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In Focus

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.

Combating Fentanyl. Globe with criminals and a chain, shield with hands and people, magnifying glass, hand and stop sign

DHS is on the frontlines fighting against cartels and Transnational Criminal Organizations (TCOs) that are flooding our communities with illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl.

Combating Fentanyl

Securing the Border: Presidential Proclamation and Rule

Following the events of July 13, 2024, President Joe Biden directed the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to conduct an independent security review of the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump. Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas is naming a bipartisan panel with extensive law enforcement and security experience to conduct a 45-day independent review of the planning for and actions taken by the U.S. Secret Service and state and local authorities before, during, and after the rally, and the U.S. Secret Service governing policies and procedures.

Independent Review of 2024 Attempted Assassination

Securing the Border: Presidential Proclamation and Rule

On June 4, 2024, President Biden signed a Presidential Proclamation to temporarily suspend the entry of certain noncitizens at the southern border because there are high numbers of encounters, and the Departments of Homeland Security and Justice issued an interim final rule that restricts asylum eligibility and further enhances consequences at the border.

Securing the Border: Presidential Proclamation and Rule

Artificial Intelligence at DHS - Leading the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence

DHS plays a critical role in ensuring artificial intelligence (AI) safety and security nationwide. The Department uses AI responsibly to advance its homeland security mission while protecting the privacy and individual rights of the American public.

Artificial Intelligence

Honoring Veterans - DHS Honors Those Who Served

The Department of Homeland Security is committed to engaging the skills, talents, and experience of our nation’s veterans.

Honoring Veterans

Uniting for Ukraine

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.

Uniting for Ukraine

Operation Allies Welcome

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.

Operation Allies Welcome

Cybersecurity

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.

Cybersecurity

Addressing Climate Change: The Department of Homeland Security's Efforts. DHS is committed to adapting and responding to the climate emergency.

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.

Addressing Climate Change

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

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.

Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals

Legacy of Service - DHS at 20

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.

DHS at 20

Last Updated: 08/30/2024
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