Understanding the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is the primary federal agency responsible for securing the United States. Created in 2002, it consolidated 22 different federal departments and agencies into a unified, integrated department. When it comes to immigration, nearly every aspect of the process—from entering the country to applying for citizenship—is managed by an agency operating under the DHS umbrella.

DHS has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face. This requires the dedication of more than 240,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector.

DHS and Its Core Immigration Agencies

It's crucial to understand that "DHS" is the parent department. The specific immigration functions are carried out by three main, distinct agencies, each with its own mission:

• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): This is the agency that handles legal immigration benefits. USCIS is responsible for processing visa petitions, applications for green cards (adjustment of status), naturalization (citizenship), asylum, and other related benefits.
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP): CBP is the law enforcement agency responsible for managing, controlling, and protecting the nation's borders at and between official ports of entry. They are the officers you encounter at airports and land borders.
• U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE): ICE is responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the interior of the United States. This includes identifying and apprehending removable noncitizens, managing detention, and carrying out removal orders.

The Role of DHS Throughout the Immigration Process

From start to finish, your interaction with the U.S. immigration system involves different parts of DHS. An error in documentation for one agency can have cascading effects with another.

• Adjudication of Benefits: USCIS reviews your petitions and applications, requiring extensive evidence and properly translated documents to approve your case.
• Enforcement and Removal: CBP and ICE enforce immigration laws. If documents presented are found to be fraudulent or insufficient, it can lead to denial of entry or initiation of removal proceedings.
• Universal Document Requirements: All three agencies require that any foreign-language documents submitted to them be accompanied by a complete, certified English translation to be considered valid evidence.