Events Leading Up to the Creation of the DHS
Several factors led to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Hart-Rudman Commission, which assessed potential threats to the state. This body has recommended changes to address future problems in this area. Another vital lever was the terrorist attack on September 11, 2001, which showed the vulnerability of the state defense system (Borja, 2008). The third meaningful action was the White House’s publication of the proposal to create DHS, followed later by the Homeland Security Bill signed by President Bush (AP Archive, 2015). The series of events directly impacted the creation and launch of DHS.
Some tragedies took place on September 11, 2001, which provided a great impetus for the American government to review and reorganize its national security approach. Through the bombings, the nation was exposed to flaws in its capacity to prevent or respond to large-scale terrorist events. Because of the urgency and intensity of the 9/11 attacks, both policymakers and individuals demanded more substantial and coordinated efforts towards better protection of the homeland(Borja, 2008).
This was one of several attempts to address other gaps noted after the incidents. Although there could have been another time frame or manner for establishing DHS if the initial effects of 9/11 had not been felt immediately, there were calls for better coordination between these agencies involved in homeland security (Borja, 2008). Thus, we can say that DHS would have been created in any case, but perhaps with different goals.
Core Mission Goals of DHS and Alignment with the Structure
One of DHS’s central mission goals is to prevent terrorism and improve public safety. In addition, the organization is responsible for monitoring the borders of the United States and its integrity (U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2016). This also concerns migration issues, as well as the checking and maintenance of the implementation of current legislation in this area.
The service can work to identify persons who violate migration rules for their further detention and deportation. Resilience to disasters, both natural and artificial, is also DHS’s responsibility (READYColorado, 2014). All functions are structured to address specific areas of danger that may threaten the country’s citizens.
References
AP Archive. (2015). President Bush signs Homeland Security Bill. YouTube.
Borja, E. (2008). Brief Documentary History of the Department of Homeland Security: 2001 – 2008. Department of Homeland Security History Office.
READYColorado. (2014). Critical infrastructure protection. YouTube.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2016). We are DHS. YouTube.