The Department of Homeland Security Privacy Office is proud to present its seventh Annual Report, summarizing its achievements during the period from July 2010 through June 2011.

As I move into my third year as the DHS Chief Privacy Officer, I’m pleased with the improvements my office has made in strengthening privacy protections across the Department’s operations while simultaneously fulfilling the Administration’s goals of transparency, public participation, and collaboration. We strive diligently to create an environment where privacy and security are not traded or balanced, but integrated in a manner that keeps this country safe and honors the principles on which the country was founded.

In support of the Administration’s efforts to promote openness, transparency, and public participation we have instituted our Proactive Disclosure Policy. This policy means that certain categories of documents are now published on the headquarters and component websites, eliminating the need for the public to file Freedom of Information Act requests for those documents.

In addition, we actively lead privacy policy development across the federal government through leadership positions in all of the federal privacy organizations. When issues arise that affect the federal government as an enterprise, the DHS Privacy Office serves as a voice for privacy protections. This year, we have tackled privacy issues related to the use of cloud computing technology, social media, identity management, and other developing areas with privacy implications.

The scope of DHS’s mission also demands that the DHS Privacy Office take a leading role in the international privacy dialogue. In the past year, we conducted significant outreach efforts with our international partners to enhance their understanding of the U.S. privacy framework and DHS privacy policy and procedures.

I look forward to continuing to lead the effort to enhance privacy protections and promote government transparency and accountability not only in the Department but also in the federal government and international community, and foresee an even more productive future.

Read the DHS Privacy Office 2011 Annual Report and visit the DHS Privacy Office website.

Posted by Secretary Napolitano and Secretary Salazar

Today, we were honored to join 50 U.S. permanent residents as they took the Oath of Allegiance to become U.S. citizens in the heart of our nation’s capital.


This special naturalization ceremony concluded our weeklong celebration of Constitution Week and highlighted an important partnership between our Departments. Nineteen of America’s most iconic national parks and cultural heritage sites – from Federal Hall National Memorial in New York City to Yosemite National Park in California – served as the backdrops for naturalization ceremonies across the country.

Our newest citizens follow in the footsteps of our 64th Secretary of State Madeleine Albright – herself a naturalized citizen – who was recognized during the event as an Outstanding American by Choice. Secretary Albright’s inspiring remarks reminded us all of the incredible contributions naturalized citizens can bring to our nation.

Welcoming enterprising immigrants into the American family is a fundamental part of our heritage and an important part the continued success of our nation. Individuals like the 50 new citizens honored today remind us that America is still a beacon of hope and opportunity for millions around the world.

, Posted by Douglas A. Smith, Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector

I am pleased to announce the publication of a newly updated and organized Private Sector Resources Catalog. Originally released in May 2010, this catalog will help our private sector partners fulfill their essential role in the Homeland Security Enterprise. As we move forward, we are regularly updating the catalog and working to make sure that our private sector partners get the resources they need.

In addition to a host of new and improved resources in this update, the catalog has also been completely re-organized. It is now easier to quickly browse the resources and find relevant information. Filled with over 400 entries that cover tornado safety to critical infrastructure security, this catalog provides information for all homeland security issues. Moreover, we have also included an index that lists resources by type including: brochures, reports, exercises, trainings, and more.

Programs, such as the Regional Resilience Assessment and America’s Waterway Watch allow our private sector partners to focus on physical security and to do their part to make America safer. Other resources, such as Emergency Planning Exercises and FEMA’s Private Sector Division focus on making our country more prepared and resilient. The other mission areas of cybersecurity, border security, and immigration are also represented in the Catalog

Whether you are an emergency manager at a community college, a cybersecurity specialist at a public utility, or a business continuity specialist at a major corporation, the PSRC has resources to help you need to get the job done. Please visit the Private Sector Resources Catalog webpage to view the full catalog and email private.sector@dhs.gov with any suggestions or comments.

Posted by Alejandro Mayorkas, Director, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Each September, Constitution Day and Citizenship Day and the weeklong celebration of Constitution Week offer an important opportunity to reflect on the meaning and importance of U.S. citizenship.  It’s a special time for me and the entire workforce of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  As the federal agency responsible for naturalization and citizenship, USCIS has the privilege of welcoming America’s newest citizens.

As part of this annual commemoration celebrating citizenship, we highlight naturalization ceremonies across the country and recognize the significantcontributions of immigrants who have chosen to become Americans.

In addition, we are proud to announce grants totaling $9 million for 42 organizations charged with expanding citizenship preparation services for permanent residents.

This funding will support immigrant-serving organizations across 27 states and the District of Columbia.  The program fosters civic integration and helps permanent residents prepare for successful citizenship.  More than 19,000 permanent residents have received assistance through this grant program since it began in October 2009.  The full list of this year’s recipients, along with a description of their programs, is available on our website.
Citizenship is important because it unites Americans – all races, ethnicities, beliefs, or countries of birth – under shared civic principles based on the rights and freedoms guaranteed by our Constitution.  Please join me in this opportunity to cherish the important rights and responsibilities we share together, as citizens of this great nation. 

Posted by  Secretary Napolitano

Today I visited Joplin, Mo. with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and FEMA Deputy Administrator Rich Serino, to survey the progress of recovery efforts on the ground. When I last visited Joplin in June, I told our team of federal, state, local and community partners that we would not leave until the job was finished and today, three months later, we remain committed to helping the people of Missouri rebuild.

Education Secretary Arne Duncan (end of counter), Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano (middle) and FEMA Deputy Administrator Richard Serino (right) purchase a drink at the Joplin High School coffee shop. The coffee shop is a student run business to help purchase items for the temporary high school as their original high school was destroyed in the May tornado.

As I toured the areas affected by the May 2011 tornado, the scale of devastation is still difficult to comprehend. We know that the recovery process will take time, but it’s inspiring to see the work already underway. Despite the destruction of its campus, Joplin High School started its school year on-time, which is a testament to the resiliency of the Joplin community. At DHS, we often talk about the importance of engaging the entire community in responding to and recovering from disasters. Joplin is a community determined to bounce-back, and they are a true model for others.

This Administration is committed to supporting recovery efforts in Joplin and other areas impacted by natural disasters. We will continue to work with affected communities and I personally look forward to going back to Joplin to see the progress firsthand.

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Last night in New York City, I had the great honor of awarding the DHS Distinguished Public Service Medal to Rick Rescorla, a hero of 9/11 who gave his life helping his colleagues safely evacuate the World Trade Center.



Rick’s story is one that continues to inspire many of us at DHS and across the homeland security enterprise. It also serves as a model of the importance of individual, business, and community preparedness and resilience, and the role that each of us plays in meeting our shared responsibility for security.

Rick served as head of security for Morgan Stanley and its more than 2,700 employees who worked in the World Trade Center. He was present during both the 1993 and 2001 terrorist attacks, and consistently held exercises and drills to ensure that his fellow employees knew what to do if there was an emergency.

Rick believed, as we do at DHS, that in an emergency, the public is not a liability to be protected, but an asset to be engaged. Rick expected his fellow employees to take preparedness seriously and challenged them to be personally responsible for their own safety.

Because of his tireless efforts, nearly every Morgan Stanley employee safely evacuated the South Tower on 9/11. And while Rick could have joined them, he continued to help others evacuate the building and ultimately gave his life. Rick’s wife Susan and his son Trevor accepted the award on his behalf.

In addition to awarding Rick the Distinguished Public Service Medal, I also announced the creation of a new award inspired by his legacy: the National Resilience Award. The National Resilience Award is DHS’s first national award on resilience. It will be given to individuals, organizations, or communities that have shown leadership in building resilience in their communities. It will also recognize superior leadership and innovation in helping to build a national culture of resilience, with a focus on effective preparation, response, and recovery in the face of disasters.

Rick Rescorla's story is one that has inspired so many, and provides a powerful message to us all: in the preparedness of each of us, we can secure the nation for all of us.

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Today I visited the University of Wisconsin – Madison to announce an important new initiative to help streamline the international student visa process and encourage foreign students to study and lawfully remain in the United States.

Each year, more than a million international students study in our nation’s world-leading system of universities, exchange programs, and training opportunities.

These students enrich the cultural and academic life of campuses like the University of Wisconsin and many others across our country. They also contribute directly to our economy, serve as a source of innovation by generating new ideas, and enhance our nation’s economic, scientific and technological competitiveness.

The Study in the States initiative that Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director John Morton and I announced today will examine regulatory changes, expand public engagement between government and academia, and provide a user-friendly online information hub for DHS and its agency partners to provide students with updated and relevant visa requirements. 

Students will benefit from links to social media websites, such as Facebook and Twitter, and useful information about visa requirements, exchange visitors, and the academic community. 

The Study in the States site includes information from all agencies involved with prospective and current international students, as well as the academic community and the public at large. It will enable DHS and our partner agencies to coordinate and disseminate messages to international students, exchange visitors, and their dependents, that travel to the United States to study each year. 

It also will help us ensure the international student population is clearly informed about student visa rules and regulations. And it will enhance coordination among the various federal agencies that play a role implementing our student visa and exchange visitor programs.

We’re pleased to be working with students, educational institutions, and our many federal partners on this important effort. It will help us ensure that the best and brightest international students continue to make America their destination of choice.

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

This morning, Vice President Biden chaired the first Cabinet meeting of the “Campaign to Cut Waste” and called on all cabinet agencies to build a culture of fiscal discipline and accountability.

During the Cabinet meeting, Vice President Biden recognized the DHS Efficiency Review (ER) as a model program and asked other agencies to follow DHS’s lead and plan to regularly report on the progress they are making to do more with less and maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of limited resources within their agencies.

I’m proud of the accomplishments of the DHS ER which is changing the way we do business. Through both small and large change to the way we do business, DHS has identified more than $1 billion in cost avoidances, as well as $800 million in our FY12 Budget Request, and $800 million in acquisition savings.

As I mentioned to the Vice President this morning, the DHS Efficiency Review is successful because of the hard work of DHS employees from across the Department who are working together to improve the way we do business and are constantly looking for new ways to be efficient.

I look forward to continuing to work closely with our partners across the Federal government on the Campaign to Cut Waste, and continuing our unprecedented work to increase the accountability, efficiency, and effectiveness of our services and programs in order to support frontline operations.

Get more information about the Department’s Efficiency Review initiatives.

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

A decade has now passed since the tragic attacks of 9/11, when terrorists killed nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children from 90 different countries. Ten years later, there is no question that our country is stronger and more secure.

Working with law enforcement, first responders, private sector and international partners, and communities across the nation, we have built and strengthened a homeland security “enterprise” to address evolving threats, minimize risks, and maximize our ability to respond and recover from disasters of all kinds.

A key part of our work has been making sure that we get information, tools, and resources out of Washington, DC and into the hands of men and women on the frontlines.

For this reason, we have supported the creation of 72 state and local “fusion centers” across the country to serve as focal points where information about threats can be gathered, analyzed, and shared among federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private sector partners.

We have strengthened the Nationwide Suspicious Activity Reporting Initiative, which trains state and local law enforcement to recognize and report terrorism and crime indicators.

We have expanded the “If You See Something, Say Something™” campaign, a simple, effective program that empowers all Americans to play a role in protecting our homeland by reporting suspicious activity to the authorities.

This year, we also launched a new National Terrorism Advisory System, or NTAS, to provide real time information to the public about specific and credible threats and recommended security measures, replacing the old system of color-coded alerts.

Because of these efforts, we are a stronger nation than we were on 9/11. It is a testament to the hard work of many dedicated individuals working across government, in our states and communities, in the private sector, and overseas.

While we are safer and more secure than we were ten years ago, we know serious threats remain. Today, as we honor those we lost on 9/11, we also rededicate ourselves to the mission of protecting the United States.

We often say that homeland security begins with hometown security. All of us have a role to play in keeping our families, communities, and our nation safe, secure, and resilient. Thank you for continuing to do your part.

Posted by Colleen Curtis, White House


The Secretary of Homeland Security reflects on how one of our nation's darkest days showed us some of the best of America. She pays tribute to those who lost their lives that day, and says the anniversary is an opportunity for Americans to recommit to the ideals of service and sacrifice. Secretary Napolitano also reminds Americans that our homeland security begins with hometown security.

This is part of a series of blog posts exploring the progress we’ve made in implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations. Read previous posts.

As we commemorate the 10th anniversary of 9/11 and reflect on that tragic day, it’s also important to take stock of how far we’ve come as a Nation when it comes to enhancing our safety and security. While threats certainly persist, we are also more prepared to confront those threats head on. We are more resilient than ever before.

There are also new challenges. Many of the cyber networks and much of the physical infrastructure we rely on every day are more closely linked and interdependent than ten years ago. A problem at a control system in one part of the country can affect a power plant in another part of the country, which can affect a business transaction taking place in an entirely different part of the country. These challenges require strong partnerships.

The National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD) is responsible for protecting and enhancing the resiliency of the Nation’s infrastructure, which includes everything from power plants and electric grids, to chemical facilities, cyber networks and information systems, and the federal buildings where millions of Americans work and visit each day. NPPD works closely with the private sector and state, tribal, territorial, and local governments, to ensure they have the tools and resources they need to minimize risks and maximize our ability to respond to the kinds of risks we face.

I want to recognize just a few of the many contributions NPPD has made to enhance the resiliency and security of our nation since 9/11.

• Enhancing emergency communication infrastructure and improving interoperability between first responders across all levels of government.
• Distributing threat warnings through the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center, a 24-hour watch and warning center that serves as the nation's principal hub for organizing cyber response efforts.
• Analyzing and reducing cyber threats and vulnerabilities by working with companies to stop possible threats and share information.
• Coordinating response to cyber incidents through the National Cyber Incident Response Plan, which lays out the roles of federal agencies, state and local governments, and hundreds of private.
• Regulating security at high-risk chemical facilities to prevent theft and security breaches.
• Protecting federal facilities and their occupants by promoting public vigilance and suspicious activity reporting activities.
• Screening those coming into the country, through the collection of digital fingerprints and photographs from international travelers at U.S. visa-issuing posts and ports of entry, to help immigration officers determine whether a person is eligible to receive a visa or enter the United States.
• Improving biometric information-sharing across the Department through a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) mobile biometrics collection system, which identifies undocumented migrants and matches them against known databases of past criminal and immigration violations as well as terrorist watchlists.

These efforts have played a critical role in providing a strong foundation to protect communities from terrorism and other threats while safeguarding the fundamental rights of all Americans.

On behalf of NPPD, we honor the lives lost on 9/11 and recognize the many men and women of DHS as well as our partners, law enforcement officers, and emergency management professionals who tirelessly work on the front lines everyday protecting America, at home and abroad.

Posted by Public Affairs

As we head into the 9/11 anniversary weekend, Secretary Napolitano issued the following statement urging public vigilance:

“As we head into the 9/11 anniversary weekend, we continue to urge the American public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities. Simply put, if you see something, say something. We take all threat reporting, including the recent specific, credible but unconfirmed threat information, seriously. We continue to be in close contact with our federal, state and local law enforcement partners to ensure that all steps necessary to mitigate any threats are taken. Our security posture includes a number of measures both seen and unseen and we will continue to respond appropriately to protect the American people from an evolving threat picture both in the coming days and beyond. Homeland security is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays an important role in helping to keep our communities safe and secure.”

Statement from DHS Press Secretary Matt Chandler:

“As we know from the intelligence gathered from the OBL raid, AQ has shown an interest in important dates and anniversaries, such as 9/11. In this instance, it’s accurate that there is specific, credible but unconfirmed threat information. As we always do before important dates like the anniversary of 9/11, we will undoubtedly get more reporting in the coming days. Sometimes this reporting is credible and warrants intense focus, other times it lacks credibility and is highly unlikely to be reflective of real plots underway. Regardless, we take all threat reporting seriously, and we have taken, and will continue to take all steps necessary to mitigate any threats that arise. We continue to ask the American people to remain vigilant as we head into the weekend.”

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

Today, I’m proud to announce outstanding DHS employees who are being recognized as part of Faces of Homeland Security: Heroes on the Front Lines initiative. These individuals have gone above and beyond to carry out the Department’s mission of helping keep our nation safe and secure.

The stories of these heroes are a testament not just to their dedication and service, but to all those who serve. Take Wayne Anderson , a former Secret Service agent who now works to provide critical law enforcement training to the men and women protecting our homeland with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center. On September 11, 2001, Wayne was part of a small group of agents who went into the burning World Trade Center towers in search of missing personnel, risking his own life to save others.

Or look at Border Patrol Agent Jose Martinez , who responded to an urgent request for assistance from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department. With an active shooter still posing a threat, Agent Martinez volunteered to rescue a wounded woman, who survived thanks to his bravery.

Back in June we launched Faces of Homeland Security: Heroes on the Front Lines to share the stories of inspiring DHS employees who have gone above and beyond to prevent terrorism, secure our borders, enforce our immigration laws, safeguard cyberspace and prepare for, help communities respond to and recover from disasters.

Every day thousands of men and women come to work at DHS dedicated to securing our country. Together, with our federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners, we work to protect America, along our borders, over our skies, and in the interior of our country.

I hope you will take some time to read the stories of these dedicated individuals who embody the ideals of service and sacrifice. They are just a few examples of the many Faces of Homeland Security, working on the front lines every day, at home and abroad, to protect America.

Posted by LT Stephanie Young, USCG

DHS Builds Privacy Protections into Operations, Policies and Technology from the Outset
Posted by Mary Ellen Callahan, DHS Chief Privacy Officer

This is part of a series of blog posts exploring the progress we’ve made in implementing the 9/11 Commission Recommendations. Read previous posts.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is committed to implementing the 9/11 Commission recommendations regarding the protection of privacy and civil liberties and we ensure robust privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties safeguards are in place through the work we do every day.

The 9/11 Commission Recommendations progress report recently released by DHS highlights some of the steps we have taken to ensure privacy.

DHS has the first statutorily required privacy office of any federal agency, and the Department builds privacy and civil rights and civil liberties protections into its operations, policies, programs, and technology deployments from the outset of their development. The DHS Privacy Office partners with every DHS component to assess policies, programs, systems, technologies, and rule-makings for privacy risks, and recommends privacy protections and methods for handling personally identifiable information. At DHS we work hard to create an environment where privacy and security go hand in hand, helping to secure our nation while honoring the principles on which the country was founded.

My goal has always been to “operationalize” privacy throughout the department. Through training, guidance, and oversight, we are helping employees better understand and identify privacy risks, mitigate those risks, and take steps to safeguard personal information.

Today we are also looking to the future. We are striving to balance our use of technology, such as social media, cloud computing, identity management, and personal location devices with the need to protect privacy.

Learn more about the 9/11 Commission Progress Report and the DHS Privacy Office .

Ten years ago, we suffered the worst terrorist attack in America's history. Nearly 3,000 innocent men, women, and children – including hundreds of first responders and citizens of more than 90 countries and of many faiths and backgrounds – lost their lives that day. As we approach the 10th anniversary, we remember those we lost and we look how far we have come in securing our nation.

We invite you to share your 9/11 story or memory with others in the comment section of this blog post, on our Facebook page or on twitter using the hashtag #911remembered.

Posted by Secretary Napolitano

As we approach the tenth anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the safety and security of the American public remains our highest priority. While threats remain, our nation is stronger than it was on 9/11, more prepared to confront evolving threats, and more resilient than ever before.

While there is no specific or credible intelligence that al-Qa'ida or its affiliates are plotting attacks in the United States to coincide with the ten year anniversary of 9/11, we remain at a heightened state of vigilance and security measures are in place to detect and prevent plots against the United States should they emerge.

Homeland security is a shared responsibility, and everyone plays an important role in helping to keep our communities safe and secure. We remind our federal, state, local partners, and the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement authorities.