Introduction
Homeland Security is of prime importance in the United States of America. On 23 January, 2002, during the second session of the one hundred seventh congress of America, an act to establish the Department of Homeland security was held. Valuing Homeland Security by all citizens is due process rights and in direct observation of the American constitution and the preamble. Over the past few years, various public and private bodies, advisory panels and other think tanks have addressed myriad solutions on how to best secure the American homeland. However, some groups have classified homeland security as a combination of three major concepts – counter terrorism, intelligence and critical infrastructure and some other related aspects (Williams, M., 2009). As a matter of fact, none of the groups have succeeded to provide a competitive strategy in compliance with the major threats and possible solutions to address all of them, no matter how diversified they are.
As the founders of American Constitution printed in 1700’s, “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America” still holds value (Gordon, E. & Bellavita, C., 2006). The department of Homeland Security in America handles a variety of topics including Citizenship and Immigration services, Border line security, Cyber-safety, Homeland Security Jobs, International engagement, Human Trafficking, Preventing Terrorism, Transportation security, Privacy, Natural calamities, Economic Security, Critical Infrastructure Security and Academic Engagement.
Methods of Homeland Security
Needless to say, the security of the nation and a life without fear of threats is critical to the existence of all citizens and visitors to the United States of America. Although, it is interesting to note that not all commercial buildings, government buildings, bypasses, bridges and airports can be destroyed, Terrorists have an eye everywhere and are targeting to make as much destruction as possible throughout the length and breadth of the country. Hence, it’s the primary responsibility of the department of Homeland Security to safeguard the country from such threats and bestow a peaceful and safe life to the citizens and other residents (Williams, M., 2009). So, as we learnt above, homeland security is not just about controlling terrorist attacks, here is an analysis of other roles played by the department of homeland security in America:
Citizenship and Immigration Services
Citizenship and Immigration services of America bestows upon the country and all its citizens the rights and freedoms embedded by the U.S. Constitution. Safeguarding the citizenship and immigration services of the nation is therefore, one of prime responsibilities of the Department of Homeland Security.
Border-line security
Border-line security refers to the geographical boundaries protecting the country. The protection is usually from the non-permitted movement of weapons, illicit drugs, non-authorized immigration of goods and people while encouraging lawful commodities and entrants to pass through. Such an agenda is essential to ensure economic prosperity, national sovereignty and homeland security of the United States of America.
Cyber-Safety
Cyberspace has eventually occupied a major portion of our most vital activities in daily life. These include data security, e-commerce world, education, social media to say the least. Hence, it’s critical to maintain economic vitality and national security which ultimately determine the stability of a cyberspace and ensure a safe homeland (Bellavita, C., 2011).
International engagement
United States of America is a global body and works internationally. Hence, it is important for the Department of Homeland Security to not just secure the physical homeland but, also to protect their global economic security.
Human Trafficking
Yet another form of modern-day slavery, Human Trafficking involves exploitation of children, women and adults for some type of commercial purpose. Each year hundreds and thousands of people across the world, not excluding United States of America fall victims to human trafficking. The issue is spreading like an epidemic and in order to maintain homeland security, it is extremely essential to combat this deadly crime (Gordon, E. & Bellavita, C., 2006).
Preventing Terrorism
Probably, the first thing which comes to our mind when talking about Homeland security is preventing terrorist activities. Apparently, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was created on the very notion so as to protect the people of America from the fierce terrorist attacks and this remains on top of the priority list at DHS by default (Gordon, E. & Bellavita, C., 2006).
Transportation Security
Ensuring the citizens freedom of travel and movement from one place to another is another form of homeland security the Department bestows upon the Americans. As a result, the Transportation Security Administration was formed to reinforce the safety and security of the internal transportation systems while giving people the liberty to travel and commerce (Bellavita, C., 2011).
Resilience
Further to the responsibilities discussed above, suppleness towards acts of cyber-crime, terrorism, devastating natural disasters and pandemics is no longer the sole responsibility of the Department of Homeland Security but, a collective responsibility of government at all levels, non-profit and private sectors as well as citizens at individual levels.
Economic Security
Economic security of a country broadly depends on its economic prosperity and of that of the world’s. This in turn is related to the ease of flow of goods and services, information and technology, people and capital and other cross border dealings. The Department of Homeland Security plays a significant role in identifying probable threats to the America’s economic security and takes active part in securing global systems. Ever since the disastrous 9/11 attacks, DHS has expanded its reach to curb terrorist activities by controlling bulk smuggling of finance through illegal means (Gordon, E. & Bellavita, C., 2006).
Research Analysis
A variety of research papers on homeland security suggest a reorganization of the executive departments of homeland security as there is a need for better coordination in between multiple departments of America’s security and to address the emerging and outstanding issues of Homeland security. Research also posits that homeland security is a broadened term which involves a nationwide effort by government at all levels to safeguard its territory from internal and external conflicts and various environmental and health hazards. As the mission of DHS states – “We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation. We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrations and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce.” (Romm, J. J., 1993) Having said this, the overall growth of America should be a detailed research procedure of various perspectives of homeland security. It is also critical to understand the key legislations, terms and goals and efforts by the domestic authorities of providing homeland security in America. Further, the council of Homeland Security must act proactively in advising and assisting the government with respect to all perspectives of homeland security in America.
Looking at the issues left unresolved, all activities that fall beyond the roles and responsibilities of federal government are not being addressed. This is the primary reason why the Department of Homeland Security came into formation. But, as there are a number of deficiencies in the relation between the local and state authorities, federal government is held responsible for a majority of dealings (Williams, M., 2009). With local and state governments as the primary point of contact for the private sector representatives, creating a nation specific strategy for America’s homeland security still remains the primary objective.
Further, allocation of finite homeland security is observed as a critical challenge for government at all levels and it’s the federal government authorities that are looked upon to seek support and guidance in this area (Romm, J. J., 1993). Unfortunately, research proves that most organizations offer very little guidance and support on allocation of funds and prioritizing among a huge list of critical missions.
The United States of America has taken improved measures to safeguard its authority by making significant contributions to their border security forces. Initiatives such as introduction of the Secure Communities Program and the Immigration and Nationality Act have brought about an increased enforcement of authorities in various communities across America (Gordon, E. & Bellavita, C., 2006). Additionally, these efforts essentially discouraged unlawful and illegal cross border activities, prevents non-authorized employment and enacting workplace safety and household laws.
Discussion
Despite numerous efforts made by the American government to curb illegal measures and strengthen the homeland security of the United States, there has been an inconsistent progress in the overall growth and activities. For instance, the administration has performed very little to adhere the challenge of transnational crime. The White house persists to press for an “amnesty first” concept for enforcing border security, workplace implementation, immigration policy as well as other programs that directly affect homeland security of the United States of America. Such initiatives curb the progress that has been achieved so far in fixing unorganized border security and restoring worthy U.S. immigration laws (Bellavita, C., 2011).
Making the national homeland security council work in the right direction and achieving the desirable goals is by far some of the most challenging tasks to be accomplished by Washington as it works against the practices of over centralization, entrenched politics and complacency (Bush, G.W., 2006).
Centralization: In United States, the political power is divided between the state, local and federal governments equally. Such a framework is not an unrealistic or impractical concept designed by the founders of American constitution but, a deliberately designed agenda to safeguard the country from over-centralization of power in Washington. It also accepts the fact that the state and the local governments are better equipped with geographical proximity, resources and hands on experience to mitigate the physical threats born in their local communities.
Politics: Like every other function of the central government, homeland security is also dependent on politics for a number of reasons. As every member of congress has companies, stakeholders and varied constituents looking for resources and finances, congress is looked upon for passing laws that send politically enriched messages and call for immediate results. Nevertheless, politics fail to derive good policy results (Romm, J. J., 1993).
Complacency: American government often find it difficult to ensure national security between the set innovative adversaries and the local people. As of otherwise, if the U.S. government becomes complacent or concentrates on the past, it might have to pay a hefty price (Bush, G.W., 2006). It is also recommended that realizing the fact that nation cannot leave behind the terrorists in their approaches, Americans and their representatives must foster expectations with realistic results (Bowman, S., 2003).
Conclusion and Recommendations
The series of threats to the United States of America in the form of illegal cyber activities, terrorist attacks, cross border activities, economic threats, resilience, complacency, natural calamities, destructions etc. led to the rise of homeland security as a concept to be dealt on a priority basis and hence the definition of homeland safety came into existence. Given the threats posed by terrorists to the American homeland, it goes without saying that the federal government should adopt a high profile centralized response by integrating and well organizing a coordinating process. The national security has therefore begun to frame policies revolving around nation’s border threats as well as local agencies. What is still not acceptable is, the not so realistic focus and services of the new office of American Homeland Security. Hence, it’s time to go one step farther and switch to urgent tasks of mitigating terrorist activities at domestic level. It is expected that even with less number of resources and delegation, the newly framed organization of Homeland security should be able to improve upon the existing situation (Bowman, S., 2003). Following are some general recommendations to adopt a comprehensive strategy in order to safeguard homeland security:
Summarized report of CSIS working groups
The primary and the most obvious need in the sector of homeland security is to create a national plan which is comprehensive, long term, authoritative and result oriented. Such a plan must cover all threats, objectives, key concepts and assessments related to ensuring homeland security in the United States of America. Further, it should engulf every detail about the nation’s defense against terrorists and pose a working plan taking into consideration the nationwide protection of humanity, infrastructure, finances, assets of people and natural environment as a whole (Bellavita, C., 2011).
Gilmore Commission Second Annual Report
The President should oath to present to the Congress a well-defined strategy for mitigating terrorism from its roots within a fixed duration of his tenure. A national strategy framework with a thoughtful articulation of desirable goals right from the start till the end is definitely required to achieve sustainable results.
Hart-Rudman Commission Report
A number of researches reveals that homeland security can be best achieved via a layered defense strategy that stresses upon protection, prevention and response. Apparently, preventing potential attacks take the first position and responsive border security systems are the instruments that protect the country (Bush, G.W., 2006). Hence, there’s a dire need to chalk out a comprehensive strategy to prevent, protect and be proactive in responding against any form of threats on the homeland without fail.
References
Gordon, E. & Bellavita, C. (2006). Changing homeland security: Teaching the core. Homeland Security Affairs, 2(1), 1–19. Retrieved from www.hsaj.org/?download&mode=dl&h&w2
Bowman, S. (2003). Homeland security: The Department of Defense’s role, CRS Report to Congress. Congressional Research Service. Retrieved from http://www.fas.org/man/crs/RL31615.pdf Bush, G.H.W. (1990). The national security strategy
Bush, G.W. (2006). The national security strategy of the United States of America. Washington: White House. Retrieved from www.comw.org/qdr/fulltext/nss2006.pdf
Bellavita, C. (2011). A new perspective on homeland security? Homeland Security Watch. Retrieved from http://www.hlswatch.com/2011/12/20/a-newperspective-on-homeland-security/
Romm, J. J. (1993). Defining national security: the nonmilitary aspects (Council on Foreign Relations). Pew Project on America’s Task in a Changed World (Pew Project Series). Retrieved from http://books.google.co.in/books?id=shxDOnuVcyYC
Williams, M. (2009). Homeland Security and NATO Policy. Military Technology, 33(10), 95-100. Retrieved from Academic Search Premier database.
