Committee Reports Nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be Deputy Secretary of DHS to Full Senate

WASHINGTON – Today, the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, chaired by Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), reported out the nomination of Alejandro N. Mayorkas to be the Deputy Director at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Mr. Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama in June to fill this position, which has been vacant since April. His nomination now moves to the full Senate for consideration. To watch the meeting, please click here. Chairman Carper’s opening statement, as prepared for delivery, can be found here.

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 US Attorney for Southern California as well as private sector practice.

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

“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. This is a difficult mission under any circumstances, but it is made all the more challenging by the fact that the Department has several vacancies in critical Senate-confirmed leadership positions.  To be successful, the Department needs strong leadership and I believe that it is unacceptable to have so many vacancies, including in the Deputy Secretary position. 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. It is time to move forward with Director Mayorkas’ nomination to ensure that the Department has the leadership in place that we need to keep all Americans safe. I urge all of my colleagues to support Alejandro Mayorkas on the Senate floor.” – Chairman Tom Carper

“As I have come to know Ali, I can tell you that he asks no more of others than he does of himself, and, in leading by example, sets a standard of excellence for all who consider themselves committed public service. In my view, Homeland Security could be in no better hands. I urge his rapid confirmation.” –Jane Holl Lute, Former Deputy Secretary, Department of Homeland Security (2009-2013)

“As you know, Mr. Mayorkas has already served the Department well and honorably in the role of Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). I also believe Mr. Mayorkas to be a public servant of integrity with a clear and distinguished track record of leadership.”- W. Ralph Basham, Former Commissioner, U.S. Customs & Border Protection (2006-2009) and Former Director, United States Secret Service (2003-2006).

“From what I have seen of Alejandro Mayorkas in his Role as Director of USCIS, I think he can fulfill this role well. Of course he has run some significant institutions including the largest U.S. Attorney’s office and USCIS, and that matters. But what I find more meaningful are his probing intellectual curiosity, his incisive sparring among proponents of divergent views, his respect for rigorous process, and his willingness to put the right people in chard. Not many people have that kind of ability and drive, sorely needed in the DepSec role.” –Robert Divine, Former Chief Counsel at USCIS (2004-2006).

“Ali Mayorkas impresses me as a man of fine character, high honor, and an impeccable sense of duty. In short… trust his word!”-Eduardo Aguirre, Former Director, USCIS (2003-2005)

“…I feel somewhat qualified to evaluate the necessary blend of leadership skills, knowledge, wisdom, integrity, interpersonal skills, and common sense that are essential to the job. In my opinion, Director Mayorkas meets and exceeds the job requirements of this highly important post. As a private citizen, I would sleep better knowing that Ali is ‘on the job’” – Eduardo Aguirre, Former Director, USCIS (2003-2005)

“His professionalism, leadership skills and integrit make him an ideal candidate for this post.” – Chuck Canterbury, National President, Fraternal Order of Police.

“Director Mayorkas’ strong leadership, extensive experience, and strong commitment to law enforcement and national security clearly demonstrate that he has the skills to effectively lead the Department of Homeland Security.” -Ahern, Bonner, Chapa, Hensley, Iden, Wainstein. Jayson P. Ahern is the Former Acting Commissioner, CBP. Robert C. Bonner is the Former Commissioner, CBP. Anthony Chapa is the former Assistant Director, U.S. Secret Service. John Hensley is the Former Assistant Commissioner, Enforcement and Investigations, U.S. Customs Service. Robert L Iden is the Former Assistant Director in Charge of Los Angeles Office, FBI. Kenneth Wainstein is the Former Assistant to President Bush for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.