Senate Oversight Hearing: Department of Homeland Security (April 2015)
January 1, 2023
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The Frame
The hearing examines the effectiveness of Department of Homeland Security background checks for immigration programs like , specifically addressing concerns about the approval of applicants with criminal or gang affiliations.
Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.
DACA applicants
The vetting and approval processes for DACA applicants are subject to review and potential policy changes based on oversight findings.
Department of Homeland Security
The agency is required to provide testimony and data regarding its internal operations and immigration benefit processing.
Last recorded activity January 1, 2023.
Next step not available in the current record.
Summary
Key Facts
- The hearing took place on April 28, 2015, before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.
- Chairman Grassley questioned the Department of Homeland Security regarding the vetting process for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.
- The Department of Homeland Security admitted that Emmanuel Rangel-Hernandez, a DACA recipient accused of murder, had been approved for the program despite known gang affiliations.
- The Department of Homeland Security has terminated 282 DACA requests due to criminal or gang-related issues.
- The hearing included a review of USCIS obligations from fiscal years 2009 to 2015.
- The record includes data on H-1B and H2B visa approvals and denials from fiscal years 2013 to 2015.
- The committee requested and received responses from Secretary Johnson regarding fraud account spending and exam spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the primary purpose of this hearing?
Why did the committee discuss the case of Emmanuel Rangel-Hernandez?
Why It Matters
The hearing examines the effectiveness of Department of Homeland Security background checks for immigration programs like , specifically addressing concerns about the approval of applicants with criminal or gang affiliations.
News Coverage
Lobbying Activity
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2026
“In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters. ”
Protect Democracy United (formerly known as UNITED TO PROTECT DEMOCRACY)
2026
“In support of the No Political Enemies Act to prevent executive punishing of individuals or organizations for constitutionally protected speech, belies, viewpoints, or political participation. In support of amending DHS appropriation riders to improve oversight and accountability on Department of Homeland security surveillance. In opposition to the SAVE America Act and requiring unnecessary barriers to voting. In support of increasing federal election security funding and identifying risks to election security and confidence posed by executive orders. In support of encouraging congressional members to uphold their legal duty to seat future lawfully elected members of Congress from the midterm elections. In support of reforms that strengthening the independence of the Judge Advocate General Corps through reforms of notification to Congress on before their termination. In support of reforms to protect independent legal advice within DoD and protect the non-political nature of the armed forces. In support of reforming the national emergencies framework to prevent executive abuses. Advocating in support of reforms that would prevent the executive branch from harming First Amendment rights of broadcasters. ”
CLEARSPEED INC.
Sponsors
Discoveries
Patterns POLISCOPE noticed across the record. These are observations to investigate, not conclusions.
DACA Vetting Scrutiny
The hearing highlights a specific moment where congressional oversight forced the disclosure of vetting failures within the DACA program.
Connected Entities
Sources
www.govinfo.gov
Analysis Score
0–100- Significance80How much this matters to a regular citizen
- Controversy75Intensity of disagreement among stakeholders
- Entertainment40Compellingness for a non-policy-wonk reader
- Buzz20Current news / social attention level
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