Senate Confirms Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of DHS

WASHINGTON – Today, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) lauded the Senate confirmation of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be the Deputy Secretary at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The Senate confirmed Director Mayorkas by a vote of 54 to 41. Director Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama in June to fill this position, which has been vacant since April.

“The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a critical mission – to protect our nation from harm whether the threat is a natural disaster or act of terror,” said Chairman Carper. “This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, and one that requires strong leadership in key positions such as Deputy Secretary. Everything I have learned about Director Mayorkas has convinced me that he is highly qualified for the job, and I am confident that he can help lead the Department during this challenging period.  Furthermore, countless individuals from across the political spectrum strongly support Director Mayorkas and have spoken highly of his experience, his integrity, and his credentials for the role of Deputy Secretary. I thank my colleagues for confirming Director Mayorkas and helping to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. I look forward to working with him in his new role.”

Chairman Carper spoke on the floor in support of Director Mayorkas’ nomination throughout the week:

December 18: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery.

December 19: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery.

December 20: Read his full remarks, as prepared for delivery.

Prior to being nominated to this position, Mr. Mayorkas served as the Director of the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) where he oversaw the largest immigration system in the world. He has also served as the U.S. Attorney for Southern California as well as private sector practice.

Since his nomination, Director Mayorkas has received an outpouring of bipartisan support from law enforcement agencies, former members of DHS leadership in both Republican and Democratic administrations and others. In total, the Committee has received over 30 letters of support for Director Mayorkas. The letters of support can be accessed here.

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