UnidosUS Statement: Alejandro Mayorkas Nomination to Head DHS ‘A New Day’

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First Latino and Immigrant to head critical agency will be ready on day one

WASHINGTON, DC—In response to the appointment of former Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to lead President-elect Joe Biden’s Department of Homeland Security, Janet Murguía, president and CEO of UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Latino civil rights and advocacy organization, issued the following statement:

“We applaud President-elect Joe Biden’s appointment of Alejandro Mayorkas, the first Latino and immigrant to ever lead the Department of Homeland Security. This is a historic and inspired choice at a critical time. He has the expertise, experience, and a proven track record of effective and humane policymaking and implementation. He not only has the support of many in the Hispanic community, but also of other stakeholders, such as immigrant rights groups, members of Congress, business, labor, and law enforcement groups. And most importantly, he will be ready to lead on day one.”

“After four long, dark years of Mexicans being painted as ‘rapists’ and ‘criminals,’ children being separated from their parents, repeated assaults on DACA, and a general contempt for Latinos from the highest office in the land, Mayorkas’ nomination signals a new day for the Department of Homeland Security and for all our country.”