Home | Information Sharing & Analysis | Prevention & Protection | Preparedness & Response | Research | Commerce & Trade | Travel Security | Immigration |
The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.
« View photo and video highlights of the March 6, 2008 celebration
After the 9/11 terrorist attacks, President Bush created the White House Office of Homeland Security on October 8, 2001. Congress passed legislation mandating the Department of Homeland Security November 19, 2002. The Department became operational on January 24, 2003; most component agencies merged on March 1, 2003. The stand-up was the largest reorganization of the federal government since the U.S. Department of Defense was created in 1947. Read more about the 22 agencies that became part of the Department.
The Department celebrated its fifth anniversary on March 1, 2008.
The Department's 216,000 employees are responsible for protecting the territory of the United States of America: patrolling borders, protecting ports, defending the skies, enforcing immigration laws, and responding to disasters and emergencies. The mission statement reads:
"We will lead the unified national effort to secure America. We will prevent and deter terrorist attacks and protect against and respond to threats and hazards to the nation.We will ensure safe and secure borders, welcome lawful immigrants and visitors, and promote the free-flow of commerce." Mission Statement
Flash 8 is required to view this video.
The Department will focus on five goals in 2008:
Download Plug-in
Some of the links on this page require a plug-in to view them. Links to the plug-ins are available below.
This page was last reviewed/modified on October 23, 2008.