United States Department of Homeland Security
Overview
The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a cabinet department of the U.S. federal government primarily responsible for public security. The department was created in response to the September 11 attacks, and its primary responsibilities include protecting the United States from and responding to terrorist attacks, man-made accidents, and natural disasters. The DHS is the third largest Cabinet department, after the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.
History
The Department of Homeland Security was created in response to the September 11 attacks. In the aftermath of the attacks, there was a widespread belief that the United States needed a unified national agency to protect against threats to the homeland. The Homeland Security Act of 2002, signed into law by President George W. Bush, established the DHS to better coordinate and unify national homeland security efforts.
Organization
The DHS is organized into five directorates: the Directorate for National Protection and Programs, the Directorate for Science and Technology, the Directorate for Management, the Directorate for Policy, and the Directorate for Operations Coordination. Each directorate is responsible for a specific aspect of security.
Responsibilities
The DHS has a broad and complex set of responsibilities, which include preventing terrorism and enhancing security, securing and managing our borders, enforcing and administering our immigration laws, safeguarding and securing cyberspace, and ensuring resilience to disasters.
Criticisms and controversies
Since its creation, the DHS has faced criticism and controversy over its handling of various issues, including its response to Hurricane Katrina, its implementation of new security measures, and its treatment of immigrants and refugees.
See Also
- United States Department of Defense
- United States Department of Veterans Affairs
- September 11 attacks
- George W. Bush
- Homeland Security Act of 2002
