Trump nombra a Markwayne Mullin como jefe de Seguridad Nacional - USA Today
Key Takeaways
- It has been reported that Donald Trump has selected Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) to serve as Secretary of Homeland Security.
- The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees USCIS, CBP, and ICE—core agencies for immigration adjudications and enforcement.
- The nominee must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate; acting leadership could manage DHS in the interim.
- Expect potential moves to tighten asylum processing, humanitarian parole, and border enforcement—though major changes often require rulemaking and face litigation.
- People with pending cases should continue under current rules while monitoring for new DHS and USCIS guidance.
The announcement
It has been reported that Trump has tapped Sen. Markwayne Mullin to head the Department of Homeland Security, according to USA Today. Mullin, a Republican from Oklahoma and former House member, has backed tougher border enforcement and criticized recent administration border policies. If confirmed, he would lead DHS, a sprawling department central to immigration policy and operations.
Role, scope, and confirmation
The Homeland Security Secretary oversees U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). That means influence over legal immigration processing (visas, green cards, naturalization), border operations, removals, detention, and work authorization policies. The position requires Senate confirmation. Until a secretary is confirmed, an acting leader may guide DHS under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, while existing policies generally remain in effect.
What this could mean for immigration policy
A Mullin-led DHS could prioritize stepped-up border security and interior enforcement, with possible efforts to narrow use of humanitarian parole, tighten asylum eligibility and processing under INA §208, expand expedited removal, and adjust detention and release practices. Changes to programs like CHNV (Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, Venezuela) parole or revisions to asylum rules would typically require regulatory action under the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) and could face court challenges. Other areas DHS could revisit include processing for work permits (EADs) for asylum seekers, enforcement priorities, and use of public health or national security authorities at the border—always constrained by statutes, court orders, and consent decrees (e.g., Flores for minors).
What applicants and immigrants should do now
Current filings and benefits continue under existing rules unless and until DHS issues new guidance or regulations. Applicants should file on time, use the latest USCIS forms and fees, update addresses, and track case status. Employers should maintain I-9 compliance and monitor any E-Verify or work authorization policy changes. Individuals in removal proceedings or with sensitive cases (asylum, parole, TPS, DACA) may wish to consult counsel now, as enforcement priorities and discretionary policies can shift quickly even before formal rule changes. Watch DHS, USCIS, CBP, and ICE announcements for operational updates and any interim guidance that could affect travel, parole, or processing times.
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