Office of International Affairs

Mission

The Office of International Affairs, in the Office of Policy, plays a central role in developing the Department’s strategy for pushing the Homeland Security mission overseas and actively engages foreign allies to improve international cooperation for immigration policy, visa security, aviation security, border security and training, law enforcement, and cargo security.

The Office of International Affairs:

• Provides the Secretary and the Department with policy analysis and management of the international affairs and foreign policies that impact the Department.  Homeland security policy is multifaceted and successful implementation requires that it extend beyond U.S. borders and into the international community.  Cooperation and coordination of security policies among nations friendly to the United States is a vital component to winning the global war on terror and disrupting terrorism before it reaches the United States.  
• Engages foreign allies, particularly Canada, Mexico and the United Kingdom, in guiding security agreements that further support the mission of the Department and improve immigration policy, visa security, aviation security, border security and training, law enforcement, and cargo security.

Responsibilities

The Office of International Affairs:

• Advises, informs, and assists the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security on strategies, foreign policy matters, and the Department programs and operations that impact U.S. international relations.
• Builds strong support for actions against the global terrorism among nations and international organizations.
• Manages international activities within the Department in coordination with other federal officials with responsibility for counter-terrorism matters.
• Assists in the promotion of information and education exchange with nations friendly to the United States in order to promote sharing of best practices and technologies relating to homeland security.
• Coordinates all aspects of Department  international affairs including developing, coordinating, and executing department international policy, including reviewing departmental positions on international matters, negotiating agreements, developing policy and programs, interacting with foreign officials, and working with Department personnel abroad.