Controversy of the Department of Homeland Security

Homeland security inspires controversy in the U.S.

The Department of Homeland Security, or DHS, is cited as the largest government reorganization in the U.S. since the creation of the Department of Defense. Given the dramatic changes, controversies surrounding the department have arisen and continue.

Details

In the interests of defense and fighting against terrorism, the DHS incorporated multiple executive organizations, including the Secret Service, the U.S. Coast Guard and the Transportation Security Agency into a single agency. Some have questioned the efficacy of such reorganization, given the complexity and risk of failed communication.

History

The Homeland Security Act of 2002 established the department. The Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2004 excluded the FBI and CIA from the DHS, which inspired controversy. Additional commotion was stirred by the appropriation bill's allowance for immediate firing of DHS employees if they were deemed a security risk, insubordinate or incompetent.

Future

Controversy has also arisen over the DHS proposed Real ID cards, which would replace state drivers' licenses as a primary form of national identification. Some take issue with the cost of the proposed plan, which could be as high as $23 billion.

References

• "United States Department of Homeland Security Handbook"; IBP USA; 2005
• "The Terror Conspiracy"; Jim Marrs; 2006
• Electronic Privacy Information Center: Federal REAL ID Proposal Threatens Privacy and Security