US Senate Confirms Mayorkas, First Latino To Head Homeland Security
Muhammad Irfan Published February 03, 2021 | 11:00 AM
Washington, Feb 3 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 3rd Feb, 2021 ) :The US Senate on Tuesday confirmed Cuban-born Alejandro Mayorkas as the next secretary of homeland security, the first Hispanic and first immigrant to lead the department that oversees immigration and border issues.
The confirmation, on a modestly bipartisan vote of 56-43, comes as President Joe Biden takes steps to reverse some of predecessor Donald Trump's hardline anti-immigration rules, and amid calls to implement reforms in border policies and the status of millions of undocumented migrants.
The 61-year-old Mayorkas, a former US attorney who was born in Havana and arrived in the United States as the infant son of refugees, held senior posts in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) during Barack Obama's administration.
At least six Republicans joined the Democrats in approving Mayorkas, but Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell came out opposed, saying Mayorkas "does not deserve Senate confirmation.
" During his time in DHS under Obama, Mayorkas accommodated high-ranking Democrats by "shoving through green cards as political favors," as well as intervening in immigration cases, McConnell said before the vote.
Senate Democrat Dianne Feinstein said she was looking forward to working with Mayorkas in his new role.
"As the first immigrant to serve as the Secretary of @DHSgov, he will restore the needed compassion and morality that has been sadly missing from the department for too long," Feinstein said on Twitter.
Mayorkas was confirmed hours after the Senate cleared Pete Buttigieg to become secretary of transportation, the first-ever openly gay member of a White House cabinet confirmed by the Senate.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Punjab CM inaugurates Pakistan’s first Virtual Women Police Station
Dutch model Donny Roelvink embraces Islam
Experts raise concerns over introduction of 10-stick packs
Iranian president arrives in Karachi
Law Minister expresses Govt's resolve to address issue of missing persons
Rizwan’s batting order may be changed: Sources
Nawaz Sharif to visit Guangzhou exhibition in China
FM Dar not traveling to China: Foreign Office
PM takes notice of deliberate delay in tax cases
Iranian President visits Allama Iqbal’s mausoleum
Iranian President arrives in Lahore today
Currency Rate In Pakistan - Dollar, Euro, Pound, Riyal Rates On 23 April 2024
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
12 hours ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
2 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago