Introduction
The primary goals of DHS are to protect American citizens against terrorist threats and securing the U.S. borders. This paper analyses the many missions of the DHS.
Missions of the DHS
Protection against terrorist attacks
The priority of the DHS is to protect American citizens against terrorist threats and attacks such as 9/11. The department utilizes a counterterrorism tactic by identifying suspicious terrorist activities within the U.S. borders. Importantly, DHS collaborates with other federal agencies, private sector and the public to mine information essential for prevention of terrorist attacks and preparedness (Napolitano, 2009). Hence, the success of DHS’s missions attributes to effective information-sharing between these groups. The actions of the department aim at instilling a state of readiness among the citizens rather than causing a state of fear.
Since its formation, DHS has successfully shield American citizens from terrorist attacks. However, the Orlando mass shooting in a gay’s nightclub in June 2016 which left 50 people dead (Alvarez and Pérez-peña, 2016), raises questions on the ability of DHS to mine information from the public on suspicious terrorist activities.
Facilitating legal immigration
Another mission of the DHS is to facilitate legal migration and curb illegal immigrants from entering the United States. The department does so by ordering its agents to apprehend illegal immigrants. Also, DHS insists on the prosecution of employers who knowingly employ illegal workers. Additionally, DHS offers organizations updated resources to ensure they utilize legal workforce. These actions aim at addressing the root causes of illegal immigrants and reducing the number of people who enter U.S. illegally. Since the establishment of DHS, the number of legal migrants in the U.S has been on the rise. For instance, from 2014 to 2015 the number of lawful immigrants increased by 17 percent (Siskind, 2007). Nevertheless, there is also an increasing number of illegal immigrants.
Securing the U.S. borders
The DHS has a mission of protecting the Southern and Northern borders as well as the sea ports. This mission is a success since DHS apprehends and deports close to one million unlawful immigrants each year. In the Southern border, the DHS disrupts the activities of Mexican cartels by preventing the smuggling of drugs and weapons (Napolitano, 2009).
Response to disasters
Within DHS, the FEMA is the specialized department that prevents, and responds to disasters such as Tornadoes, Hurricanes, and Floods. Notably, FEMA plays a fundamental role in assists communities in disaster preparedness, responses, and long-term recovery. Evidently, FEMA has handled hundreds of disasters successful. However, the ability of FEMA to handle a tremendous tragedy is questionable based on how the department dealt with Katrina.
Critical analysis of DHS missions
Critique of the missions of DHS reveals extreme secrecy within the departments. Ideally, DHS do not disclose its operation information to the public which limits participation. Also, fusion centers which are meant to promote information sharing have become ineffective, they are used for secondary purposes and violate civil rights of some Americans (Monahan and Palmer, 2009). Further, the DHS has been accused of waste and ineffectiveness. According to Hedgpeth (2008), the Congress approximates that as of Sept. 2008, DHS had lost about $15 billion in failed missions. Despite the critics, the DHS success in protecting Americans against terrorist threats is remarkable.
Conclusion
The DHS aims at securing the American citizens against external threats and creating a state of preparedness rather than a state of fear. Protection against terrorist attacks, facilitating legal immigration, securing the U.S. borders, and response to disasters, are the primary missions of DHS. Despite the success of DHS, the department faces criticism for excessive secrecy, misuse of funds and fusion centers.
References
Alvarez, L., & Pérez-peña, R. (2016). Orlando gunman attacks gay nightclub, leaving 50 dead. U.S. Retrieved 15th June 2016 from <http://www.nytimes.com/2016/06/13/us/orlando-nightclub-shooting.html?_r=0>
Hedgpeth, D. (2008, September 17). Congress says DHS oversaw $15 Billion in failed contracts. Washington Post. Retrieved 15th June 2016 from <http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/16/AR2008091603200.html>
Monahan, T., & Palmer, N. A. (2009). The emerging politics of DHS fusion centers. Security Dialogue, 40(6), 617-636.
Napolitano, J. (2009). The Department’s Five Responsibilities. Retrieved June 15, 2016, from <https://www.dhs.gov/blog/2009/06/08/department%E2%80%99s-five-responsibilities>
Siskind, G. (2007). Department of Homeland Security Releases Fiscal Year Immigration Figures for 2005; Legal Immigration to U.S. Increases. Venulex Legal Summaries, 1.
