What is the role of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in immigration enforcement?

The role of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in immigration enforcement primarily involves overseeing customs and border protection. The DHS is responsible for securing the nation's borders, enforcing immigration laws, and managing lawful entry into the United States. Through its divisions, especially Customs and Border Protection (CBP), the DHS works to prevent illegal immigration, human trafficking, and the smuggling of goods and contraband, among other roles.

While processing visa applications and writing new immigration laws are important elements of the immigration system, those tasks generally fall under the jurisdiction of other agencies and legislative bodies. For instance, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles the processing of various immigration applications and petitions, including visas, and any changes or creation of immigration laws would typically originate from Congress rather than DHS. Enforcing labor laws falls outside the primary purview of DHS, as this is more aligned with the Department of Labor's responsibilities.