Homeland Security Initiatives

On October 8, 2001, President Bush issued a Executive Order establishing the Office of Homeland Security.  Former Governor Tom Ridge of Pennsylvania heads the office, which coordinates federal, state, and local counter-terrorism efforts.  More information can be found in the fact sheet, Office of Homeland Security: Basic Facts.

Since September 11, 2001, the State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs has taken a number of initiatives to improve and enhance border security, as outlined in the fact sheet, Initiatives by the Bureau of Consular Affairs To Enhance National Security.