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‘DHS exec’s resignation is another troubling sign’
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Posted on Oct 15 2019
U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced via tweet his plan to soon name a replacement for acting U.S. Department of Homeland Security secretary Kevin McAleenan, who has stepped down from the post.
Trump, in a two-part tweet on Oct. 11, announced McAleenan’s resignation, while also adding that he would be announcing a replacement this week.
While Delegate Gregorio Kilili C. Sablan (Ind-MP) believes this would have very minimal effect on the CNMI’s CW visa program, he noted that the resignation of the fourth person to lead the department under Trump is “another troubling sign.”
“And his departure will only add to the confusion for a department where there are chronically too many leadership vacancies and positions held by unconfirmed, ‘acting’ officials,” Sablan added.
The department oversees border security, immigration services, counter-terrorism, cybersecurity and emergency management, among others,” he told Saipan Tribune.
The Torres administration is not too concerned about this personnel movement, besides saying they are aware of the matter.
“…We don’t see this personnel change affecting our ongoing discussions with DHS and [U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services] regarding the [foreign worker] program. Gov. [Ralph DLG] Torres has made great strides in maintaining a close and constructive dialogue with the White House and DHS officials on our unique labor needs, and this administration intends to continue the work to advocate for all of our businesses, their employees, and our whole community because we understand how critical this is,” said press secretary Kevin Bautista. “This administration remains committed to increasing our U.S. workforce, while also making sure businesses remain viable and successful.”
