Immigration

The United States has a long history of immigration, with people from all over the world coming to its shores seeking new opportunities, freedom, and a better life. Immigration has played a significant role in shaping the country’s culture, economy, and demographics.

  • There are many issues related to Immigration that Congress is looking to address with legislation. In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues and potential solutions, party positions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant committees, chairs, & caucuses; departments & agencies; and the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.
  • To participate in ongoing forums, ask the post’s curators questions, and make suggestions, scroll to the ‘Discuss’ section at the bottom of each post or select the “comment” icon.

The Immigration category has related posts and three posts on issues of particular focus: Border SecurityWork Visas, and Dreamers.

OnAir Post: Immigration

Border Security

In the United States, border security includes the protection of ports, airports, and the country’s 3,017-mile (4,855 km) land border with Canada and 1,933-mile (3,111 km) border with Mexico. The U.S. concept of border security is deeply entwined with the persistent actual or perceived threat of terrorism, as well as more universal concerns such as immigration control, smuggling, and human trafficking. As such, the U.S. federal government is constantly reevaluating and adjusting its border security policies to reflect the perceived threats posed to the United States.

  • In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues or challenges, potential solutions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant legislation, committees, agencies, programs in addition to information on the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.
  • To participate in ongoing forums, ask the post’s curators questions, and make suggestions, scroll to the ‘Discuss’ section at the bottom of each post or select the “comment” icon.

The Border Security category has related posts on government agencies and departments and  committees and their Chairs.

OnAir Post: Border Security

Work Visas

A citizen of a foreign country who wishes to work in the United States must first get the right visa.  If the employment is for a fixed period, the applicant can apply for a temporary employment visa.  There are 11 temporary worker visa categories.  Most applicants for temporary worker visas must have an approved petition.  The prospective employer must file the petition on behalf of the applicant.  U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) reviews the petition.

  • In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues or challenges, potential solutions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant legislation, committees, agencies, programs in addition to information on the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.
  • To participate in ongoing forums, ask the post’s curators questions, and make suggestions, scroll to the ‘Discuss’ section at the bottom of each post or select the “comment” icon.

The Work Visas category has related posts on government agencies and departments and  committees and their Chairs.

OnAir Post: Work Visas

Dreamers

The recipients of DACA (Dreamers) are young people who have grown up as Americans, identify themselves as Americans, and many speak only English and have no memory of or connection with the country where they were born. Under current immigration law, most of these young people had no way to gain legal residency even though they have lived in the U.S. most of their lives.

  • In the ‘About’ section of this post is an overview of the issues or challenges, potential solutions, and web links. Other sections have information on relevant legislation, committees, agencies, programs in addition to information on the judiciary, nonpartisan & partisan organizations, and a wikipedia entry.
  • To participate in ongoing forums, ask the post’s curators questions, and make suggestions, scroll to the ‘Discuss’ section at the bottom of each post or select the “comment” icon.

The Dreamers category has related posts on government agencies and departments and  committees and their Chairs.

OnAir Post: Dreamers

Homeland Security Department (DHS)

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the U.S. federal executive department responsible for public security, roughly comparable to the interior or home ministries of other countries.

Its stated missions involve anti-terrorism, border security, immigration and customs, cyber security, and disaster prevention and management.

OnAir Post: Homeland Security Department (DHS)

Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Mission:  
The Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (HSGAC) is the Senate’s primary oversight committee with broad jurisdiction over government operations generally and the Department of Homeland Security in particular.

House counterparts: Committee on Homeland Security and Committee on Oversight and Reform

Democratic Members (Minority):
Gary Peters, Michigan – Ranking member
Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire
Jacky Rosen, Nevada
Richard Blumenthal, Connecticut
Andy Kim, New Jersey
Ruben Gallego, Arizona
Elissa Slotkin , Michigan
John Fetterman, Pennsylvania

Republican Members (Majority):
Rand Paul, Kentucky
Ron Johnson, Wisconsin
James Lankford, Oklahoma
Bernie Moreno, Ohio
Rick Scott, Florida
Josh Hawley, Missouri
Joni Ernst, Iowa
Tim Scott, South Carolina

OnAir Post: Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee

Homeland Security Committee

The committee conducts oversight and handles legislation (and resolutions) related to the security of the United States. The committee has authorization and policy oversight responsibilities over the Department of Homeland Security.

Senate counterpart: Senate Committee on Homeland Security 

Subcommittees:

  • Border Security and Enforcement
  • Counterterrorism, Law Enforcement and Intelligence
  • Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Protection
  • Emergency Management and Technology
  • Oversight, Investigations and Accountability
  • Transportation and Maritime Security

Chair: Mark Green, Tennessee (R)
Ranking Member: Bennie Thompson, Mississippi (D)

Majority Staff Director: Stephen Siao
Minority Staff Director:  Hope Goins
Meeting Location: H2-176 Ford House Office Building Washington, DC 20515;  (202) 226-8417

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