of two years, subject to renewal, and eligibility for work authorization.