Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Forced to Resign
Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen Forced to Resign
As the Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristjen Nielsen became infamous. She will forever be known as the leader who implemented Trump’s family separation policy at America’s southern border. Without a doubt, family separation is a black stain on the Trump presidency, a disaster that continues to harm families even to this day. In fact, nearly a year after separating parents and children, the Trump administration has admitted that it may take up to 2 years to reunite families. And unfortunately, it also appears that thousands more children were torn from their families than initially reported.
While leading the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Nielsen has faced continual scrutiny regarding prejudicial immigration policies and procedures at the border. Thus, her tenure has been afflicted with controversy after controversy. It is perhaps unsurprising, then, to see Nielsen leave her post. This news spread across America over the weekend: Nielsen would resign from her position, stepping down and ending her highly controversial role. In this article, we explore the conditions of Nielsen’s departure and who Trump has chosen as her successor.
If you have any immigration concern, including an upcoming case, application, or interview, your greatest ally is a qualified and compassionate immigration lawyer. Nanthaveth & Associates serves clients across the Austin metroplex. For your comfort, we always provide free initial consultations. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Nielsen Leaves Trump Administration After Rising Pressure
NBC News reports that Nielsen continually “collided” with President Trump in recent months, culminating in her resignation. The President was unhappy with rising numbers of migrants and asylum seekers at the U.S. border. To mitigate this perceived issue, the president has considered reinstating family separations. Nielsen resisted, citing court orders that prevent the Trump administration from such an action. Further, she highlighted the fact that the president would be reversing his own executive order issued in June 2018.
Last weekend, Nielsen scheduled a meeting with President Trump to discuss a path forward regarding current immigration issues. During that meeting, the president demanded her resignation. Shortly afterward, Nielsen complied, submitting her official resignation.
President Trump, according to White House insiders, believes that the “zero tolerance” family separation policy was the most effective deterrent available. In fact, this belief led the president to consider family separations again. Now, seeking harsher and more stringent immigration actions, Trump is “purging” the DHS.
Trump Chooses New Acting DHS Leader
While the formal choice for homeland security secretary remains unclear, Trump has named the commissioner of Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Mr. Kevin McAleenan, as acting secretary. Sources highlight that Mr. McAleenan is open to reinstating family separations at the border. One of these options is “binary choice.” Binary choice, as it sounds, forces migrant parents in detainment to choose between two impossible options. One, they can choose to waive their child’s humanitarian rights, allowing continual detainment. Or second, they can “voluntarily” separate from their child, freeing their child from prison-like conditions. In truth, both options are exceedingly cruel and inhumane, and will likely lead to another humanitarian crisis.
The New York Times names Ken Cuccinelli as a possible candidate as the true successor to Nielsen. A former attorney general from Virginia, Cuccinelli is a “favorite among conservative activists.” Either way, it is clear that the Trump administration is preparing for a fight against the very people the United States should move to protect – vulnerable migrants, asylum seekers, children, and other innocents who are simply seeking a better world.
Contact Experienced Austin Immigration Lawyers Today
Political turmoil in the United States can be nerve-wracking, though any upheaval in the Department of Homeland Security has the potential to affect millions of immigrants, migrants, and asylum seekers. Don’t sit and worry about your future – know your rights and take action. In fact, by working with an immigration lawyer, you increase your chances of success, no matter what obstacles you face. Remember – avoid heartbreak and only work with qualified immigration attorneys and their staff. Never work with “visa consultants” or “notarios.”
Nanthaveth & Associates has a history of success in the court room. Our professional and knowledgeable staff are passionate about the community we serve. Every day, we strive to provide our clients with the best possible legal representation. So if you have any immigration concern or case, don’t hesitate. Contact us today to schedule a free initial consultation. You’ll sit down with one of our expert attorneys, discuss your unique situation, and leave with a path forward. So, don’t lose hope – we can help!