The United States Department of Homeland Security (“DHS”) was formed in direct response to the attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001. It was established to protect and respond to terrorist threats and attacks, man-made accidents and natural disasters. Contrary to the U.S. Department of Defense, which operates abroad, the DHS is designed to protect within, at or outside the borders of the United States. The main mission of the DHS is to protect the United States from a large spectrum of threats and hazards our country faces everyday including terrorism, cyber security, chemical and biological threats, and aviation and border security. Their main purpose is simply keeping America safe.
From an immigration standpoint the DHS has many functions including issuing US Visas and Green Cards. When a foreign national wishes to enter the U.S., either on a temporary basis or to stay permanently, they must first obtain a “visa”. There are two main kinds of visas, which include the non-immigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. The Department of Home Security is the third largest cabinet department of the U.S. federal government, following the Departments of Defense and Veteran Affairs. The DHS compartmentalized into numerous agencies such as the United States Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). If you are seeking help for you or your family’s immigration needs, then contact our office today to speak with an immigration attorney about your particular situation.