Ensuring our country is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards that would be harmful to our way of life
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DHS or the Department of Homeland Security works to protect the U.S interior in many vital areas. It’s one of the newer institutions on American safety and support, created in November 2002 in response to 9/11. Over its 20 years of activity, DHS has grown into the third largest U.S department, with over 229,000 employees.
Homeland Security stands by three official goals to support America’s people. The principles are the prevention of terrorism and enhancement of security, the security of U.S borders, and the enforcement and administration of U.S immigration laws. Yet the reach of DHS expands beyond these three goals.
DHS oversees the following components for American Safety:
- U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services
- U.S Coast Guard
- Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
- U.S Customs and Border Protection
- Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Transportation Security Administration
- U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement
- U.S Secret Service
- Management Directorate
- Science and Technology Directorate
- Countering Weapons of Mass Destructions Office
- Office of Intelligence and Analysis
- Office of Operations Coordination
- Ombudsman Offices
Homeland Security covers everything from cybersecurity to terrorism. Many Americans interact with parts of DHS in their daily life without realizing it. The TSA, Coast Guard, and Secret Service are some of the more notable services, though DHS’s reach expands into many aspects of life.
The DHS is also a major force in election literacy and security. They support all aspects of voting and elections, from local to state governments. They help keep elections clear of malicious activity, free of cybersecurity threats, and can aid organizations with electoral training and literacy. Though the DHS usually collaborates on a federal level, it can partner with both the private and public sectors for aid at no cost.
They created the #Protect2020 via the CISA to build back nationwide trust in election stability. However, as representatives debate the legitimacy of elections and claim fraudulent votes, the reliability of the CISA remains questionable to some Americans.
Election safety is vital regardless of the party you side with. The system’s integrity is the foundation that America’s democracy relies on. You can learn more about election safety through the DHS’s website to help your local community during the next election and voting process.
DHS Scrutiny
Recent years have seen an influx of border, immigration, and election security concerns. Politicians often disagree on who should be allowed over borders, when, and at what capacity. The 2020 pandemic saw an increase in border security, closing entry points to foreign visitors for months.
Even American citizens residing outside the U.S struggled to re-enter during the height of the pandemic. Travel was largely disrupted and remains chaotic several years later. Yet the demand for U.S citizenship and immigration did not lessen during border closure and remains an issue today.
Some politicians have taken immigration issues into their own hands. Representatives have worked both to champion and hinder immigration. They can work to increase the budget for services offered to those displaced or work to relocate non-citizens out of state and country. Takes on immigration remain controversial, with many requiring DHS to do more to support their side.
No matter where you stand on the issues, immigration, and election safety remain important causes to fight for. Seek local representatives who stand for your rights, and view how they deal with vital Homeland Security bills and services.
