Immigration Services director is sworn in

Emilio Gonzalez was sworn in this week as the new director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.

Gonzalez was confirmed by the Senate on Dec. 23 and will immediately begin his tenure as USCIS director, an undersecretary rank position within the Department of Homeland Security.

As a Cuban immigrant and naturalized U.S. citizen, Gonzalez shares a special connection with the American immigrant population. He brings a passion for immigration work and a wealth of policy experience with him to his new position.

Gonzalez said in a statement that he wants to build on the strong foundation laid by the agency's employees and former director Eduardo Aguirre, who is now the U.S. ambassador to Spain.

"Building on these achievements, the USCIS leadership team will use our current momentum to carry us forward and improve upon what we have already accomplished to enhance national security, ensure quality customer service and reduce case backlogs," Gonzalez said. Gonzalez had been nominated for the position in September.

On March 1, 2003, USCIS became one of three legacy INS components to join the Department of Homeland Security. USCIS is charged with fundamentally transforming and improving the delivery of immigration and citizenship services, while enhancing national security.