WASHINGTON, D.C. — Retired Marine Gen. John F. Kelly still must address specifics over how he would lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as secretary following Tuesday’s nomination hearing.
Because Kelly will have substantial discretion over DHS, it is unclear what policies he will enact. Although he noted his commitment to applying the law, questions remain on his approach toward immigrants and immigration.
Kelly did not give specifics regarding potential policies on border security, interior enforcement, naturalization and recipients of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals during his hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
“While we continue to believe General Kelly is a promising Secretary of Homeland Security, we hoped for a greater level of specificity when it came to issues of immigration,” said Ali Noorani, Executive Director of the National Immigration Forum. “In the weeks ahead, we will be paying very close attention to nominees for other DHS positions. Those who hold these offices will wield enormous power within DHS and need to understand the value of immigrants and support immigration policies that would benefit American workers and uphold our shared values.”