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#2022WCA: John K. Tien on Security, Competitiveness, and Migration

The U.S. deputy secretary of Homeland Security talked about how to achieve a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all in the Western Hemisphere

Speakers:

  • John K. Tien, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security
  • Eric Farnsworth, Vice President, Council of the Americas
  • Omar Vargas, Vice President & Head of Global Public Policy, GM

In remarks at the 52nd Annual Washington Conference on the Americas, U.S. Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security John K. Tien called for reaching the goal of building a sustainable, resilient, and equitable future for all in the Western Hemisphere. “Realizing that vision requires something embedded in the very DNA of our Department," said Tien.

Tien emphasized that the Biden administration is focused on partnership, cooperation, and collaboration to address issues like irregular migration and political corruption facing the Americas. He added that the White House will continue to engage with various leaders at the Summit of the Americas to address "unprecedented migration and highlight the need for stabilization, lawful pathways, humane migration management, and multilateral efforts."

Tien said that by investing in a safe, orderly, legal, and human migration system—in addition to improving regional security and enhancing regional competitiveness—the unprecedented flows of irregular migration can be reduced. "This is about giving our citizens a reason to build up their neighborhoods rather than leave them behind. A reason to invest in their communities, rather than give up on them," he concluded.

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