Homeland Security-The Secure Communities Program - Research Paper Example

The opposition of particular States to aspects of the DHS initiatives – specifically as they relate to immigration and immigrants – will be examined, commented on, and proposals will be made to address this particular facet of national security, as it affects both local communities and individuals. Additionally, mechanisms to counter the apathy among individuals and local organizations, in implementing policy and advisories, are proposed, especially in light of the new focus on “resilience” in thinking about national security measures.

An overarching definition of Homeland Security must include more than just the traditional role of government and civic society to protect and serve citizens. Currently, it is the combination of responses to evolving threats and hazards from all levels of American society and government. In the concept of Homeland Security, civil defense, emergency response, law enforcement, customs, border control, and immigration are included. By creating the concept of homeland security, it is possible to emphasize the need for combining the actions of agencies, social organizations and government in coordinated response to threats.

Those seeking to harm the USA can thus find fewer opportunities to do so, given the preparedness on all levels of society (Rose, 2004, p. 307). Cooperation and coordination of numerous facets of American society are required to ensure the success of the actions of the DHS. The Homeland Security initiative is, according to the Quadrennial Homeland Security Review Report Executive Summary, “widely distributed and diverse” and is a “national enterprise”. Most importantly, it is seen as “unmistakable”, arguing that this is a Program involving multiple parties and stakeholders, and that broad-based community involvement is required.

It gives responsibility to the expected agencies: Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, non-governmental, and private sector organizations; but