DHS Details Strategic Plans in Quadrennial Homeland Security Review
The Department of Homeland Security released its Quadrennial Homeland Security Review (QHSR), the capstone strategy document for the agency.
In the document, the first QHSR since 2014, DHS outlines its priorities to protect the American public. The QHSR is published after an extensive review process that incorporates the viewpoints of various stakeholders, inside and outside of the federal government.
In the introduction to the 2023 edition, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas calls the coming years the “decisive decade” as the U.S. faces a myriad of threats including foreign actors like China and Russia, cybersecurity challenges, crimes of exploitation, drugs, climate change, domestic paramilitary groups, transnational organized crime, border challenges, and more.
“Addressing the threats of today and tomorrow requires all of us working together across federal, state, and local governments, the private sector, nonprofits, academia, and indeed, the involvement of every individual. The need for DHS's capabilities and tools will only continue to grow as we confront the threats of tomorrow,” wrote Secretary Mayorkas.
The QHSR reaffirmed the five existing DHS missions:
Counter terrorism and prevent threats.
Secure and manage borders.
Administer the nation’s immigration system.
Secure cyberspace and critical infrastructure.
Build a resilient nation and respond to incidents.
And added a sixth:
· Combat crimes of exploitation and protect victims.
DHS uses the updated mission framework and guidance to inform its decisions around resources and priorities, including the DHS strategic plan and the annual budget development process.
DHS’s Evolving Mission
The report discusses the evolving mission of DHS since it was first founded in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terror attacks. It also details how the agency has adapted and evolved its policies to fulfill goals in each of its six mission areas.
One area that Secretary Mayorkas is particularly proud of, is the increased collaboration between DHS and partners, to keep the nation safe.
“This maturation of the Department and its ability to work with our partners has made it more fit for purpose to address the most significant threats facing the homeland as they have evolved than at any point in our 20-year history,” wrote the secretary.