Department+of+Homeland+Security

= Department of Homeland Security  =

Goals:
"The Department of Homeland Security has a vital mission: to secure the nation from the many threats we face" - //Department of Homeland Security website// This includes securing the country from: terrorist threats, illegal immigrants, natural disasters, and cyber attacks. The Department of Homeland Security works to secure the country from terrorist threats through an increase of airport security, chemical security, searching for fraud, and information sharing. Counterterrorism is the founding purpose of the Department of Homeland Security. The DHS works to protect Americans from illegal immigrants through an increase in border security and state legislatures that work to weave out illegal immigrants that are threatening the jobs of many Americans, and in some cases, their lives. Along with outside threats, the DHS works to help the country during natural disasters. According to the DHS site, "In the event of a terrorist attack, natural disaster or other large-scale emergency, the Department of Homeland Security will provide a coordinated, comprehensive federal response and mount a swift and effective recovery effort. The Department assumes primary responsibility for ensuring that emergency response professionals are prepared for any situation."

History:
The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2001, after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. It is the most recent executive department within the U.S. government and it's initial purpose was to stop terrorist attacks. Since then it has expanded it's purpose to include illegal immigration, cyber attacks, and natural disasters. However, the #1 purpose remains to stop terrorists. The PATRIOT Act was a precursor to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security which provided the foundations for the DHS.

At Work:
The DHS keeps close surveillance on possible terrorists.