Revision as of 09:52, 15 February 2024 editCitation bot (talk | contribs)Bots5,413,542 edits Altered title. | Use this bot. Report bugs. | Suggested by Susmuffin | #UCB_toolbar← Previous edit | Latest revision as of 01:06, 28 December 2024 edit undo184.153.21.19 (talk) →Early life and education: ce | ||
(137 intermediate revisions by 74 users not shown) | |||
Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
{{Short description|American attorney and government official (born 1959)}} | {{Short description|American attorney and government official (born 1959)}} | ||
{{pp-protected|small=yes}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}} | {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2021}} | ||
{{Use American English|date=November 2020}} | {{Use American English|date=November 2020}} | ||
Line 9: | Line 8: | ||
| office = 7th ] | | office = 7th ] | ||
| president = ] | | president = ] | ||
| term_start = February 2, 2021 | |||
| term_end = | |||
| deputy = ]<br>] (acting) | | deputy = ]<br>] (acting) | ||
| |
| term_start = February 2, 2021 | ||
| |
| term_end = <!-- January 20, 2025 --> | ||
| predecessor = ]<br>] (acting) | |||
| successor = <!-- ] (nominee) --> | |||
| office1 = 6th ] | | office1 = 6th ] | ||
| president1 = ] | | president1 = ] | ||
Line 32: | Line 31: | ||
| predecessor3 = ] | | predecessor3 = ] | ||
| successor3 = ] | | successor3 = ] | ||
| birth_name = Alejandro Nicolas Mayorkas | |||
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|11|24}} | | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1959|11|24}} | ||
| birth_place = ], Cuba | | birth_place = ], Cuba | ||
| death_date = | | death_date = | ||
| death_place = | | death_place = | ||
| party = ]<ref>{{ |
| party = ]<ref>{{cite web |title=Alejandro Mayorkas |url=https://thehill.com/people/alejandro-mayorkas/ |access-date=2022-06-15 |website=The Hill |language=en-US |archive-date=November 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221127190433/https://thehill.com/people/alejandro-mayorkas/ |url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
| spouse = Tanya Mayorkas | | spouse = Tanya Mayorkas | ||
| children = 2 | | children = 2 | ||
| education = ] (])<br/>] (]) | | education = ] (])<br/>] (]) | ||
|module = {{Listen | |||
| module = {{Listen|pos=center|embed=yes|filename=Alejandro Mayorkas answers questions on the vetting of Afghan refugees-.ogg|title=Alejandro Mayorkas's voice|type=speech|description=Mayorkas answers questions on the vetting of ]<br/>Recorded November 16, 2021}} | |||
|pos = center | |||
|embed = yes | |||
|filename = Alejandro Mayorkas answers questions on the vetting of Afghan refugees-.ogg | |||
|title = Mayorkas's voice | |||
|type = speech | |||
|description = Mayorkas answers questions on the vetting of ]<br/>Recorded November 16, 2021}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Alejandro |
'''Alejandro Nicolas Mayorkas''' (born November 24, 1959) is an American attorney and government official who is the 7th ], serving since 2021. A member of the ], Mayorkas previously served as director of ] from 2009 to 2013, and the 6th ] from 2013 to 2016. | ||
⚫ | Mayorkas was born in ], Cuba. Shortly after the ], his family fled to Florida and later settled in California. He graduated from ] in history with honors, subsequently earning his ] from ]. After law school, Mayorkas worked as an ] and as the ] for the ] in Los Angeles from 1998 to 2001.<ref name="Rosenzweig1998" /> In 2009, Mayorkas was a member of the ] for ], leading the team responsible for the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division.<ref name="auto1">{{cite news|last1=Barber|first1=C. Ryan|title=Wilmer Partner Alejandro Mayorkas Picked for Homeland Security Secretary |url=https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2020/11/23/wilmer-partner-alejandro-mayorkas-picked-for-homeland-security-secretary/|date=November 23, 2020|work=]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126214445/https://www.law.com/nationallawjournal/2020/11/23/wilmer-partner-alejandro-mayorkas-picked-for-homeland-security-secretary/?slreturn=20201026164444|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> He was appointed by President Obama as the director of ] (USCIS).<ref name="Hesson2020" /> As USCIS director, Mayorkas implemented the ] (DACA) process in 60 days.<ref name="auto2">{{Cite news|last1=Preston|first1=Julia|date=September 12, 2012|title=Quick Start to Program Offering Immigrants a Reprieve|language=en-US|work=]|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/us/program-offering-immigrants-reprieve-is-off-to-quick-start.html|access-date=November 25, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=May 19, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170519071424/http://www.nytimes.com/2012/09/12/us/program-offering-immigrants-reprieve-is-off-to-quick-start.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the ], and led the advancement of a crime victims unit that, for the first time, made it possible for the agency to issue the statutory maximum number of ].<ref name="Watanabe2010">{{cite news |last1=Watanabe |first1=Teresa |date=May 24, 2010 |title=Head of U.S. legal immigration system wins high marks from advocates for immigrants |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-24-la-me-mayorkas-20100524-story.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126214436/https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-24-la-me-mayorkas-20100524-story.html |archive-date=November 26, 2020 |access-date=November 25, 2020 |work=] |id={{ProQuest|312850120}}}}</ref> | ||
Mayorkas was born in ]. Shortly after the ], his family fled to Florida and later settled in California. He graduated from ] in history with honors, subsequently earning his ] from ]. After law school, Mayorkas worked as an ] and was appointed the ] for the | |||
] in Los Angeles during the administration of President ] and ], where he oversaw the prosecution of high-profile criminal cases.<ref name="Rosenzweig1998" /> | |||
⚫ | On November 23, 2020, Mayorkas was nominated by President-elect ] for the position of ]. Mayorkas's nomination received the endorsement of the ] and several former secretaries.<ref name="auto6">{{cite news |last1=Yoes |first1=Patrick |date=January 7, 2021 |title=Law Enforcement Cheers Biden's Homeland Chief |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/law-enforcement-cheers-bidens-homeland-chief-11610061883 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109193832/https://www.wsj.com/articles/law-enforcement-cheers-bidens-homeland-chief-11610061883 |archive-date=January 9, 2021 |access-date=February 1, 2021 |work=]}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite news |last1=Chertoff |first1=Michael |last2=Johnson |first2=Jeh |last3=Napolitano |first3=Janet |last4=Ridge |first4=Tom |title=Opinion: 4 former homeland security secretaries: We cannot afford one more day without a confirmed DHS leader |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/12/former-dhs-secretaries-confirm-alejandro-mayorkas/ |access-date=February 1, 2021 |newspaper=] |date=January 12, 2021 |archive-date=February 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210201093549/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/01/12/former-dhs-secretaries-confirm-alejandro-mayorkas/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He was confirmed by the Senate on a 56–43 vote on February 2, 2021, facing significant Republican opposition<ref>{{cite web |last=Beitsch |first=Rebecca |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Senate confirms Biden's DHS pick after GOP delay |url=https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/536896-senate-confirms-bidens-dhs-pick-after-gop-delay |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202202455/https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/536896-senate-confirms-bidens-dhs-pick-after-gop-delay |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |work=]}}</ref> over his stance on immigration, particularly his support for halting ] and advocating for a ]. He was sworn in by Vice President ] the same day.<ref name="auto5">{{Cite news |last1=Miroff |first1=Nick |last2=Sonmez |first2=Felicia |date=February 2, 2021 |title=Harris swears in Mayorkas as homeland security secretary after Senate confirmation vote |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/02/02/joe-biden-live-updates/#link-XKN3I4CGRNBF3GQNOF2FRT72GI |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210209092837/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2021/02/02/joe-biden-live-updates/#link-XKN3I4CGRNBF3GQNOF2FRT72GI |archive-date=2021-02-09 |access-date=February 2, 2021 |newspaper=]}}</ref> | ||
⚫ | Mayorkas was |
||
Since Mayorkas became Secretary of Homeland Security, ] has reported about 10 million nationwide encounters with removable noncitizens across the country. This includes a record 2.2 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2022, the highest in history. Additionally, 1.5 million "gotaways"—people who evaded capture—were estimated to have entered the U.S. during this period.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last=Byik |first=Andre |title=No, 51M 'illegals' have not entered US under Biden, Harris {{!}} Fact check |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2024/08/12/51-million-border-illegally-biden-fact-check/74595944007/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=USA TODAY |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=2024-02-11 |title=Trump vs. Biden on immigration: 12 charts comparing U.S. border security |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2024/02/11/trump-biden-immigration-border-compared/ |access-date=2024-10-14 |website=Washington Post |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Cuffari |first=Joseph |date=May 3, 2023 |title=Intensifying Conditions at the Southwest Border Are Negatively Impacting CBP and ICE Employees’ Health and Morale |url=https://www.oig.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/assets/2023-05/OIG-23-24-May23.pdf |website=Office of the Inspector General -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | |||
Mayorkas' tenure has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, leading to his ] in a narrow and largely partisan 214–213 vote by the House of Representatives in 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Amiri |first=Farnoush |last2=Santana |first2=Rebecca |date=2023-07-26 |title=House Republicans grill Mayorkas on 'disastrous' border policy and renew calls to impeach him |url=https://apnews.com/article/mayorkas-southern-border-migrants-impeach-immigration-biden-84c2fc507a255ab4b21a4d71af8724b8# |access-date= |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> This came after an unsuccessful impeachment vote of Mayorkas one week prior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Grayer |first=Annie |date=2024-02-06 |title=House vote to impeach Mayorkas fails in stunning defeat for Republican leaders |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/politics/house-vote-mayorkas-impeachment/index.html |access-date=2024-02-14 |website=CNN Politics |language=en |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206131453/https://www.cnn.com/2024/02/06/politics/house-vote-mayorkas-impeachment/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Mayorkas is the first cabinet member to be impeached since ] in 1876.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment/impeachment-belknap.htm |title=U.S. Senate: Impeachment Trial of Secretary of War William Belknap, 1876 |access-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-date=January 29, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240129020133/https://www.senate.gov/about/powers-procedures/impeachment/impeachment-belknap.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> The Senate voted 51–49 to dismiss the impeachment charges on April 17, ending the impeachment without a trial.<ref name="Bolton">{{cite news|url = https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/4600362-mayorkas-impeachment-dismissed-trial/|title = Senate dismisses Mayorkas impeachment without trial|last = Bolton|first = Alexander|date = April 17, 2024|accessdate = April 17, 2024|work = ]}}</ref> | |||
==Early life and education== | ==Early life and education== | ||
Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas<ref name=PN640>{{cite web|title=Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas – Department of Homeland Security, 113th Congress ( |
Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas<ref name=PN640>{{cite web|title=Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas – Department of Homeland Security, 113th Congress (2013–2014) |date=December 20, 2013 |url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/113th-congress/640 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123224303/https://www.congress.gov/nomination/113th-congress/640|archive-date=November 23, 2020|publisher=] }}</ref> was born in ], ], on November 24, 1959.<ref name="Hesson2020">{{Cite news|last=Hesson|first=Ted|date=November 24, 2020|title=Biden picks Cuban-American lawyer Mayorkas as U.S. homeland security chief|language=en|work=]|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-biden-homeland-idUKKBN2832I5|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123184548/https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-usa-biden-homeland-idUKKBN2832I5|url-status=live}}</ref> When he was one year old, his parents fled with him and his sister to the United States in 1960 as refugees, following the ]. He lived in ], ], before his family moved to ], ], where he was raised for the remainder of his youth.<ref name=Marshall>{{cite web|last1=Marshall|first1=Serena|date=October 27, 2015|title=55 Years Later, US Official Prepares for Emotional Return to Cuba|url=https://abcnews.go.com/News/emotional-return-cuba-top-us-official/story?id=34774578|website=ABC News|access-date=June 27, 2020|archive-date=January 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200110092508/https://abcnews.go.com/News/emotional-return-cuba-top-us-official/story?id=34774578|url-status=live}}</ref> Mayorkas grew up in ] and attended ].{{Sfn|Johnson|2000|p=|pp=70, 76}} | ||
His father, Charles R. "Nicky" Mayorkas, was born in Cuba. He was a ] of ] (from the former ], present-day ] and ]) and ] (from ]) background. He owned and operated a ] factory on the outskirts of Havana.<ref name=Marshall/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://forward.com/opinion/459218/alejandro-mayorkass-historic-nomination-should-be-a-wake-up-call-for/ |title=Alejandro Mayorkas' historic nomination is a wake up call: Stop erasing Sepharadim. |first=Ethan |last=Marcus |newspaper=The Forward |date=November 25, 2020 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517144612/https://forward.com/opinion/459218/alejandro-mayorkass-historic-nomination-should-be-a-wake-up-call-for/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-11-23/joe-biden-transition-alejandro-mayorkas-homeland-security-secretary |title=Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas for Homeland Security secretary |first=Molly |last=O'Toole |access-date=3 November 2023 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214081105/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-11-23/joe-biden-transition-alejandro-mayorkas-homeland-security-secretary |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=WaPo/> Nicky Mayorkas studied economics at ].<ref name=WaPo/> | His father, Charles R. "Nicky" Mayorkas, was born in Cuba. He was a ] of ] (from the former ], present-day ] and ]) and ] (from ]) background. He owned and operated a ] factory on the outskirts of Havana.<ref name=Marshall/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://forward.com/opinion/459218/alejandro-mayorkass-historic-nomination-should-be-a-wake-up-call-for/ |title=Alejandro Mayorkas' historic nomination is a wake up call: Stop erasing Sepharadim. |first=Ethan |last=Marcus |newspaper=The Forward |date=November 25, 2020 |access-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-date=May 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210517144612/https://forward.com/opinion/459218/alejandro-mayorkass-historic-nomination-should-be-a-wake-up-call-for/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-11-23/joe-biden-transition-alejandro-mayorkas-homeland-security-secretary |title=Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas for Homeland Security secretary |first=Molly |last=O'Toole |access-date=3 November 2023 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=December 14, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201214081105/https://www.latimes.com/politics/story/2020-11-23/joe-biden-transition-alejandro-mayorkas-homeland-security-secretary |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=WaPo/> Nicky Mayorkas studied economics at ].<ref name=WaPo/> | ||
His mother, Anita (Gabor),<ref name=WaPo>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/alejandro-mayorkas-dhs-biden-immigration/2021/01/18/8a34b2bc-40b8-11eb-a402-fba110db3b42_story.html|title=The family of Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden's pick to head DHS, fled the Nazis and then Cuba before arriving in the United States|date=January 18, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|last1=Sacchetti|first1=Maria|last2=Miroff|first2=Nick|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305022039/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/alejandro-mayorkas-dhs-biden-immigration/2021/01/18/8a34b2bc-40b8-11eb-a402-fba110db3b42_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> was a ] whose family escaped ] and fled to Cuba in the 1940s<ref name=abcnews>{{cite web|title=Meet the Cuban Immigrant Who Could Run Homeland Security|first=Ted|last=Hesson|work=]|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=May 18, 2014|url=https://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/meet-alejandro-mayorkas-man-run-homeland-security/story?id=19770760|archive-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003235433/http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/meet-alejandro-mayorkas-man-run-homeland-security/story?id=19770760|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Zonshine>{{Cite news |first=Idan |last=Zonshine |title=Alejandro Mayorkas, the Cuban-Jewish attorney who may head Biden's DHS |newspaper=] |date=November 12, 2020 |url=https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/alejandro-mayorkas-the-cuban-jewish-attorney-who-may-head-bidens-dhs-648838 |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122055328/https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/alejandro-mayorkas-the-cuban-jewish-attorney-who-may-head-bidens-dhs-648838 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Miroff|first1=Nick|last2=Sacchetti|first2=Maria|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/biden-dhs-alejandro-mayorkas/2020/11/23/9579a510-2dad-11eb-9c71-ccf2c0b8d571_story.html|title=Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas, a son of Jewish Cuban refugees, to lead the Department of Homeland Security|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124135642/https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/biden-dhs-alejandro-mayorkas/2020/11/23/9579a510-2dad-11eb-9c71-ccf2c0b8d571_story.html|url-status=live|newspaper=]}}</ref> before leaving for the United States after the Cuban Revolution.<ref name=abcnews/> | His mother, Anita (Gabor),<ref name=WaPo>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/alejandro-mayorkas-dhs-biden-immigration/2021/01/18/8a34b2bc-40b8-11eb-a402-fba110db3b42_story.html|title=The family of Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden's pick to head DHS, fled the Nazis and then Cuba before arriving in the United States|date=January 18, 2021|newspaper=The Washington Post|last1=Sacchetti|first1=Maria|last2=Miroff|first2=Nick|access-date=April 11, 2021|archive-date=March 5, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210305022039/https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/alejandro-mayorkas-dhs-biden-immigration/2021/01/18/8a34b2bc-40b8-11eb-a402-fba110db3b42_story.html|url-status=live}}</ref> was a ] whose family escaped ] and fled to Cuba in the 1940s<ref name=abcnews>{{cite web|title=Meet the Cuban Immigrant Who Could Run Homeland Security|first=Ted|last=Hesson|work=]|date=July 25, 2013|accessdate=May 18, 2014|url=https://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/meet-alejandro-mayorkas-man-run-homeland-security/story?id=19770760|archive-date=October 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141003235433/http://abcnews.go.com/ABC_Univision/Politics/meet-alejandro-mayorkas-man-run-homeland-security/story?id=19770760|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Zonshine>{{Cite news |first=Idan |last=Zonshine |title=Alejandro Mayorkas, the Cuban-Jewish attorney who may head Biden's DHS |newspaper=] |date=November 12, 2020 |url=https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/alejandro-mayorkas-the-cuban-jewish-attorney-who-may-head-bidens-dhs-648838 |archive-date=November 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201122055328/https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/alejandro-mayorkas-the-cuban-jewish-attorney-who-may-head-bidens-dhs-648838 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last1=Miroff|first1=Nick|last2=Sacchetti|first2=Maria|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/biden-dhs-alejandro-mayorkas/2020/11/23/9579a510-2dad-11eb-9c71-ccf2c0b8d571_story.html|title=Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas, a son of Jewish Cuban refugees, to lead the Department of Homeland Security|date=November 23, 2020|access-date=November 24, 2020|archive-date=November 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124135642/https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/biden-dhs-alejandro-mayorkas/2020/11/23/9579a510-2dad-11eb-9c71-ccf2c0b8d571_story.html|url-status=live|newspaper=]}}</ref> before leaving for the United States after the Cuban Revolution.<ref name=abcnews/> | ||
Mayorkas graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction.<ref>{{Cite web|last=newsamericas|date=2020-11-24|title=10 Things To Know About The Man Who Could Become The First Caribbean Born U.S. DHS Secretary|url=https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-born-national-named-as-new-dhs-secretary/|access-date=2021-03-10|website=Caribbean and Latin America Daily News|language=en-US|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119180935/https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-born-national-named-as-new-dhs-secretary/|url-status=live}}</ref> He received his ] in 1985 from ], where he was an editor of the ''Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review''.<ref name=Rosenzweig1998>{{cite news|last1=Rosenzweig|first1=David|date=October 9, 1998|title=Feinstein Recommends Mayorkas for U.S. Attorney in L.A.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-oct-09-me-30731-story.html |work=]|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107103240/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/oct/09/local/me-30731|url-status=live|id={{ProQuest|421322576}}}}</ref> | Mayorkas graduated from the ] in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction.<ref>{{Cite web|last=newsamericas|date=2020-11-24|title=10 Things To Know About The Man Who Could Become The First Caribbean Born U.S. DHS Secretary|url=https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-born-national-named-as-new-dhs-secretary/|access-date=2021-03-10|website=Caribbean and Latin America Daily News|language=en-US|archive-date=January 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210119180935/https://www.newsamericasnow.com/caribbean-born-national-named-as-new-dhs-secretary/|url-status=live}}</ref> He received his ] in 1985 from ], where he was an editor of the ''Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review''.<ref name=Rosenzweig1998>{{cite news|last1=Rosenzweig|first1=David|date=October 9, 1998|title=Feinstein Recommends Mayorkas for U.S. Attorney in L.A.|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1998-oct-09-me-30731-story.html |work=]|access-date=January 6, 2017|archive-date=January 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170107103240/http://articles.latimes.com/1998/oct/09/local/me-30731|url-status=live|id={{ProQuest|421322576}}}}</ref> | ||
==Assistant United States Attorney== | ==Assistant United States Attorney== | ||
Line 86: | Line 91: | ||
=== Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services === | === Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services === | ||
In 2009, Mayorkas was appointed by President Obama as the director of ] (USCIS).<ref name="Hesson2020"/> On May 20, 2009, the nomination was received by the Senate; on August 7, 2009, the nomination was confirmed by the Senate by ].<ref name="auto3"/> As USCIS director, Mayorkas led ] through management efficiencies and fiscal responsibility, and safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system.<ref name="Watanabe2010"/> He implemented the ] (DACA) process in sixty days.<ref name="auto2"/> He led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the ] in Haiti and led the advancement of a crime victims unit that, for the first time, resulted in the ability of the agency to administer the statutory maximum number of ].<ref name="Watanabe2010" /> | In 2009, Mayorkas was appointed by President Obama as the director of ] (USCIS).<ref name="Hesson2020"/> On May 20, 2009, the nomination was received by the Senate; on August 7, 2009, the nomination was confirmed by the Senate by ].<ref name="auto3">{{cite web |date=August 7, 2009 |title=PN488 – Alejandro N. Mayorkas – Department of Homeland Security |url=https://www.congress.gov/nomination/111th-congress/488 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201026132043/https://www.congress.gov/nomination/111th-congress/488 |archive-date=October 26, 2020}}</ref> As USCIS director, Mayorkas led ] through management efficiencies and fiscal responsibility, and safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system.<ref name="Watanabe2010"/> He implemented the ] (DACA) process in sixty days.<ref name="auto2"/> He led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the ] in Haiti and led the advancement of a crime victims unit that, for the first time, resulted in the ability of the agency to administer the statutory maximum number of ].<ref name="Watanabe2010" /> | ||
For his work as director of USCIS, Mayorkas received awards from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the ], and the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Letter from Joshua Hoyt, Executive Director|url=http://www.icirr.org/|publisher=Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights|date=April 15, 2011|access-date=May 8, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505070926/http://www.icirr.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> | For his work as director of USCIS, Mayorkas received awards from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the ], and the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Letter from Joshua Hoyt, Executive Director|url=http://www.icirr.org/|publisher=Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights|date=April 15, 2011|access-date=May 8, 2017|archive-date=May 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170505070926/http://www.icirr.org/|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In 2015, a Department of Homeland Security |
In 2015, a ] (OIG) report criticized Mayorkas's oversight of the ] ] program, which offered lawful permanent resident status (green cards) to foreign investors who invested $500,000 into businesses that created jobs in the U.S.<ref name=DHS2015>{{cite news|last1=Mosk|first1=Matthew|last2=Ross|first2=Brian|title=Top Homeland Official Alejandro Mayorkas Accused of Political Favoritism|url=https://abcnews.go.com/US/top-homeland-official-alejandro-mayorkas-accused-political-favoritism/story?id=29868429|website=ABC News|date=March 24, 2015|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214750/https://abcnews.go.com/US/top-homeland-official-alejandro-mayorkas-accused-political-favoritism/story?id=29868429|url-status=live}}</ref> The program's popularity greatly increased under Mayorkas's tenure.<ref name=DHS2015/> The OIG report, which was the culmination of an investigation beginning in 2013,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=Alicia|title=Homeland Security official probed|url=https://apnews.com/article/4c5d4a49e41847bca09fc99bb2d7111f|work=Associated Press|date=July 23, 2013|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=November 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126214437/https://apnews.com/article/4c5d4a49e41847bca09fc99bb2d7111f|url-status=live}}</ref> focused on allegations that politically connected businesses were given special treatment under the program, focusing specifically on the ] in Las Vegas, backed by then-Senate Majority Leader ], and an electric car company led by ] and involving ].<ref name=DHS2015/> The report concluded that "The juxtaposition of Mr. Mayorkas' communication with external stakeholders on specific matters outside the normal procedures, coupled with favorable action that deviated from the regulatory scheme designed to ensure fairness and evenhandedness in adjudicating benefits, created an appearance of favoritism and special access."<ref name=DHS2015/> The "fast-tracking" of approvals for individuals involved in the casino program was controversial because it was made over the objections of USCIS analysts "who were suspicious about the source of the funds".<ref name=Loten2013>{{cite news|last1=Loten|first1=Angus|title=Some USCIS Employees Say Alejandro Mayorkas Gave Special Treatment to Casino Project Backed by Foreigners|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/favoritism-charges-slow-dhs-nominee-1376004984|work=]|date=August 8, 2013|access-date=August 18, 2018|archive-date=August 18, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180818214654/https://www.wsj.com/articles/favoritism-charges-slow-dhs-nominee-1376004984|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
=== Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security === | === Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security === | ||
Nominated by President Obama in June 2013, Mayorkas was confirmed as the deputy secretary on December 20, 2013, following a party-line Senate vote.<ref>{{cite web|title=Roll Call Vote: Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124111033/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00286|archive-date=November 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=PN640/> | Nominated by President Obama in June 2013, Mayorkas was confirmed as the deputy secretary on December 20, 2013, following a party-line Senate vote. Mayorkas' confirmation made him the first foreign-born person ever to run the department.<ref>{{cite web|title=Roll Call Vote: Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security|url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00286|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124111033/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=113&session=1&vote=00286|archive-date=November 24, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=PN640/> | ||
The |
The investigation by the OIG into Alejandro Mayorkas's actions as USCIS director—specifically, his intervention to expedite reviews for foreign investor visa applicants in three cases—sparked controversy and delayed his confirmation proceedings.<ref name=Kanno-Youngs>{{Cite news|last=Kanno-Youngs|first=Zolan|date=November 23, 2020|title=Biden Nominates Cuban-Born Lawyer to Lead Homeland Security Dept.|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/politics/biden-mayorkas-homeland-security.html|access-date=November 25, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125010041/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/politics/biden-mayorkas-homeland-security.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=Preston>{{Cite news|last=Preston|first=Julia|date=April 30, 2015|title=Homeland Security Official Defends Handling of Visa Program|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/01/us/homeland-security-official-defends-handling-of-visa-program.html|access-date=November 25, 2020|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=November 25, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125185754/https://www.nytimes.com/2015/05/01/us/homeland-security-official-defends-handling-of-visa-program.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The inspector general's report found that Mayorkas's acts did not violate the law, but did create an appearance of favoritism.<ref name=Kanno-Youngs/> In ] testimony in May 2015, Mayorkas expressed regret that his intervention created an impression of favoritism, but said his involvement was motivated by a desire to ensure that the applications were handled in accordance with the law: "I did not let errors go unchecked, but instead helped ensure that those cases were decided correctly, nothing more and nothing less."<ref name=Preston/> | ||
As deputy secretary, Mayorkas's led DHS's response to the ] and ].<ref name=Kanno-Youngs/><ref name="fox2020"/> His work also focused on ].<ref name=Preston/> He led the DHS's negotiations with Israel and China on cybersecurity.<ref name=Gamboa>{{cite news|last1=Gamboa|first1=Suzanne|title=First Latino tapped to head DHS signals shift from Trump's hard-line immigration policies|work=]|date=November 23, 2020|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/first-latino-tapped-head-dhs-signals-shift-trump-s-hard-n1248716|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125072306/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/first-latino-tapped-head-dhs-signals-shift-trump-s-hard-n1248716|archive-date=November 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> A landmark agreement reached in 2015 with the Chinese government reduced, for a brief period, ]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=Joseph|title=The Cybersecurity 202: Biden's DHS pick adds cybersecurity chops to the incoming administration|newspaper=]|date=November 24, 2020|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/24/cybersecurity-202-bidens-dhs-pick-adds-cybersecurity-chops-incoming-administration/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125161542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/24/cybersecurity-202-bidens-dhs-pick-adds-cybersecurity-chops-incoming-administration/|archive-date=November 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> aimed at the theft of ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lyngaas |first1=Sean |title=Biden's DHS pick was a 'quick study' of cybersecurity issues as the department's deputy |date=November 23, 2020 |work=CyberScoop |url-status=live |url=https://cyberscoop.com/alejandro-mayorkas-biden-dhs-secretary-cybersecurity/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124152559/https://www.cyberscoop.com/alejandro-mayorkas-biden-dhs-secretary-cybersecurity/ |archive-date=November 24, 2020}}</ref> After the ], Mayorkas led the Obama administration's delegation to Cuba,<ref name=Gamboa/> and negotiated with the Cuban government on port and cargo security and U.S.-Cuba travel.<ref name=Zonshine/> | As deputy secretary, Mayorkas's led DHS's response to the ] and ].<ref name=Kanno-Youngs/><ref name="fox2020"/> His work also focused on ].<ref name=Preston/> He led the DHS's negotiations with Israel and China on cybersecurity.<ref name=Gamboa>{{cite news|last1=Gamboa|first1=Suzanne|title=First Latino tapped to head DHS signals shift from Trump's hard-line immigration policies|work=]|date=November 23, 2020|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/first-latino-tapped-head-dhs-signals-shift-trump-s-hard-n1248716|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125072306/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/first-latino-tapped-head-dhs-signals-shift-trump-s-hard-n1248716|archive-date=November 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> A landmark agreement reached in 2015 with the Chinese government reduced, for a brief period, ]<ref>{{cite news|last1=Marks|first1=Joseph|title=The Cybersecurity 202: Biden's DHS pick adds cybersecurity chops to the incoming administration|newspaper=]|date=November 24, 2020|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/24/cybersecurity-202-bidens-dhs-pick-adds-cybersecurity-chops-incoming-administration/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201125161542/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2020/11/24/cybersecurity-202-bidens-dhs-pick-adds-cybersecurity-chops-incoming-administration/|archive-date=November 25, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> aimed at the theft of ].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lyngaas |first1=Sean |title=Biden's DHS pick was a 'quick study' of cybersecurity issues as the department's deputy |date=November 23, 2020 |work=CyberScoop |url-status=live |url=https://cyberscoop.com/alejandro-mayorkas-biden-dhs-secretary-cybersecurity/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201124152559/https://www.cyberscoop.com/alejandro-mayorkas-biden-dhs-secretary-cybersecurity/ |archive-date=November 24, 2020}}</ref> After the ], Mayorkas led the Obama administration's delegation to Cuba in 2015,<ref name=Gamboa/> and negotiated with the Cuban government on port and cargo security and U.S.-Cuba travel.<ref name=Zonshine/> | ||
Mayorkas was also involved in the Department's ] and anti-] efforts, as well as its ]s,<ref name=BusGov>{{cite journal|last1=Keegan|first1=Michael J.|title=Leading a Unity of Effort: A Conversation with Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security|journal=The Business of Government|pages=26–31|publisher=]|url=https://www.businessofgovernment.org/sites/default/files/CWL_Mayorkas.pdf |date=2015|access-date=December 3, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203212125/http://www.businessofgovernment.org/sites/default/files/CWL_Mayorkas.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and efforts to fight antisemitism.<ref name=Zonshine/> Under Mayorkas's tenure, DHS greatly expanded its Cyber Crimes Center in ], to aid the department's efforts to combat various cybercrimes, ranging from child exploitation to computer hacking and intellectual property theft.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Markon|first1=Jerry|title=Homeland Security cybercrime center expands amid growing concern over computer hacking|newspaper=]|date=July 23, 2015|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/07/23/homeland-security-cybercrime-center-expands-amid-growing-concern-over-computer-hacking/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126214451/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/07/23/homeland-security-cybercrime-center-expands-amid-growing-concern-over-computer-hacking/|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Mayorkas was involved in efforts to address DHS's presence on GAO's "high risk list" for management challenges;<ref name=BusGov/> Mayorkas, as well as Homeland Security Secretary ], acknowledged low morale among DHS employees (a longstanding problem that pre-dated the Obama administration) and took steps aimed at boosting morale.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Markon|first1=Jerry|title=DHS morale sinks further despite new leadership at the top, survey shows|date=October 10, 2020|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2014/10/10/dhs-morale-problems-grow-worse-during-secretary-johnsons-brief-tenure|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117234728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2014/10/10/dhs-morale-problems-grow-worse-during-secretary-johnsons-brief-tenure|archive-date=November 17, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Markon|first1=Jerry|last2=Nakashima|first2=Ellen|last3=Crites|first3=Alice|title=Top-level turnover makes it harder for DHS to stay on top of evolving threats|date=November 21, 2014|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/top-level-turnover-makes-it-harder-for-dhs-to-stay-on-top-of-evolving-threats/2014/09/21/ca7919a6-39d7-11e4-9c9f-ebb47272e40e_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115182254/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/top-level-turnover-makes-it-harder-for-dhs-to-stay-on-top-of-evolving-threats/2014/09/21/ca7919a6-39d7-11e4-9c9f-ebb47272e40e_story.html|archive-date=November 15, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | Mayorkas was also involved in the Department's ] and anti-] efforts, as well as its ]s,<ref name=BusGov>{{cite journal|last1=Keegan|first1=Michael J.|title=Leading a Unity of Effort: A Conversation with Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security|journal=The Business of Government|pages=26–31|publisher=]|url=https://www.businessofgovernment.org/sites/default/files/CWL_Mayorkas.pdf |date=2015|access-date=December 3, 2020|archive-date=December 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201203212125/http://www.businessofgovernment.org/sites/default/files/CWL_Mayorkas.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> and efforts to fight antisemitism.<ref name=Zonshine/> Under Mayorkas's tenure, DHS greatly expanded its Cyber Crimes Center in ], to aid the department's efforts to combat various cybercrimes, ranging from child exploitation to computer hacking and intellectual property theft.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Markon|first1=Jerry|title=Homeland Security cybercrime center expands amid growing concern over computer hacking|newspaper=]|date=July 23, 2015|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/07/23/homeland-security-cybercrime-center-expands-amid-growing-concern-over-computer-hacking/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201126214451/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2015/07/23/homeland-security-cybercrime-center-expands-amid-growing-concern-over-computer-hacking/|archive-date=November 26, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> Mayorkas was involved in efforts to address DHS's presence on GAO's "high risk list" for management challenges;<ref name=BusGov/> Mayorkas, as well as Homeland Security Secretary ], acknowledged low morale among DHS employees (a longstanding problem that pre-dated the Obama administration) and took steps aimed at boosting morale.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Markon|first1=Jerry|title=DHS morale sinks further despite new leadership at the top, survey shows|date=October 10, 2020|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2014/10/10/dhs-morale-problems-grow-worse-during-secretary-johnsons-brief-tenure|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201117234728/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/federal-eye/wp/2014/10/10/dhs-morale-problems-grow-worse-during-secretary-johnsons-brief-tenure|archive-date=November 17, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Markon|first1=Jerry|last2=Nakashima|first2=Ellen|last3=Crites|first3=Alice|title=Top-level turnover makes it harder for DHS to stay on top of evolving threats|date=November 21, 2014|newspaper=]|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/top-level-turnover-makes-it-harder-for-dhs-to-stay-on-top-of-evolving-threats/2014/09/21/ca7919a6-39d7-11e4-9c9f-ebb47272e40e_story.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201115182254/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/top-level-turnover-makes-it-harder-for-dhs-to-stay-on-top-of-evolving-threats/2014/09/21/ca7919a6-39d7-11e4-9c9f-ebb47272e40e_story.html|archive-date=November 15, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
Line 104: | Line 109: | ||
In October 2016, Mayorkas joined the law firm of ] in the firm's Washington office.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/2016-10-05-homeland-security-deputy-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas-to-join-wilmerhale|title=Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Joins WilmerHale|date=October 5, 2016|publisher=Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713043116/https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/2016-10-05-homeland-security-deputy-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas-to-join-wilmerhale|url-status=live}}</ref> | In October 2016, Mayorkas joined the law firm of ] in the firm's Washington office.<ref>{{cite press release|url=https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/2016-10-05-homeland-security-deputy-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas-to-join-wilmerhale|title=Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Joins WilmerHale|date=October 5, 2016|publisher=Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr|access-date=November 25, 2020|archive-date=July 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200713043116/https://www.wilmerhale.com/en/insights/news/2016-10-05-homeland-security-deputy-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas-to-join-wilmerhale|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
⚫ | == Secretary of Homeland Security == | ||
== Biden administration, 2021–present == | |||
] | ] | ||
] in Washington, D.C. on November 17, 2021]] | ] in Washington, D.C. on November 17, 2021]] | ||
⚫ | ] Headquarters, 2023]] | ||
⚫ | ] Minister of the Interior and Safety]] | ||
⚫ | ] Headquarters, 2023]] | ||
⚫ | ] Minister of the Interior and Safety]] | ||
⚫ | == |
||
On November 23, 2020, President-elect ] announced his plan to nominate Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security.<ref name="wsj-confirm-nom">{{cite news|last1=Thomas|first1=Ken|last2=Restuccia|first2=Andrew|title=Biden Reveals Some Cabinet Picks|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-reveals-some-cabinet-picks-11606152632|work=]|date=November 23, 2020|id={{ProQuest|2463420498}}|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123173716/https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-reveals-some-cabinet-picks-11606152632|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="firstlatino">{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Michael |title=Biden Will Nominate First Woman to Lead Intelligence, First Latino to Run Homeland Security |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/politics/biden-nominees.html |access-date=November 23, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123170639/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/politics/biden-nominees.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | On November 23, 2020, President-elect ] announced his plan to nominate Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security.<ref name="wsj-confirm-nom">{{cite news|last1=Thomas|first1=Ken|last2=Restuccia|first2=Andrew|title=Biden Reveals Some Cabinet Picks|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-reveals-some-cabinet-picks-11606152632|work=]|date=November 23, 2020|id={{ProQuest|2463420498}}|access-date=November 23, 2020|archive-date=November 23, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123173716/https://www.wsj.com/articles/biden-reveals-some-cabinet-picks-11606152632|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="firstlatino">{{cite news |last1=Crowley |first1=Michael |title=Biden Will Nominate First Woman to Lead Intelligence, First Latino to Run Homeland Security |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/politics/biden-nominees.html |access-date=November 23, 2020 |work=The New York Times |date=November 23, 2020 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123170639/https://www.nytimes.com/2020/11/23/us/politics/biden-nominees.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Mayorkas had the support of the ]<ref name="auto6"/> and endorsements from former secretaries ] and ] (who served under ]) and ] and ] (who served under ]), who said Biden "could not have found a more qualified person".<ref name="auto"/> Most Senate Republicans however opposed the nomination; ] delayed a speedy confirmation, and Senate Minority Leader ] urged his caucus to vote against confirmation.<ref name="Politico">{{cite web |last1=Desiderio |first1=Andrew |title=Josh Hawley will delay swift confirmation of Biden's DHS pick |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/19/alejandro-mayorkas-confirmation-hearing-460256 |website=Politico |date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121023813/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/19/alejandro-mayorkas-confirmation-hearing-460256 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |first=Mairead |last=McArdle |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mcconnell-urges-caucus-to-oppose-mayorkas-for-biden-dhs-secretary/ |title=McConnell Urges Caucus to Oppose Mayorkas for Biden DHS Secretary |website=] |access-date=3 November 2023 |date=February 2, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103120907/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mcconnell-urges-caucus-to-oppose-mayorkas-for-biden-dhs-secretary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | Mayorkas had the support of the ]<ref name="auto6"/> and endorsements from former secretaries ] and ] (who served under ]) and ] and ] (who served under ]), who said Biden "could not have found a more qualified person".<ref name="auto"/> Most Senate Republicans however opposed the nomination; ] delayed a speedy confirmation, and Senate Minority Leader ] urged his caucus to vote against confirmation.<ref name="Politico">{{cite web |last1=Desiderio |first1=Andrew |title=Josh Hawley will delay swift confirmation of Biden's DHS pick |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/19/alejandro-mayorkas-confirmation-hearing-460256 |website=Politico |date=January 19, 2021 |access-date=January 22, 2021 |archive-date=January 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210121023813/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/19/alejandro-mayorkas-confirmation-hearing-460256 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="auto4">{{Cite web |first=Mairead |last=McArdle |url=https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mcconnell-urges-caucus-to-oppose-mayorkas-for-biden-dhs-secretary/ |title=McConnell Urges Caucus to Oppose Mayorkas for Biden DHS Secretary |website=] |access-date=3 November 2023 |date=February 2, 2021 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103120907/https://www.nationalreview.com/news/mcconnell-urges-caucus-to-oppose-mayorkas-for-biden-dhs-secretary/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Ultimately, Mayorkas was confirmed on a 56–43 vote.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite web |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=117&session=1&vote=00012 |title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 117th Congress |
Ultimately, Mayorkas was confirmed on a 56–43 vote.<ref name="auto7">{{Cite web |url=https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=117&session=1&vote=00012 |title=U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 117th Congress – 1st Session |website=senate.gov |access-date=February 3, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101120730/https://www.senate.gov/legislative/LIS/roll_call_lists/roll_call_vote_cfm.cfm?congress=117&session=1&vote=00012 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-02-02 |title=Josh Hawley is only senator to vote no on all Biden cabinet confirmations |first=Oliver |last=O'Connell |url=https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/josh-hawley-senate-confirmation-no-votes-b1796645.html |access-date=2023-08-28 |website=The Independent |language=en |archive-date=August 28, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230828192724/https://www.the-independent.com/news/world/americas/us-politics/josh-hawley-senate-confirmation-no-votes-b1796645.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Republican Senators ], ], ], ], ], and ] voted with the Democrats to confirm Mayorkas.<ref name="auto7"/> Mayorkas was sworn in by Vice President ] on February 2, 2021, after his confirmation that day.<ref name="auto5" /> Mayorkas is the first refugee and first person born in Latin America to lead the department.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rodriguez |first=Sabrina |date=2021-02-02 |title=Mayorkas confirmed as secretary of Homeland Security |language=en |work=] |url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/02/mayorkas-confirmed-homeland-security-465036 |access-date=2021-02-02 |archive-date=February 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210202235341/https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/02/mayorkas-confirmed-homeland-security-465036 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
=== Tenure === | |||
Early on in his tenure, arrests surged at the ]. In June 2021, the monthly number of intercepted migrants reached a decade high of 188,800.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Geneva Sands|title=US-Mexico border arrests in June are the highest in at least a decade|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/14/politics/us-mexico-border-arrests-june-decade/index.html|access-date=2021-07-21|website=CNN|date=July 14, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721194546/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/14/politics/us-mexico-border-arrests-june-decade/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | Early on in his tenure, arrests surged at the ]. In June 2021, the monthly number of intercepted migrants reached a decade high of 188,800.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Geneva Sands|title=US-Mexico border arrests in June are the highest in at least a decade|url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/14/politics/us-mexico-border-arrests-june-decade/index.html|access-date=2021-07-21|website=CNN|date=July 14, 2021|archive-date=July 21, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210721194546/https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/14/politics/us-mexico-border-arrests-june-decade/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | ||
In May 2021, Mayorkas led the establishment of a task force dedicated to reuniting families separated at the southern border during the Trump administration. By early 2023, approximately 600 children had been reunited with their parents.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-05-03 |title=Biden Administration Begins This Week to Reunite Families Separated Under the Prior Administration {{!}} Homeland Security |url=https://www.dhs.gov/news/2021/05/03/biden-administration-begins-week-reunite-families-separated-under-prior |access-date= |website=www.dhs.gov |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-15 |title=Alejandro Mayorkas {{!}} Biography, Immigration, & Impeachment {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Alejandro-Mayorkas |access-date=2024-10-18 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref> | |||
On October 19, 2021, Mayorkas tested positive for ] during a test performed as part of pre-travel protocol. He experienced mild symptoms, forcing him to cancel a trip to Bogotá, Colombia, and to reschedule a Senate hearing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sands |first1=Geneva |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/politics/homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-covid-positive/index.html |title=Homeland Security secretary tests positive for Covid-19 |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=CNN |date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113033145/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/politics/homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-covid-positive/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | On October 19, 2021, Mayorkas tested positive for ] during a test performed as part of pre-travel protocol. He experienced mild symptoms, forcing him to cancel a trip to Bogotá, Colombia, and to reschedule a Senate hearing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sands |first1=Geneva |url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/politics/homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-covid-positive/index.html |title=Homeland Security secretary tests positive for Covid-19 |access-date=14 November 2021 |work=CNN |date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=November 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211113033145/https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/19/politics/homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-covid-positive/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Line 126: | Line 128: | ||
Testifying to the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations on April 27, 2022, Mayorkas confirmed that the Biden administration will implement a ] in the DHS to "develop guidelines, standards, guardrails" to shape the department's longstanding effort to counter disinformation.<ref name=Lancaster>{{cite news |access-date=3 November 2023 |last1=Lancaster |first1=Joe |title=New DHS Board Seeks To Counter What It Thinks Is Disinformation |work=] |date=April 29, 2022 |url=https://reason.com/2022/04/29/new-dhs-board-seeks-to-counter-what-it-thinks-is-disinformation/ |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430185718/https://reason.com/2022/04/29/new-dhs-board-seeks-to-counter-what-it-thinks-is-disinformation/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Beitsch |first=Rebecca |date=4 May 2022 |title=Mayorkas clarifies role of new DHS disinformation board |work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/3477628-mayorkas-clarifies-role-of-new-dhs-disinformation-board/ |access-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505235039/https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/3477628-mayorkas-clarifies-role-of-new-dhs-disinformation-board/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three weeks later, after critics called the initiative "a violation of free speech" and its executive director ] had resigned, the Disinformation Working Group was "paused".<ref>{{cite news |first=Taylor |last=Lorenz |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/05/18/disinformation-board-dhs-nina-jankowicz/ |title=How the Biden administration let right-wing attacks derail its disinformation efforts |newspaper=] |date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713065631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/05/18/disinformation-board-dhs-nina-jankowicz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | Testifying to the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations on April 27, 2022, Mayorkas confirmed that the Biden administration will implement a ] in the DHS to "develop guidelines, standards, guardrails" to shape the department's longstanding effort to counter disinformation.<ref name=Lancaster>{{cite news |access-date=3 November 2023 |last1=Lancaster |first1=Joe |title=New DHS Board Seeks To Counter What It Thinks Is Disinformation |work=] |date=April 29, 2022 |url=https://reason.com/2022/04/29/new-dhs-board-seeks-to-counter-what-it-thinks-is-disinformation/ |archive-date=April 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220430185718/https://reason.com/2022/04/29/new-dhs-board-seeks-to-counter-what-it-thinks-is-disinformation/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Beitsch |first=Rebecca |date=4 May 2022 |title=Mayorkas clarifies role of new DHS disinformation board |work=The Hill |url=https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/3477628-mayorkas-clarifies-role-of-new-dhs-disinformation-board/ |access-date=May 7, 2022 |archive-date=May 5, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220505235039/https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/3477628-mayorkas-clarifies-role-of-new-dhs-disinformation-board/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Three weeks later, after critics called the initiative "a violation of free speech" and its executive director ] had resigned, the Disinformation Working Group was "paused".<ref>{{cite news |first=Taylor |last=Lorenz |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/05/18/disinformation-board-dhs-nina-jankowicz/ |title=How the Biden administration let right-wing attacks derail its disinformation efforts |newspaper=] |date=May 18, 2022 |access-date=August 30, 2022 |archive-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220713065631/https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2022/05/18/disinformation-board-dhs-nina-jankowicz/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
In September 2021, a photo circulated of Border Patrol agents using their "long rein" to control horses; however, the photo appeared to show them "whipping" Haitian migrants. Upon its release, the image generated outrage. Initially, Mayorkas defended the actions of agents, but later, at a White House press conference, condemned their actions and pledged to investigate them.{{ |
In September 2021, a ] using their "long rein" to control horses; however, the photo appeared to show them "whipping" Haitian migrants. Upon its release, the image generated outrage. Initially, Mayorkas defended the actions of agents, but later, at a White House press conference, condemned their actions and pledged to investigate them.{{Citation needed|date=January 2024}} | ||
In October 2022, ] released emails that showed that, hours before the press conference, Mayorkas received emails that disproved the whipping claim, including from the photographer himself. Republicans condemned Mayorkas upon the emails' release. Senator ], Representatives ], ] and ] had, by October 2022, raised the prospect of ] Mayorkas. Chief of the ] under President Obama and acting Commissioner of ] under President Trump ] also condemned Mayorkas's actions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayorkas Threatened With Impeachment Over Border 'Whipping' |website=] |date=October 12, 2022 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/mayorkas-threatened-impeachment-border-whipping-response-1751312 |first=Zoe |last=Strozewski |access-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019142014/https://www.newsweek.com/mayorkas-threatened-impeachment-border-whipping-response-1751312 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Bill |last1=Melugin |first2=Adam |last2=Shaw |title=Mayorkas alerted that no Haitian migrants were 'whipped' hours before WH press conference |website=] |date=October 11, 2022 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-alerted-haitian-migrants-whipped-hours-wh-press-conference |access-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019142014/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-alerted-haitian-migrants-whipped-hours-wh-press-conference |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Obama's border chief: Mayorkas is a 'scumbag' |url=https://thespectator.com/topic/obamas-border-chief-mayorkas-is-a-scumbag/ |first=Teresa |last=Mull |website=] |date=October 13, 2022 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103113642/https://thespectator.com/topic/obamas-border-chief-mayorkas-is-a-scumbag/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | In October 2022, ] released emails that showed that, hours before the press conference, Mayorkas received emails that disproved the whipping claim, including from the photographer himself. Republicans condemned Mayorkas upon the emails' release. Senator ], Representatives ], ] and ] had, by October 2022, raised the prospect of ] Mayorkas. Chief of the ] under President Obama and acting Commissioner of ] under President Trump ] also condemned Mayorkas's actions.<ref>{{cite web |title=Mayorkas Threatened With Impeachment Over Border 'Whipping' |website=] |date=October 12, 2022 |url=https://www.newsweek.com/mayorkas-threatened-impeachment-border-whipping-response-1751312 |first=Zoe |last=Strozewski |access-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019142014/https://www.newsweek.com/mayorkas-threatened-impeachment-border-whipping-response-1751312 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |first1=Bill |last1=Melugin |first2=Adam |last2=Shaw |title=Mayorkas alerted that no Haitian migrants were 'whipped' hours before WH press conference |website=] |date=October 11, 2022 |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-alerted-haitian-migrants-whipped-hours-wh-press-conference |access-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019142014/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-alerted-haitian-migrants-whipped-hours-wh-press-conference |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Obama's border chief: Mayorkas is a 'scumbag' |url=https://thespectator.com/topic/obamas-border-chief-mayorkas-is-a-scumbag/ |first=Teresa |last=Mull |website=] |date=October 13, 2022 |access-date=3 November 2023 |archive-date=November 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231103113642/https://thespectator.com/topic/obamas-border-chief-mayorkas-is-a-scumbag/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
Line 132: | Line 134: | ||
On October 31, 2023, Mayorkas testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee that more than 600,000 people illegally made their way into the United States without being apprehended by border agents during the 2023 fiscal year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mayorkas confirms over 600,000 illegal immigrants evaded law enforcement at southern border last fiscal year |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-confirms-over-600k-illegal-immigrants-evaded-law-enforcement-southern-border |work=Fox News |date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211102151/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-confirms-over-600k-illegal-immigrants-evaded-law-enforcement-southern-border |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=WATCH LIVE: FBI Director Wray, DHS head Mayorkas testify in Senate hearing on threats to U.S. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKn948LUX8I&ab_channel=PBSNewsHour |work=PBS NewsHour |date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211102151/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKn948LUX8I&ab_channel=PBSNewsHour |url-status=live }}</ref> | On October 31, 2023, Mayorkas testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee that more than 600,000 people illegally made their way into the United States without being apprehended by border agents during the 2023 fiscal year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Mayorkas confirms over 600,000 illegal immigrants evaded law enforcement at southern border last fiscal year |url=https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-confirms-over-600k-illegal-immigrants-evaded-law-enforcement-southern-border |work=Fox News |date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211102151/https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mayorkas-confirms-over-600k-illegal-immigrants-evaded-law-enforcement-southern-border |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=WATCH LIVE: FBI Director Wray, DHS head Mayorkas testify in Senate hearing on threats to U.S. |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKn948LUX8I&ab_channel=PBSNewsHour |work=PBS NewsHour |date=October 31, 2023 |access-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211102151/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZKn948LUX8I&ab_channel=PBSNewsHour |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On January 17, 2024, a ] denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border passed the ] by a vote of 225–187, with 211 Republicans and 14 Democrats supporting it.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Adragna |first1=Anthony |title=14 Dems vote with GOP as House condemns Biden handling of southern border |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/01/17/congress/house-gop-biden-border-rebuke-dems-00136221 |publisher=Politico |access-date=26 September 2024 |date=17 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=H. RES. 957 |url=https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BILLS-118hres957ih/pdf/BILLS-118hres957ih.pdf |publisher=118th Congress |access-date=26 September 2024 |date=11 January 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Schnell |first1=Mychael |title=These 14 Democrats voted for a GOP resolution denouncing Biden's 'open-border policies' |url=https://thehill.com/homenews/house/4414955-democrats-gop-resolution-denouncing-biden-open-border-policies/ |work=The Hill |access-date=26 September 2024 |date=17 January 2024}}</ref> | |||
⚫ | ===Impeachment=== | ||
⚫ | {{Main|Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas}} | ||
⚫ | On November 9, 2023, Representative ] filed a motion to impeach Mayorkas, citing a dereliction of duty and saying he "failed to maintain operational control of the border".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Duncan-Smith |first1=Nicole |title=Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Fellow Republican the P-Word After He Criticizes Her Lack of 'Maturity' |url=https://news.yahoo.com/rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-calls-192150395.html |
||
From January 2021 through June 2024, ] has reported about 10 million nationwide encounters with removable noncitizens across the country. This includes a record 2.2 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2022, the highest in history. Additionally, 1.5 million "gotaways"—people who evaded capture—were estimated to have entered the U.S. during this period.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> | |||
⚫ | On January 28, 2024, House Republicans introduced two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, alleging "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and breach of the public trust. Constitutional legal scholars and Democrats asserted Republicans were using impeachment to address immigration policy disputes rather than for ], of which there was no evidence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Alemany |first1=Jacqueline |title=House GOP unveils Mayorkas impeachment articles despite lack of evidence |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/28/house-republicans-mayorkas-impeachment/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 28, 2024}}</ref> Legal scholar and law professor ] commented that the impeachment lacked a "cognizable basis" and that the inquiry had failed to show "conduct by the secretary that could be viewed as criminal or impeachable".<ref name="Mastrangelo 2024 l032">{{cite web | last=Mastrangelo | first=Dominick | title=Turley says there's no 'cognizable basis' for Republicans to impeach Mayorkas | website=The Hill | date=2024-01-29 | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/4435259-turley-republicans-impeach-mayorkas/ | access-date=2024-01-30 | archive-date=January 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130024616/https://thehill.com/homenews/media/4435259-turley-republicans-impeach-mayorkas/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In a '']'' opinion piece, ] and Joshua Matz argued that an impeachment of Mayorkas on grounds of "maladministration" would violate the Constitution.<ref name="Matz Eisen 2024 p305">{{cite news | last1=Matz | first1=Joshua | last2=Eisen | first2=Norman | title=Why impeaching Mayorkas would violate the Constitution | newspaper=Washington Post | date=2024-01-09 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/09/impeachment-alejandro-mayorkas-unconstitutional-border-security/ | access-date=2024-01-30 | archive-date=January 28, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128141227/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/09/impeachment-alejandro-mayorkas-unconstitutional-border-security/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Former DHS secretary ], a Republican, wrote in a '']'' opinion piece that "Republicans in the House should drop this impeachment charade and work with Mr. Mayorkas to deliver for the American people."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chertoff |first1=Michael |title=Don't Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-impeach-alejandro-mayorkas-misuse-of-process-for-policy-differences-1f0ba02c |date=January 28, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207083056/https://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-impeach-alejandro-mayorkas-misuse-of-process-for-policy-differences-1f0ba02c |url-status=live }}</ref> On the eve of a committee vote on the impeachment articles, the conservative ] also questioned the reasoning for impeachment, writing "A policy dispute doesn't qualify as a high crime and misdemeanor."<ref>{{cite news |title=Impeaching Mayorkas Achieves Nothing |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alejandro-mayorkas-impeachment-house-republicans-border-immigration-homeland-security-1a431a5d?mod=opinion_lead_pos1 |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=The Editorial Board |date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131061125/https://www.wsj.com/articles/alejandro-mayorkas-impeachment-house-republicans-border-immigration-homeland-security-1a431a5d?mod=opinion_lead_pos1 |url-status=live }}</ref> |
||
On July 25, 2024, the ] voted 220–196 to pass another resolution condemning the Biden-Harris administration for their handling of the U.S. southern border. Six Democrats voted with all Republicans in the House to pass the resolution.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Solender |first1=Andrew |title=A half-dozen Democrats vote to condemn Harris on the border |url=https://www.axios.com/2024/07/25/house-democrats-resolution-kamala-harris-border |publisher=Axios |access-date=26 September 2024 |date=25 July 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Carney |first1=Jordain |last2=Adragna |first2=Anthony |title=Half-dozen Dems join GOP in condemning Harris' work on the border |url=https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/25/congress/house-condemns-harris-on-border-00171124 |publisher=Politico |access-date=26 September 2024 |date=25 July 2024}}</ref> | |||
On January 31, 2024, Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee approved the articles along party lines for referral to the full House.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grayer |first1=Annie |title=House Republicans vote to advance effort to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/30/politics/impeaching-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-committee/index.html?Date=20240131&Profile=cnnbrk |publisher=CNN |date=January 31, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203151439/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/30/politics/impeaching-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-committee/index.html?Date=20240131&Profile=cnnbrk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-31 |title=House Republicans move to impeach homeland security secretary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/31/alejandro-mayorkas-impeached-house-republicans-border |access-date=2024-01-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131123932/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/31/alejandro-mayorkas-impeached-house-republicans-border |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
⚫ | === Impeachment === | ||
⚫ | On |
||
⚫ | {{Main|Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas}} | ||
⚫ | On November 9, 2023, Representative ] filed a motion to impeach Mayorkas, citing a dereliction of duty and saying he "failed to maintain operational control of the border".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Duncan-Smith |first1=Nicole |title=Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Fellow Republican the P-Word After He Criticizes Her Lack of 'Maturity' |url=https://news.yahoo.com/rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-calls-192150395.html|website=] |date=November 13, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118032543/https://news.yahoo.com/rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-calls-192150395.html?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAANi6cIhtRY37sleo1jwui7Ety9L5PyWO509Fm_Z_PaKSZ2EFgZBPTi8tJVwiV1P-3ALCfq_erJGk99GbUSdw7S8Fn_r-z7QPC7kEHFgoFgduU9EOkfLV8AAxMX_OsEZHMZBGD5rkFAWDIjqJSES5CltVY7SWQoMDZI4VE3qM_Bge |url-status=live }}</ref> The motion to impeach failed to pass on November 13, with the House of Representatives voting 209–201 to defer the resolution to the ]. Eight Republicans joined all Democrats in blocking the measure.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Tran |first1=Ken |title=House blocks Marjorie Taylor Greene's push to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/13/marjorie-taylor-greene-impeach-alejandro-mayorkas-fails/71570362007/ |website=] |date=November 16, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118032545/https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2023/11/13/marjorie-taylor-greene-impeach-alejandro-mayorkas-fails/71570362007/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Warburton |first1=Moira |last2=Hesson |first2=Tom |title=US House votes to pause impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-vote-impeachment-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-2023-11-13/ |website=] |date=November 14, 2023 |access-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118032544/https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-house-vote-impeachment-homeland-security-secretary-mayorkas-2023-11-13/ |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
⚫ | On January 28, 2024, House Republicans introduced two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, alleging "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and breach of the public trust. Constitutional legal scholars and Democrats asserted Republicans were using impeachment to address immigration policy disputes rather than for ], of which there was no evidence.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Alemany |first1=Jacqueline |title=House GOP unveils Mayorkas impeachment articles despite lack of evidence |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/01/28/house-republicans-mayorkas-impeachment/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 28, 2024}}</ref> Legal scholar and law professor ] commented that the impeachment lacked a "cognizable basis" and that the inquiry had failed to show "conduct by the secretary that could be viewed as criminal or impeachable".<ref name="Mastrangelo 2024 l032">{{cite web | last=Mastrangelo | first=Dominick | title=Turley says there's no 'cognizable basis' for Republicans to impeach Mayorkas | website=The Hill | date=2024-01-29 | url=https://thehill.com/homenews/media/4435259-turley-republicans-impeach-mayorkas/ | access-date=2024-01-30 | archive-date=January 30, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240130024616/https://thehill.com/homenews/media/4435259-turley-republicans-impeach-mayorkas/ | url-status=live }}</ref> In a '']'' opinion piece, ] and Joshua Matz argued that an impeachment of Mayorkas on grounds of "maladministration" would violate the Constitution.<ref name="Matz Eisen 2024 p305">{{cite news | last1=Matz | first1=Joshua | last2=Eisen | first2=Norman | title=Why impeaching Mayorkas would violate the Constitution | newspaper=Washington Post | date=2024-01-09 | url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/09/impeachment-alejandro-mayorkas-unconstitutional-border-security/ | access-date=2024-01-30 | archive-date=January 28, 2024 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240128141227/https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2024/01/09/impeachment-alejandro-mayorkas-unconstitutional-border-security/ | url-status=live }}</ref> Former DHS secretary ], a Republican, wrote in a '']'' opinion piece that "Republicans in the House should drop this impeachment charade and work with Mr. Mayorkas to deliver for the American people."<ref>{{cite news |last1=Chertoff |first1=Michael |title=Don't Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-impeach-alejandro-mayorkas-misuse-of-process-for-policy-differences-1f0ba02c |date=January 28, 2024 |work=The Wall Street Journal |access-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207083056/https://www.wsj.com/articles/dont-impeach-alejandro-mayorkas-misuse-of-process-for-policy-differences-1f0ba02c |url-status=live }}</ref> On the eve of a committee vote on the impeachment articles, the conservative ] also questioned the reasoning for impeachment, writing "A policy dispute doesn't qualify as a high crime and misdemeanor."<ref>{{cite news |title=Impeaching Mayorkas Achieves Nothing |url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/alejandro-mayorkas-impeachment-house-republicans-border-immigration-homeland-security-1a431a5d?mod=opinion_lead_pos1 |work=The Wall Street Journal |publisher=The Editorial Board |date=January 30, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131061125/https://www.wsj.com/articles/alejandro-mayorkas-impeachment-house-republicans-border-immigration-homeland-security-1a431a5d?mod=opinion_lead_pos1 |url-status=live }}</ref> | ||
On February 13, 2024, the United States House of Representatives voted to impeach Mayorkas by a vote of 214–213.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |date=2024-02-13 |title=Border Security: House Republicans Impeach Mayorkas for Border Policies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/13/us/mayorkas-impeachment |access-date=2024-02-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214002645/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/13/us/mayorkas-impeachment |url-status=live }}</ref> | |||
⚫ | On January 31, 2024, Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee approved the articles along party lines for referral to the full House.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Grayer |first1=Annie |title=House Republicans vote to advance effort to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/30/politics/impeaching-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-committee/index.html?Date=20240131&Profile=cnnbrk |publisher=CNN |date=January 31, 2024 |access-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-date=February 3, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240203151439/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/01/30/politics/impeaching-dhs-secretary-mayorkas-committee/index.html?Date=20240131&Profile=cnnbrk |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=2024-01-31 |title=House Republicans move to impeach homeland security secretary |url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/31/alejandro-mayorkas-impeached-house-republicans-border |access-date=2024-01-31 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |archive-date=January 31, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240131123932/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/jan/31/alejandro-mayorkas-impeached-house-republicans-border |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 6, 2024, the House voted against impeaching Mayorkas, nearly along party lines, with the final vote being 214–216.<ref>{{Cite web |last1=Wong |first1=Scott |last2=Kaplan |first2=Rebecca |date=2024-02-06 |title=House Republicans fail to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-republicans-hold-vote-impeach-dhs-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas-rcna137327 |access-date=2024-02-06 |website=www.nbcnews.com |language=en |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206235412/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/house-republicans-hold-vote-impeach-dhs-secretary-alejandro-mayorkas-rcna137327 |url-status=live }}</ref> Major media outlets variously characterized the failed vote as a "stunning rebuke", a "calamitous miscalculation", and a "story of a House in utter disarray".<ref>{{cite news|title=In stunning vote, House Republicans fail to impeach Secretary Mayorkas|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/06/house-mayorkas-impeachment/|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=February 6, 2024|author1=Jacqueline Alemany|author2=Amy B Wang|author3=Marianna Sotomayor|author4=Paul Kane|access-date=February 7, 2024|archive-date=February 7, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207130918/https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2024/02/06/house-mayorkas-impeachment/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Edmondson |first1=Catie |title=Dysfunction Reigns in Congress as G.O.P. Defeats Multiply |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/06/us/politics/border-ukraine-israel-aid-congress.html |work=The New York Times |date=February 5, 2024 |access-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207083546/https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/06/us/politics/border-ukraine-israel-aid-congress.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Collinson |first1=Stephen |title=How a botched impeachment laid bare a GOP House that cannot function |url=https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/07/politics/mike-johnson-house-republicans-impeachment/index.html |publisher=CNN |date=February 6, 2024 |access-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-date=February 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240207083256/https://edition.cnn.com/2024/02/07/politics/mike-johnson-house-republicans-impeachment/index.html |url-status=live }}</ref> On February 13, 2024, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas on a party-line vote of 214–213; three Republicans joined all 210 Democrats in voting no.<ref name=Demirjian>{{Cite news |last=Demirjian |first=Karoun |date=2024-02-13 |title=Border Security: House Republicans Impeach Mayorkas for Border Policies |url=https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/13/us/mayorkas-impeachment |access-date=2024-02-14 |work=The New York Times |language=en-US |issn=0362-4331 |archive-date=February 14, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214002645/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2024/02/13/us/mayorkas-impeachment |url-status=live }}</ref> He was the first federal official to be impeached based solely on policy disagreements,<ref name=Demirjian/> and the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years.<ref name=Krieg>{{cite news|author=Gregory Krieg, Ted Barrett, Annie Grayer, Clare Foran and Morgan Rimmer|url = https://www.cnn.com/2024/04/17/politics/senate-mayorkas-impeachment-articles|title = Senate kills the articles of impeachment against Alejandro Mayorkas|date = April 17, 2024|accessdate = April 17, 2024|work = ]}}</ref> | ||
On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Senate voted through a ] that the charges were unconstitutional and moot by a vote of 51–48 on Article I (with Republican senator ] voting "present") and 51–49 on Article II. Afterwards, the Senate voted, 51–49, to adjourn the trial.<ref name = Bolton/><ref name=Krieg/> | |||
==Personal life== | ==Personal life== | ||
Mayorkas and his wife Tanya have two daughters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement of Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas to the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate|date=June 24, 2009|url=https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/mayorkas_testimony_06_24_09.pdf|access-date=November 30, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028233753/https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/mayorkas_testimony_06_24_09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> He is a runner and plays ] and ].<ref name=Kanno-Youngs/> | Mayorkas and his wife Tanya have two daughters.<ref>{{cite web|title=Statement of Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas to the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate|date=June 24, 2009|url=https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/mayorkas_testimony_06_24_09.pdf|access-date=November 30, 2020|archive-date=October 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201028233753/https://www.judiciary.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/mayorkas_testimony_06_24_09.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> He is a runner and plays ] and ].<ref name=Kanno-Youngs/> | ||
==See also== | |||
* ] | |||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Line 180: | Line 189: | ||
{{s-bef|before=]}} | {{s-bef|before=]}} | ||
{{s-ttl|title=]|years=2021–present}} | {{s-ttl|title=]|years=2021–present<!-- 2025 -->}} | ||
{{s-inc}}<!-- {{s-aft|after=]<br>Designate}} --> | |||
{{s-inc}} | |||
{{s-prec|usa}} | {{s-prec|usa}} | ||
Line 196: | Line 205: | ||
{{Navboxes | {{Navboxes | ||
|list = | |list = | ||
⚫ | {{USSecHS}} | ||
⚫ | {{Biden cabinet}} | ||
⚫ | {{Current U.S. Cabinet}} | ||
{{G8-Interior}} | {{G8-Interior}} | ||
⚫ | {{Current U.S. Cabinet}} | ||
{{US Presidential Line of Succession}} | {{US Presidential Line of Succession}} | ||
⚫ | {{USSecHS}} | ||
⚫ | {{Biden cabinet}} | ||
}} | }} | ||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
Line 211: | Line 220: | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
⚫ | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
Line 219: | Line 229: | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | |||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
Line 224: | Line 235: | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
⚫ | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
Line 236: | Line 246: | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] | ||
] | ] |
Latest revision as of 01:06, 28 December 2024
American attorney and government official (born 1959)
Alejandro Mayorkas | |
---|---|
Official portrait, 2021 | |
7th United States Secretary of Homeland Security | |
Incumbent | |
Assumed office February 2, 2021 | |
President | Joe Biden |
Deputy | John Tien Kristie Canegallo (acting) |
Preceded by | Kirstjen Nielsen David Pekoske (acting) |
6th United States Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security | |
In office December 23, 2013 – October 28, 2016 | |
President | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Jane Holl Lute |
Succeeded by | Elaine Duke |
Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services | |
In office August 12, 2009 – December 23, 2013 | |
President | Barack Obama |
Preceded by | Emilio T. Gonzalez |
Succeeded by | León Rodríguez |
United States Attorney for the Central District of California | |
In office December 21, 1998 – April 20, 2001 | |
President | Bill Clinton George W. Bush |
Preceded by | Nora Margaret Manella |
Succeeded by | Debra Wong Yang |
Personal details | |
Born | Alejandro Nicolas Mayorkas (1959-11-24) November 24, 1959 (age 65) Havana, Cuba |
Political party | Democratic |
Spouse | Tanya Mayorkas |
Children | 2 |
Education | University of California, Berkeley (BA) Loyola Marymount University (JD) |
Mayorkas's voice
Mayorkas answers questions on the vetting of Afghan refugees Recorded November 16, 2021 | |
Alejandro Nicolas Mayorkas (born November 24, 1959) is an American attorney and government official who is the 7th United States Secretary of Homeland Security, serving since 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, Mayorkas previously served as director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services from 2009 to 2013, and the 6th Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security from 2013 to 2016.
Mayorkas was born in Havana, Cuba. Shortly after the Cuban Revolution, his family fled to Florida and later settled in California. He graduated from UC Berkeley in history with honors, subsequently earning his J.D. from Loyola Marymount University. After law school, Mayorkas worked as an Assistant United States Attorney and as the United States attorney for the Central District of California in Los Angeles from 1998 to 2001. In 2009, Mayorkas was a member of the presidential transition team for Barack Obama, leading the team responsible for the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division. He was appointed by President Obama as the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). As USCIS director, Mayorkas implemented the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process in 60 days. He led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and led the advancement of a crime victims unit that, for the first time, made it possible for the agency to issue the statutory maximum number of visas to victims of crime.
On November 23, 2020, Mayorkas was nominated by President-elect Joe Biden for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security. Mayorkas's nomination received the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and several former secretaries. He was confirmed by the Senate on a 56–43 vote on February 2, 2021, facing significant Republican opposition over his stance on immigration, particularly his support for halting border wall construction and advocating for a pathway to citizenship for illegal immigrants. He was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris the same day.
Since Mayorkas became Secretary of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported about 10 million nationwide encounters with removable noncitizens across the country. This includes a record 2.2 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2022, the highest in history. Additionally, 1.5 million "gotaways"—people who evaded capture—were estimated to have entered the U.S. during this period.
Mayorkas' tenure has drawn sharp criticism from Republicans, leading to his impeachment for dereliction of duty in a narrow and largely partisan 214–213 vote by the House of Representatives in 2024. This came after an unsuccessful impeachment vote of Mayorkas one week prior. Mayorkas is the first cabinet member to be impeached since William Belknap in 1876. The Senate voted 51–49 to dismiss the impeachment charges on April 17, ending the impeachment without a trial.
Early life and education
Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 24, 1959. When he was one year old, his parents fled with him and his sister to the United States in 1960 as refugees, following the Cuban Revolution. He lived in Miami, Florida, before his family moved to Los Angeles, California, where he was raised for the remainder of his youth. Mayorkas grew up in Beverly Hills and attended Beverly Hills High School.
His father, Charles R. "Nicky" Mayorkas, was born in Cuba. He was a Cuban Jew of Sephardi (from the former Ottoman Empire, present-day Turkey and Greece) and Ashkenazi (from Poland) background. He owned and operated a steel wool factory on the outskirts of Havana. Nicky Mayorkas studied economics at Dartmouth College.
His mother, Anita (Gabor), was a Romanian Jew whose family escaped the Holocaust and fled to Cuba in the 1940s before leaving for the United States after the Cuban Revolution.
Mayorkas graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction. He received his Juris Doctor in 1985 from Loyola Law School, where he was an editor of the Loyola of Los Angeles Entertainment Law Review.
Assistant United States Attorney
After three years as a litigation associate in private practice, Mayorkas became an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California in 1989. He prosecuted a wide array of federal crimes, developing a specialization in the prosecution of white-collar crime, including tax evasion and money laundering. His prosecutions included the successful prosecution of Operation PolarCap, then the largest money laundering case in the nation; the conviction at trial of Heidi Fleiss on charges of federal conspiracy, tax fraud, and money laundering charges; the successful prosecutions of two largest telemarketing fraud operations that preyed on the elderly; and the successful prosecution of a health care fraud and insurance fraud conspiracy.
Mayorkas served as the coordinator of the Southern California Telemarketing Fraud Task Force, overseeing the coordination of federal, state, and local law enforcement and regulatory agencies to most aggressively combat telemarketing fraud throughout the Central District of California.
From 1996 to 1998, Mayorkas served as Chief of the Office's General Crimes Section, overseeing the training and trial work of all new Assistant United States Attorneys in the Criminal Division. He received numerous awards from federal law enforcement agencies, including from FBI Director Louis Freeh for the successful prosecution of Operation PolarCap.
United States Attorney
In 1998, Mayorkas was recommended by Senator Dianne Feinstein and appointed by President Bill Clinton as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California, becoming the country's youngest United States Attorney. He was appointed on December 21, 1998.
Mayorkas oversaw the prosecution of high-profile criminal cases, including the prosecution of the Mexican Mafia in death penalty proceedings, the prosecution of Buford O. Furrow Jr. for the murder of a federal postal worker and the hate-motivated shooting of children in a community center, the prosecution of Litton Industries for the payment of bribes abroad, and the takedown of the violent 18th Street gang using RICO statutes.
In late 2000, Mayorkas was one of many California officials who participated in efforts to obtain executive clemency for narcotics trafficker Carlos Vignali Jr., the son of a wealthy Los Angeles businessman. On his last day in office in January 2001, Clinton commuted Vignali's 15-year prison sentence, a controversial decision.
Private law practice
In September 2001, Mayorkas joined O'Melveny & Myers as a litigation partner. In 2008, The National Law Journal named Mayorkas one of the "50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America".
Upon the election of Barack Obama in November 2008, Mayorkas was selected by the president-elect for a role in the presidential transition leading up to the inauguration. He led the transition team responsible for the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division.
Obama administration, 2009–2016
Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
In 2009, Mayorkas was appointed by President Obama as the director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). On May 20, 2009, the nomination was received by the Senate; on August 7, 2009, the nomination was confirmed by the Senate by voice vote. As USCIS director, Mayorkas led United States citizenship through management efficiencies and fiscal responsibility, and safeguarding the integrity of the immigration system. He implemented the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) process in sixty days. He led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti and led the advancement of a crime victims unit that, for the first time, resulted in the ability of the agency to administer the statutory maximum number of visas to victims of crime.
For his work as director of USCIS, Mayorkas received awards from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, the Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, and the Mexican American Legal Defense and Education Fund.
In 2015, a Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector General (OIG) report criticized Mayorkas's oversight of the EB-5 investor visa program, which offered lawful permanent resident status (green cards) to foreign investors who invested $500,000 into businesses that created jobs in the U.S. The program's popularity greatly increased under Mayorkas's tenure. The OIG report, which was the culmination of an investigation beginning in 2013, focused on allegations that politically connected businesses were given special treatment under the program, focusing specifically on the Sahara casino and hotel in Las Vegas, backed by then-Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and an electric car company led by Terry McAuliffe and involving Anthony Rodham. The report concluded that "The juxtaposition of Mr. Mayorkas' communication with external stakeholders on specific matters outside the normal procedures, coupled with favorable action that deviated from the regulatory scheme designed to ensure fairness and evenhandedness in adjudicating benefits, created an appearance of favoritism and special access." The "fast-tracking" of approvals for individuals involved in the casino program was controversial because it was made over the objections of USCIS analysts "who were suspicious about the source of the funds".
Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
Nominated by President Obama in June 2013, Mayorkas was confirmed as the deputy secretary on December 20, 2013, following a party-line Senate vote. Mayorkas' confirmation made him the first foreign-born person ever to run the department.
The investigation by the OIG into Alejandro Mayorkas's actions as USCIS director—specifically, his intervention to expedite reviews for foreign investor visa applicants in three cases—sparked controversy and delayed his confirmation proceedings. The inspector general's report found that Mayorkas's acts did not violate the law, but did create an appearance of favoritism. In House Homeland Security Committee testimony in May 2015, Mayorkas expressed regret that his intervention created an impression of favoritism, but said his involvement was motivated by a desire to ensure that the applications were handled in accordance with the law: "I did not let errors go unchecked, but instead helped ensure that those cases were decided correctly, nothing more and nothing less."
As deputy secretary, Mayorkas's led DHS's response to the 2013–14 Ebola virus epidemic and 2015–16 Zika virus epidemic. His work also focused on cybersecurity. He led the DHS's negotiations with Israel and China on cybersecurity. A landmark agreement reached in 2015 with the Chinese government reduced, for a brief period, Chinese cyberattacks against American companies aimed at the theft of intellectual property. After the normalization of U.S.-Cuba relations, Mayorkas led the Obama administration's delegation to Cuba in 2015, and negotiated with the Cuban government on port and cargo security and U.S.-Cuba travel.
Mayorkas was also involved in the Department's counterterrorism and anti-cybercrime efforts, as well as its public-private partnerships, and efforts to fight antisemitism. Under Mayorkas's tenure, DHS greatly expanded its Cyber Crimes Center in Fairfax, Virginia, to aid the department's efforts to combat various cybercrimes, ranging from child exploitation to computer hacking and intellectual property theft. Mayorkas was involved in efforts to address DHS's presence on GAO's "high risk list" for management challenges; Mayorkas, as well as Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson, acknowledged low morale among DHS employees (a longstanding problem that pre-dated the Obama administration) and took steps aimed at boosting morale.
Return to private practice, 2017–2020
In October 2016, Mayorkas joined the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr in the firm's Washington office.
Secretary of Homeland Security
On November 23, 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced his plan to nominate Mayorkas to be Secretary of Homeland Security. Mayorkas had the support of the Fraternal Order of Police and endorsements from former secretaries Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff (who served under George W. Bush) and Janet Napolitano and Jeh Johnson (who served under Barack Obama), who said Biden "could not have found a more qualified person". Most Senate Republicans however opposed the nomination; Josh Hawley delayed a speedy confirmation, and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell urged his caucus to vote against confirmation.
Ultimately, Mayorkas was confirmed on a 56–43 vote. Republican Senators Shelley Moore Capito, Rob Portman, Susan Collins, Mitt Romney, Lisa Murkowski, and Dan Sullivan voted with the Democrats to confirm Mayorkas. Mayorkas was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris on February 2, 2021, after his confirmation that day. Mayorkas is the first refugee and first person born in Latin America to lead the department.
Tenure
Early on in his tenure, arrests surged at the Mexico-United States border. In June 2021, the monthly number of intercepted migrants reached a decade high of 188,800.
In May 2021, Mayorkas led the establishment of a task force dedicated to reuniting families separated at the southern border during the Trump administration. By early 2023, approximately 600 children had been reunited with their parents.
On October 19, 2021, Mayorkas tested positive for COVID-19 during a test performed as part of pre-travel protocol. He experienced mild symptoms, forcing him to cancel a trip to Bogotá, Colombia, and to reschedule a Senate hearing.
Testifying to the Homeland Security Subcommittee of the House Committee on Appropriations on April 27, 2022, Mayorkas confirmed that the Biden administration will implement a Disinformation Working Group in the DHS to "develop guidelines, standards, guardrails" to shape the department's longstanding effort to counter disinformation. Three weeks later, after critics called the initiative "a violation of free speech" and its executive director Nina Jankowicz had resigned, the Disinformation Working Group was "paused".
In September 2021, a photo circulated of Border Patrol agents using their "long rein" to control horses; however, the photo appeared to show them "whipping" Haitian migrants. Upon its release, the image generated outrage. Initially, Mayorkas defended the actions of agents, but later, at a White House press conference, condemned their actions and pledged to investigate them.
In October 2022, The Heritage Foundation released emails that showed that, hours before the press conference, Mayorkas received emails that disproved the whipping claim, including from the photographer himself. Republicans condemned Mayorkas upon the emails' release. Senator Ted Cruz, Representatives Andy Biggs, Michael Cloud and Vicky Hartzler had, by October 2022, raised the prospect of impeaching Mayorkas. Chief of the United States Border Patrol under President Obama and acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection under President Trump Mark A. Morgan also condemned Mayorkas's actions.
On October 31, 2023, Mayorkas testified before the Senate Homeland Security Committee that more than 600,000 people illegally made their way into the United States without being apprehended by border agents during the 2023 fiscal year.
On January 17, 2024, a non-binding resolution denouncing the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the U.S. southern border passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 225–187, with 211 Republicans and 14 Democrats supporting it.
From January 2021 through June 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection has reported about 10 million nationwide encounters with removable noncitizens across the country. This includes a record 2.2 million encounters at the U.S.-Mexico border in fiscal year 2022, the highest in history. Additionally, 1.5 million "gotaways"—people who evaded capture—were estimated to have entered the U.S. during this period.
On July 25, 2024, the United States House of Representatives voted 220–196 to pass another resolution condemning the Biden-Harris administration for their handling of the U.S. southern border. Six Democrats voted with all Republicans in the House to pass the resolution.
Impeachment
Main article: Impeachment of Alejandro MayorkasOn November 9, 2023, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene filed a motion to impeach Mayorkas, citing a dereliction of duty and saying he "failed to maintain operational control of the border". The motion to impeach failed to pass on November 13, with the House of Representatives voting 209–201 to defer the resolution to the House Homeland Security Committee. Eight Republicans joined all Democrats in blocking the measure.
On January 28, 2024, House Republicans introduced two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, alleging "willful and systemic refusal to comply with the law" and breach of the public trust. Constitutional legal scholars and Democrats asserted Republicans were using impeachment to address immigration policy disputes rather than for high crimes and misdemeanors, of which there was no evidence. Legal scholar and law professor Jonathan Turley commented that the impeachment lacked a "cognizable basis" and that the inquiry had failed to show "conduct by the secretary that could be viewed as criminal or impeachable". In a Washington Post opinion piece, Norm Eisen and Joshua Matz argued that an impeachment of Mayorkas on grounds of "maladministration" would violate the Constitution. Former DHS secretary Michael Chertoff, a Republican, wrote in a Wall Street Journal opinion piece that "Republicans in the House should drop this impeachment charade and work with Mr. Mayorkas to deliver for the American people." On the eve of a committee vote on the impeachment articles, the conservative Editorial Board at The Wall Street Journal also questioned the reasoning for impeachment, writing "A policy dispute doesn't qualify as a high crime and misdemeanor."
On January 31, 2024, Republicans on the House Homeland Security Committee approved the articles along party lines for referral to the full House. On February 6, 2024, the House voted against impeaching Mayorkas, nearly along party lines, with the final vote being 214–216. Major media outlets variously characterized the failed vote as a "stunning rebuke", a "calamitous miscalculation", and a "story of a House in utter disarray". On February 13, 2024, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas on a party-line vote of 214–213; three Republicans joined all 210 Democrats in voting no. He was the first federal official to be impeached based solely on policy disagreements, and the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years.
On April 17, 2024, the U.S. Senate voted through a point of order that the charges were unconstitutional and moot by a vote of 51–48 on Article I (with Republican senator Lisa Murkowski voting "present") and 51–49 on Article II. Afterwards, the Senate voted, 51–49, to adjourn the trial.
Personal life
Mayorkas and his wife Tanya have two daughters. He is a runner and plays tennis and squash.
See also
References
- "Alejandro Mayorkas". The Hill. Archived from the original on November 27, 2022. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
- ^ Rosenzweig, David (October 9, 1998). "Feinstein Recommends Mayorkas for U.S. Attorney in L.A." Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 421322576. Archived from the original on January 7, 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
- ^ Barber, C. Ryan (November 23, 2020). "Wilmer Partner Alejandro Mayorkas Picked for Homeland Security Secretary". National Law Journal. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020.
- ^ Hesson, Ted (November 24, 2020). "Biden picks Cuban-American lawyer Mayorkas as U.S. homeland security chief". Reuters. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- ^ Preston, Julia (September 12, 2012). "Quick Start to Program Offering Immigrants a Reprieve". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 19, 2017. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- ^ Watanabe, Teresa (May 24, 2010). "Head of U.S. legal immigration system wins high marks from advocates for immigrants". Los Angeles Times. ProQuest 312850120. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- ^ Yoes, Patrick (January 7, 2021). "Law Enforcement Cheers Biden's Homeland Chief". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on January 9, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- ^ Chertoff, Michael; Johnson, Jeh; Napolitano, Janet; Ridge, Tom (January 12, 2021). "Opinion: 4 former homeland security secretaries: We cannot afford one more day without a confirmed DHS leader". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 1, 2021. Retrieved February 1, 2021.
- Beitsch, Rebecca (February 2, 2021). "Senate confirms Biden's DHS pick after GOP delay". The Hill. Archived from the original on February 2, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- ^ Miroff, Nick; Sonmez, Felicia (February 2, 2021). "Harris swears in Mayorkas as homeland security secretary after Senate confirmation vote". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 9, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- ^ Byik, Andre. "No, 51M 'illegals' have not entered US under Biden, Harris | Fact check". USA TODAY. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ "Trump vs. Biden on immigration: 12 charts comparing U.S. border security". Washington Post. February 11, 2024. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
- ^ Cuffari, Joseph (May 3, 2023). "Intensifying Conditions at the Southwest Border Are Negatively Impacting CBP and ICE Employees' Health and Morale" (PDF). Office of the Inspector General -- U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
- Amiri, Farnoush; Santana, Rebecca (July 26, 2023). "House Republicans grill Mayorkas on 'disastrous' border policy and renew calls to impeach him". AP News.
- Grayer, Annie (February 6, 2024). "House vote to impeach Mayorkas fails in stunning defeat for Republican leaders". CNN Politics. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- "U.S. Senate: Impeachment Trial of Secretary of War William Belknap, 1876". Archived from the original on January 29, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Bolton, Alexander (April 17, 2024). "Senate dismisses Mayorkas impeachment without trial". The Hill. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
- ^ "Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas – Department of Homeland Security, 113th Congress (2013–2014)". United States Congress. December 20, 2013. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020.
- ^ Marshall, Serena (October 27, 2015). "55 Years Later, US Official Prepares for Emotional Return to Cuba". ABC News. Archived from the original on January 10, 2020. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
- Johnson 2000, pp. 70, 76.
- Marcus, Ethan (November 25, 2020). "Alejandro Mayorkas' historic nomination is a wake up call: Stop erasing Sepharadim". The Forward. Archived from the original on May 17, 2021. Retrieved May 17, 2021.
- O'Toole, Molly (November 23, 2020). "Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas for Homeland Security secretary". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on December 14, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ Sacchetti, Maria; Miroff, Nick (January 18, 2021). "The family of Alejandro Mayorkas, Biden's pick to head DHS, fled the Nazis and then Cuba before arriving in the United States". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on March 5, 2021. Retrieved April 11, 2021.
- ^ Hesson, Ted (July 25, 2013). "Meet the Cuban Immigrant Who Could Run Homeland Security". ABC News. Archived from the original on October 3, 2014. Retrieved May 18, 2014.
- ^ Zonshine, Idan (November 12, 2020). "Alejandro Mayorkas, the Cuban-Jewish attorney who may head Biden's DHS". The Jerusalem Post. Archived from the original on November 22, 2020.
- Miroff, Nick; Sacchetti, Maria (November 23, 2020). "Biden picks Alejandro Mayorkas, a son of Jewish Cuban refugees, to lead the Department of Homeland Security". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- newsamericas (November 24, 2020). "10 Things To Know About The Man Who Could Become The First Caribbean Born U.S. DHS Secretary". Caribbean and Latin America Daily News. Archived from the original on January 19, 2021. Retrieved March 10, 2021.
- ^ Fox, Ben (November 23, 2020). "Ex-Homeland Security official Mayorkas returns under Biden". AP News. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020.
- "Former United States Attorneys". United States Department of Justice. November 4, 2015. Archived from the original on May 4, 2019. Retrieved May 4, 2019.
- Purdum, Todd S. (February 22, 2001). "A Convict in the Storm's Eye Had Plenty of Other Help". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on May 27, 2015. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- Brown, Carrie Budoff (October 14, 2008). "Clinton scandal figure on Justice team". Politico. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
- Rosenzweig, David (July 26, 2001). "Mayorkas to Join L.A. Law Firm". Los Angeles Times. p. B6. ISSN 0458-3035. ProQuest 421775031. Archived from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 1, 2020.
- "The 50 Most Influential Minority Lawyers in America" (PDF). National Law Journal. May 26, 2008. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 28, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2018 – via jonesday.com.
- "PN488 – Alejandro N. Mayorkas – Department of Homeland Security". August 7, 2009. Archived from the original on October 26, 2020.
- "Letter from Joshua Hoyt, Executive Director". Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. April 15, 2011. Archived from the original on May 5, 2017. Retrieved May 8, 2017.
- ^ Mosk, Matthew; Ross, Brian (March 24, 2015). "Top Homeland Official Alejandro Mayorkas Accused of Political Favoritism". ABC News. Archived from the original on August 18, 2018. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
- Caldwell, Alicia (July 23, 2013). "Homeland Security official probed". Associated Press. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- Loten, Angus (August 8, 2013). "Some USCIS Employees Say Alejandro Mayorkas Gave Special Treatment to Casino Project Backed by Foreigners". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on August 18, 2018. Retrieved August 18, 2018.
- "Roll Call Vote: Question: On the Nomination (Confirmation Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas, to be Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security". Archived from the original on November 24, 2020.
- ^ Kanno-Youngs, Zolan (November 23, 2020). "Biden Nominates Cuban-Born Lawyer to Lead Homeland Security Dept". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- ^ Preston, Julia (April 30, 2015). "Homeland Security Official Defends Handling of Visa Program". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- ^ Gamboa, Suzanne (November 23, 2020). "First Latino tapped to head DHS signals shift from Trump's hard-line immigration policies". NBC News. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020.
- Marks, Joseph (November 24, 2020). "The Cybersecurity 202: Biden's DHS pick adds cybersecurity chops to the incoming administration". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 25, 2020.
- Lyngaas, Sean (November 23, 2020). "Biden's DHS pick was a 'quick study' of cybersecurity issues as the department's deputy". CyberScoop. Archived from the original on November 24, 2020.
- ^ Keegan, Michael J. (2015). "Leading a Unity of Effort: A Conversation with Alejandro Mayorkas, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Homeland Security" (PDF). The Business of Government. IBM Center for The Business of Government: 26–31. Archived (PDF) from the original on December 3, 2020. Retrieved December 3, 2020.
- Markon, Jerry (July 23, 2015). "Homeland Security cybercrime center expands amid growing concern over computer hacking". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020.
- Markon, Jerry (October 10, 2020). "DHS morale sinks further despite new leadership at the top, survey shows". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 17, 2020.
- Markon, Jerry; Nakashima, Ellen; Crites, Alice (November 21, 2014). "Top-level turnover makes it harder for DHS to stay on top of evolving threats". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on November 15, 2020.
- "Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas Joins WilmerHale" (Press release). Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. October 5, 2016. Archived from the original on July 13, 2020. Retrieved November 25, 2020.
- Thomas, Ken; Restuccia, Andrew (November 23, 2020). "Biden Reveals Some Cabinet Picks". The Wall Street Journal. ProQuest 2463420498. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
- Crowley, Michael (November 23, 2020). "Biden Will Nominate First Woman to Lead Intelligence, First Latino to Run Homeland Security". The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved November 23, 2020.
- Desiderio, Andrew (January 19, 2021). "Josh Hawley will delay swift confirmation of Biden's DHS pick". Politico. Archived from the original on January 21, 2021. Retrieved January 22, 2021.
- McArdle, Mairead (February 2, 2021). "McConnell Urges Caucus to Oppose Mayorkas for Biden DHS Secretary". National Review. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- ^ "U.S. Senate: U.S. Senate Roll Call Votes 117th Congress – 1st Session". senate.gov. Archived from the original on November 1, 2021. Retrieved February 3, 2021.
- O'Connell, Oliver (February 2, 2021). "Josh Hawley is only senator to vote no on all Biden cabinet confirmations". The Independent. Archived from the original on August 28, 2023. Retrieved August 28, 2023.
- Rodriguez, Sabrina (February 2, 2021). "Mayorkas confirmed as secretary of Homeland Security". Politico. Archived from the original on February 2, 2021. Retrieved February 2, 2021.
- Geneva Sands (July 14, 2021). "US-Mexico border arrests in June are the highest in at least a decade". CNN. Archived from the original on July 21, 2021. Retrieved July 21, 2021.
- "Biden Administration Begins This Week to Reunite Families Separated Under the Prior Administration | Homeland Security". www.dhs.gov. May 3, 2021.
- "Alejandro Mayorkas | Biography, Immigration, & Impeachment | Britannica". www.britannica.com. October 15, 2024. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
- Sands, Geneva (October 19, 2021). "Homeland Security secretary tests positive for Covid-19". CNN. Archived from the original on November 13, 2021. Retrieved November 14, 2021.
- Lancaster, Joe (April 29, 2022). "New DHS Board Seeks To Counter What It Thinks Is Disinformation". Reason. Archived from the original on April 30, 2022. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- Beitsch, Rebecca (May 4, 2022). "Mayorkas clarifies role of new DHS disinformation board". The Hill. Archived from the original on May 5, 2022. Retrieved May 7, 2022.
- Lorenz, Taylor (May 18, 2022). "How the Biden administration let right-wing attacks derail its disinformation efforts". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on July 13, 2022. Retrieved August 30, 2022.
- Strozewski, Zoe (October 12, 2022). "Mayorkas Threatened With Impeachment Over Border 'Whipping'". Newsweek. Archived from the original on October 19, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
- Melugin, Bill; Shaw, Adam (October 11, 2022). "Mayorkas alerted that no Haitian migrants were 'whipped' hours before WH press conference". Fox News. Archived from the original on October 19, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
- Mull, Teresa (October 13, 2022). "Obama's border chief: Mayorkas is a 'scumbag'". The Spectator. Archived from the original on November 3, 2023. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
- "Mayorkas confirms over 600,000 illegal immigrants evaded law enforcement at southern border last fiscal year". Fox News. October 31, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- "WATCH LIVE: FBI Director Wray, DHS head Mayorkas testify in Senate hearing on threats to U.S." PBS NewsHour. October 31, 2023. Archived from the original on December 11, 2023. Retrieved December 11, 2023.
- Adragna, Anthony (January 17, 2024). "14 Dems vote with GOP as House condemns Biden handling of southern border". Politico. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- "H. RES. 957" (PDF). 118th Congress. January 11, 2024. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- Schnell, Mychael (January 17, 2024). "These 14 Democrats voted for a GOP resolution denouncing Biden's 'open-border policies'". The Hill. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- Solender, Andrew (July 25, 2024). "A half-dozen Democrats vote to condemn Harris on the border". Axios. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- Carney, Jordain; Adragna, Anthony (July 25, 2024). "Half-dozen Dems join GOP in condemning Harris' work on the border". Politico. Retrieved September 26, 2024.
- Duncan-Smith, Nicole (November 13, 2023). "Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Calls Fellow Republican the P-Word After He Criticizes Her Lack of 'Maturity'". Yahoo! News. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- Tran, Ken (November 16, 2023). "House blocks Marjorie Taylor Greene's push to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas". USA Today. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- Warburton, Moira; Hesson, Tom (November 14, 2023). "US House votes to pause impeachment of Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas". Reuters. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- Alemany, Jacqueline (January 28, 2024). "House GOP unveils Mayorkas impeachment articles despite lack of evidence". The Washington Post.
- Mastrangelo, Dominick (January 29, 2024). "Turley says there's no 'cognizable basis' for Republicans to impeach Mayorkas". The Hill. Archived from the original on January 30, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
- Matz, Joshua; Eisen, Norman (January 9, 2024). "Why impeaching Mayorkas would violate the Constitution". Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 28, 2024. Retrieved January 30, 2024.
- Chertoff, Michael (January 28, 2024). "Don't Impeach Alejandro Mayorkas". The Wall Street Journal. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- "Impeaching Mayorkas Achieves Nothing". The Wall Street Journal. The Editorial Board. January 30, 2024. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- Grayer, Annie (January 31, 2024). "House Republicans vote to advance effort to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas". CNN. Archived from the original on February 3, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- "House Republicans move to impeach homeland security secretary". The Guardian. January 31, 2024. ISSN 0261-3077. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved January 31, 2024.
- Wong, Scott; Kaplan, Rebecca (February 6, 2024). "House Republicans fail to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas". www.nbcnews.com. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 6, 2024.
- Jacqueline Alemany; Amy B Wang; Marianna Sotomayor; Paul Kane (February 6, 2024). "In stunning vote, House Republicans fail to impeach Secretary Mayorkas". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- Edmondson, Catie (February 5, 2024). "Dysfunction Reigns in Congress as G.O.P. Defeats Multiply". The New York Times. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- Collinson, Stephen (February 6, 2024). "How a botched impeachment laid bare a GOP House that cannot function". CNN. Archived from the original on February 7, 2024. Retrieved February 7, 2024.
- ^ Demirjian, Karoun (February 13, 2024). "Border Security: House Republicans Impeach Mayorkas for Border Policies". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Archived from the original on February 14, 2024. Retrieved February 14, 2024.
- ^ Gregory Krieg, Ted Barrett, Annie Grayer, Clare Foran and Morgan Rimmer (April 17, 2024). "Senate kills the articles of impeachment against Alejandro Mayorkas". CNN. Retrieved April 17, 2024.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - "Statement of Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas to the Judiciary Committee of the United States Senate" (PDF). June 24, 2009. Archived (PDF) from the original on October 28, 2020. Retrieved November 30, 2020.
Sources
- Johnson, Ross (September 2000). "The Enforcer". Los Angeles. 45 (9): 68–80.
External links
- Biography at the United States Department of Homeland Security
- Biography at the United States Department of Homeland Security (2013–2017, archived)
- Appearances on C-SPAN
- Alejandro Mayorkas on Twitter
Offices and distinctions | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
- 1959 births
- Living people
- 20th-century American lawyers
- 20th-century American politicians
- 21st-century American Jews
- 21st-century American lawyers
- 21st-century United States government officials
- American lawyers
- American people of Cuban-Jewish descent
- American people of Romanian-Jewish descent
- American people of Turkish-Jewish descent
- American politicians of Cuban descent
- Beverly Hills High School alumni
- Biden administration cabinet members
- Biden administration personnel
- California Democrats
- California lawyers
- Cuban emigrants to the United States
- Cuban Jews
- Cuban people of Sephardic-Jewish descent
- Hispanic and Latino American members of the Cabinet of the United States
- Impeached United States federal officials
- Jewish American members of the Cabinet of the United States
- Lawyers from Washington, D.C.
- Loyola Law School alumni
- Obama administration personnel
- People associated with O'Melveny & Myers
- People from Beverly Hills, California
- Politicians from Havana
- Politicians from Los Angeles
- Politicians from Washington, D.C.
- United States Attorneys for the Central District of California
- United States deputy secretaries of homeland security
- United States secretaries of homeland security
- University of California, Berkeley alumni
- Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr partners