Voto Latino Applauds Confirmation of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas

Mayorkas is the first Latinx person and first immigrant to hold the position, as well as the first Senate-confirmed DHS Secretary since 2019.

Washington, DC – The Senate has confirmed Alejandro Mayorkas to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security, making him the first Latinx person and immigrant to lead the department in its 18-year history. Mayorkas previously served as the Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a role in which he was directly responsible for launching and implementing the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Among other responsibilities as DHS Secretary, Mayorkas will oversee immigration policy and investigate domestic terror threats, such as the January 6th insurrection at the United State Capitol.

“Alejandro Mayorkas will serve to defend the United States and repair our dysfunctional immigration system,” said María Teresa Kumar, president and CEO of Voto Latino. “DHS had become a disgrace, with much of the department acting as an American Gestapo and serving at the lawless whims of the previous president. Now is the time to rein in the agency and set new boundaries on its conduct and mission. Mayorkas’ professional chops, coupled with the needed cultural acumen to address root causes for change at DHS, make him the right candidate for the job.”

Mayorkas was born in Havana, Cuba, and fled with his family to the United States during the Cuban Revolution. He is the first DHS secretary confirmed by the Senate since Kirstjen Nielsen left the position on April 10, 2019. Four acting Homeland Security Secretaries served in the interim. The Government Accountability Office determined the three Trump acting appointees were installed unlawfully.

###

Voto Latino is a grassroots political organization focused on educating and empowering a new generation of Latinx voters, as well as creating a more robust and inclusive democracy. Through innovative digital campaigns, culturally relevant programs and authentic voices, we shepherd the Latinx community towards the full realization of its political power.