Chairman Ron Johnson
Ranking Member Gary Peters
U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs
Dear Chairman Johnson and Ranking Member Peters,
The AFL-CIO urges you to support the nomination of Alejandro Mayorkas to be United States Secretary of Homeland Security and to advance his confirmation without delay. At such a tumultuous time for our nation, it is urgent to install a leader at the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) who will help to restore our national integrity, security and world standing.
Mr. Mayorkas has a proven record of service and understands that real security can only be achieved through humane approaches that respect fundamental rights. For the past four years, DHS has actively sought to criminalize and target working people based on their earnings, skin color, place of birth, and religious faith. Mr. Mayorkas is the strong leader we need to help move our country off this divisive and destructive path.
As Secretary of DHS, Mr. Mayorkas will oversee a wide range of functions vital to union efforts to ensure workers’ rights and lift labor standards. DHS conducts worksite immigration enforcement; grants and verifies work authorization; oversees work visa programs; and issues work permits. The Department also makes determinations on vital relief programs and reviews worker applications for citizenship, DACA, TPS, and other types of immigrant and nonimmigrant status. The Secretary-designee will play a critical role in ensuring adequate attention to these functions and preventing immigration enforcement from being used as a weapon against worker organizing.
Mr. Mayorkas has demonstrated his ability to lead a large federal agency and his commitment to enforcing our nation’s laws while advancing the cause of social justice. The AFL-CIO urges you to vote yes on his nomination as DHS Secretary.
Sincerely,
William Samuel, Director
Government Affairs