Alejandro Mayorkas Makes History as First-Ever Latino DHS Chief
The U.S. Senate has confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas as the secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on Tuesday, making him the first Latino and immigrant to be seated in the post.
Despite opposition from Democrats, Mayorkas secured the confirmation on a 56-43 vote. USA Today noted that it was the closest votes for any of President Joe Biden's nominees.
As DHS chief, Mayorkas will have a central role in tackling the Biden administration's immigration agenda and national security concerns.
According to Politico, Mayorkas is expected to get to work immediately, after Biden signed immigration-related executive orders as part of his ambitious immigration agenda.
He was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris.
Biden Team Hoped for Earlier Confirmation for Mayorkas
Biden's team hoped Mayorkas would be confirmed as DHS chief before the inauguration day on January 20 but Sen. Josh Hawley placed a hold on the proceedings, noted The Associated Press.
His confirmation was stalled as Senate Republicans wanted to question him further about Biden's plans on immigration policy. Mayorkas was also questioned over his management of an investor visa program during the Obama administration.
Read also: DHS Nominee Alejandro Mayorkas Vows to Help Pass Amnesty for Illegal Immigrants
"My friends on the other side don't have to agree with Mr. Mayorkas on the finer points of every policy, but surely we can all agree that he knows the department," Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said to Republicans. "He understands the threats to our nation's security and has what it takes to lead DHS."
Mayorkas worked as a former federal prosecutor in Southern California and also served as a senior DHS official during the Obama administration, first as head of the immigration services agency and then as deputy secretary.
His family came to the U.S. from Cuba as refugees in 1960 and his mother fled the Holocaust.
Mayorkas to Take on Broad Immigration Policy Overhaul
The DHS is the nation's third-largest federal department. It also oversees emergency management and cybersecurity, among other things.
Since the Biden administration plans to have a deep overhaul of former President Donald Trump's initiatives against immigration, Mayorkas will be working on broad policy changes to the agency.
Even though some Republicans opposed to his confirmation, they also conceded that the DHS does need a confirmed secretary. They noted that the nation was facing many challenges, including the aftermath of the January 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol.
"Mr. Mayorkas is uniquely qualified to make sure the Department of Homeland Security is working to protect people from all backgrounds, all communities and all walks of life," Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, chair of the Senate Homeland Security Committee, said.
Related story: First Latino Picked as DHS Head Offers Overhaul of Hard-line Immigration Policy in US
On Tuesday afternoon, the president said Mayorkas will be leading the task force in charge of reuniting families separated at the southern border during the Trump administration.
He will also be reviewing the Migrant Protection Protocols program that force thousands of people to stay in Mexico during the processing of their asylum cases.
Mayorkas if the first Senate-confirmed DHS chief since Kirstjen Nielsen, who was booted for the post in April 2019. Acting Secretary Chad Wolf resigned shortly after the Capitol siege, citing court rulings that challenged his appointment to the position.
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