Michael Chertoff

08 November 2007 -- Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says measures, such as hiring more agents and installing hi-tech detectors, have resulted in 22 percent decrease in arrests of illegal immigrants along the southern U.S border with Mexico. He says this is a sign U.S. authorities are beginning to get control of the border. But a separate U.S. government audit released this week found that thousands of illegal migrants made their way undetected through screening procedures at legal ports of entry, such as airports and land border crossings.    » read more »

October 23, 2007, WASHINGTON, D.C. -- As fires continue to rage throughout communities in Southern California, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is swiftly mobilizing federal resources and assets in coordination with the state of California and other federal agencies. DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and FEMA Administrator David Paulison traveled to the affected area today to meet with state officials and asses the federal response to the wildfires.    » read more »

September 24, 2007 -- "It is with great regret that I announce the resignation of Michael P. Jackson as Deputy Secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, effective October 26. Michael is the longest serving Deputy Secretary at this department and has devoted enormous energy, talent and thought into making it a stronger, more integrated and mature organization. He is a remarkable chief operating officer, my most trusted counselor and a close personal friend.    » read more »

September 19, 2007 -- "I am pleased to announce my selection of Lori Scialabba as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Homeland Security for Iraqi Refugee Affairs. Lori brings more than 20 years of experience in immigration law and services to this new capacity, most recently as Associate Director of Refugee, Asylum and International Operations at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.    » read more »

August 29, 2007 -- "I am pleased to announce that Jocelyne Gray has started as White House Liaison at the Department of Homeland Security. Jocelyne brings considerable talents and valuable experience from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and the White House to my senior leadership team. She also posses unique perspective and knowledge, having contributed to the department's creation while at the White House Office of Homeland Security, as well as its start-up by working in the Chief of Staff's Office and in public affairs.    » read more »

August 28, 2007 -- Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced the appointment today of three new members to the Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) and ten new members to its subcommittees.

"I value the independent and innovative advice I receive from these trusted counselors," said Homeland Security Secretary Chertoff. "These appointments will increase the knowledge and experience of our membership and provide me with critical and diverse perspective as we work together to keep America safe."    » read more »

August 24, 2007 -- Washington, DC – United States Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Michael Chertoff, asking for further clarification regarding a policy announced by United States Citizen and Immigration Services (USCIS) that will require 750,000 legal permanent residents to replace their green cards. The cards, issued between 1977 and 1989, do not have expiration dates. USCIS has announced that they will not contact the card holders, will only allow 120 days to replace their cards, and will need to pay nearly $400.    » read more »

August 10, 2007 -- Today, Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez Announced a Series of Reforms the Administration Will Pursue to Address Border Security and Immigration Challenges. The following reforms represent steps the Administration can take within the boundaries of existing law to secure our borders more effectively, improve interior and worksite enforcement, streamline existing guest worker programs, improve the current immigration system, and help new immigrants assimilate into American culture.
Border Security    » read more »

August 10, 2007 -- Secretary Chertoff: As you can see, I'm here with Secretary Carlos Gutierrez of the Department of Commerce. I want to thank you all for coming. As you doubtless know, Secretary Gutierrez and I spent a good deal of time over the last several months working with Congress to develop a workable solution to the challenge of immigration in this country.    » read more »

August 9, 2007 -- Secretary Chertoff: Good morning, everybody. I'm joined by Kip Hawley, who is the Administrator of TSA, and by Commissioner Ralph Basham of Customs and Border Protection, and Kathy Kraninger, who is the head of our Screening Coordination Office. I want to thank you all for joining us today.    » read more »

July 11, 2007 -- Washington, DC - “Our nation, and New York in particular, faces serious threats.

We need serious analysis, serious homeland security strategies, and serious leadership more concerned with keeping people safe than keeping people afraid.

More than five years after 9/11, we still must secure America’s borders, railways, mass transit systems, ports, chemical plants, nuclear facilities, and more. State and local agencies still need real interoperable communications. Our nation still requires risk-based – and not politically-based – security funding.    » read more »

Senator will Raise Concerns about Homeland Security Funding at a Neeting with Chertoff this Week; Recent Figures Show Department of Homeland Security Still Does Not Take Threats Against New York Seriously

July 10, 2007 -- Washington, DC – In anticipation of a meeting with Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff this Thursday, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton today called on the Secretary to explain the Department’s reasoning behind the continual short-changing of the New York metropolitan area when it comes to national homeland security funding.    » read more »

01 July 2007 -- The United States is increasing transportation security after a car bombing and other attempted terror attacks in Britain in recent days. The top U.S. security official says although he sees no links to any specific attacks in the United States, he is worried about what he calls terrorist copy cats.

Traffic backs up at a vehicle checkpoint at Los Angeles International Airport after security measures were tightened following bombing attempts in Britain    » read more »

June 30, 2007 -- "We have been in close contact with our counterparts in the U.K. regarding today’s incident at the Glasgow airport and yesterday’s car bomb discoveries in London. Our law enforcement and intelligence officials are closely monitoring the ongoing investigations. The senior leadership of the U.S. government has been meeting on these issues both yesterday and today. DHS and the FBI have provided updates and protective measures guidance to our state and local homeland security and law enforcement partners.    » read more »

June 28, 2007 -- Washington D.C.-Today Senators Kennedy, Smith, Biden, Hagel, Leahy, Levin and Lieberman sent the following letter Secretary Chertroff and Secretary Rice calling for immediate action to expand our government’s ability to process refugee applications for Iraqis and special immigrant visas for Iraqi and Afghan translators and interpreters:

June 28, 2007

Secretary Michael Chertoff
Department of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20580

Secretary Condoleezza Rice
Department of State
Washington, DC 20520

Dear Secretary Chertoff and Secretary Rice,    » read more »