Homeland Security Appointee Talks

Tough on Enforcement

Homeland Security Appointee Talks Tough on Enforcement - Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, President-elect Obama’s choice for homeland security chief, gavegave mixed signals regarding workplace enforcement measures that have been a key component of her predecessor’s tenure.   Responding to a question from Senator Clair McCaskill of Missouri during her confirmation hearing on January 15, Napolitano said she would immediately begin working with the Justice Department to ensure employers who hire illegal aliens are sanctioned. This would indicate a greater emphasis on employer indictments and perhaps fewer mass arrests of employees. She also will seek to ensure that “there is or can be a continuing role” for the National Guard in augmenting U.S. border patrol forces.  Napolitano famously called in the Arizona National Guard to police the Arizona segment of the U.S.-Mexico border, then sent the federal government a $500 million bill to cover the cost.  She has emphasized the disproportionate burden border states shoulder in maintaining U.S. border security.

Napolitano also said that fixing the U.S. immigration system would be a priority, and intends to conduct a review of the efficacy of the Real ID program which imposes federal identification requirements on state-issued drivers’ licenses.

Napolitano appears to have broad bipartisan support the confirmation and will be sent to the full Senate next week for a vote. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia Law School and was elected Arizona’s Attorney General prior to becoming governor.

The Obama Administration is expected to continue the Bush Administration’s efforts to adopt comprehensive immigration reform, but the moribund economy will undoubtedly play into what will happen and when.

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