AbstractSince the creation of The Department of Homeland Security, we have seen many challenges, changes, and growth. As we move forward in a society that is technology driven there will be continued growth to preventing terrorism, securing and managing our borders, enforcing and administering our immigration laws, safeguarding and securing cyberspace, and strengthening national preparedness and resilience. Keywords: terrorism, cybersecurity, border patrol, FEMA, immigration, cyberterrorism, domestic terrorism, information sharing, private sector The Department ofHomeland Security has a vital role and mission of securing and protecting ournation from the many threats its faced with. Since the attacks of September 11thand the creation of Homeland Security, we’ve seen many changes in the department.DHS has become the largest reorganization of a government agency in more than ahalf century. (Coburn) Our proactiveanti-terrorism measures with the conjunction of layered defense strategy the UShas avoided a large attack from reoccurring. As we move forward the future ofHomeland Security will continue to be a work in progress and will becomedependent on the future of emergency management. The room for growth andchanges will be required, as threats and hazards continue to evolve and changewhile addressing the all-hazard approach. (Johnson) An all-hazard approach I defined as a flexibleapproach that provides foundation to deal with natural and unnatural hazardsand disasters. (Waugh) The Department of Homeland Security created missionareas in efforts to prevent and respond to attacks and natural disasters. Theseareas are to prevent terrorism, secure and manage our borders, enforceimmigration laws, safeguard and secure cyberspace, and strengthen nationalpreparedness and resilience. (Coburn)CounterterrorismThe foundingprinciple of the Department of Homeland Security is protecting the Americanpeople from terrorist threats and attacks like the Boston Marathon Bombing tofuture homegrown attacks like the Orlando nightclub shooting. Multiple terroristorganizations actively plotting attacks against the US or encouragingindividuals to conduct inspired attacks. Preventing terrorism is the firstmission and it will continue to be the cornerstone for DHS. The threat ofterrorism still exists and has evolved into a stage that a new approach isneeded. Currently DHS’s programs are to prevent chemical, biological,radiological, and nuclear attacks have been yielding little value. While theseareas are important the likelihood of it occurring are lower. (Coburn) The national security apparatus ofthe federal government must continue to guard against both large and smallscales of terrorist directed attacks that present themselves. Our new approachmust focus on how to prevent and detect terrorist inspired attacks fromhomegrown extremists before they happen.Homegrown terrorismis an area of difficulty when detecting possible and future attacks. The use ofthe internet is the most effective tool these individuals are using to createconnections, the call to follow the ideology, conduct copycat attacks, andlearn deadly methods to use against citizens. Homegrown terrorist live amongus, these are not individuals that are coming into our country from other westerncountries, some without any criminal history making it difficult to detect forlaw enforcement, and most of their planning occurs alone and in secret.(Johnson) Successful programs that have been created in the mist of terroristattacks is the “see something say something program”, which has raised publicawareness and information on how to report suspicious activity. Fightingterrorism is a national effort and citizens are going to sometimes witness orcome across material on the internet that is considered harmful to our nation.By continuing to raise public awareness these individuals can assist thegovernment fight the war on terrorism by reporting suspicious activity.  It’s also vitalthat propaganda production is eliminated, social media sites must reevaluatethe terms and user agreement to avoid potential issues with the firstamendment. A partnership with these private groups would assist in removingpropaganda and recruitment efforts. DHS should also look into funding for“photo DNA” similar to scanning for child pornography would be useful forgovernment officials. This would allow the government to successfully removeinformation while its being posted and shut down websites that promote violentextremism. Terrorism warfareis changing, the use of armed drones in Syria against military forces is occurringand new technology is presenting itself. The possibility of this occurring in theUS and other countries is possible and creating new safety procedures isneeded. This is an area that must be evaluated drones are easily accessible andavailable all over the country, as a nation our air defense will take shape onhow to tackle this potential threat. Small drones are filling our skies forrecreational use and fears are growing of potential terrorist attacks and othercrimes occurring. The FAA and congress have taken a slow approach in respondingdespite the growing concerns. With current regulations for commercial usageonly, there will need to be stronger regulations and rules for drones even ifthey are grounded until better laws are created. (Bergen) Immigration and Border SecurityThere is a lot ofwork to be done to secure our borders and fixing a system that many Americans believeto be broken. (Johnson) The Department of Homeland Security works diligently toprotect our borders and safeguard our country from illegally activity. To thispoint there has been a lack of technology that Border Patrol utilizes, this isan area that must improve. DHS officialshave claimed that the borders have been more secure than ever, even with significantevidence showing the vast span of southern and northern borders that remainuncontrolled and are vulnerable to illegal entry. The use of technology is notthere, the inability to effectively use its technological assets, like dronesand aerial surveillance equipment to monitor borders and assist personnel onthe ground. Instead of actively using the technology we are re-seeing the useof national guard troops be redeployed under President Trump to assist borderpatrol agents. (Coburn) DHS has worked towards and reformed immigration enforcementprioritizing the removal of illegals that pose a threat to our nation. The useof national guard troops at the border is nothing new and has been successfulin the past with Operation Jump Start that assisted border patrol agents indetecting immigrants attempting to cross the border. Training between the twoagencies would be beneficial and areas that border patrol is lacking can betaught from the DoD. This partnership and training would teach border patrolnew tactics and proper usage of technology to assist securing the borders.Using a virtual fence with a series of sensor cameras that would detectunlawful movement and illegal intrusions, as well thermal imaging would assistagents capture illegal immigrants. The use of technology could greatly assistagents with 24/7 monitoring instead of foot patrols that are dangerous in theextreme heat. The department has also struggled with administering the nation’simmigration system including vetting, processing, tracking immigration benefitsfor non-citizen, and monitoring individuals that are in the US on a visa. (Coburn)Either we must look into reforming and ending immigration benefit programs thatpose vulnerable to criminal and national security threats. Utilizing biometricssuch as face and voice recognistion could assist immigration officials with identifyingand monitoring immigrants entering the US. Paper applications is in the past,we’ve become more mobile and technology is beneficial to keep track and put immigrationneeds to take the next stage while transforming immigration. CybersecurityThe large threatthe US is faced with is the threat of cyberspace. We live in an interconnectedworld and are reliant on electronics. Threats are evolving and becoming moresophisticated in their attacks. Cyber threats will become more aggressive asinformation and communication technology continues to evolve at a rapid rate. Domesticterrorism threats, cyberattacks against the government and private networkshave become a significant threat to the nation and the economy. Hacking is themost common form of cyber intrusion that can range from minimal damage toextensive damage to an individual and organization. The dangers posed bycyberattacks extends from critical infrastructures systems but to our economy.(Wise) As online threats continue to grow we much be able to secure theinternet and the increasing numbers of internet connected devices andinfrastructures, while preserving online data and protecting human rights. Inorder for this to be affective, strong partnerships from private sectors andother countries must continue. (Johnson) Cybersecurity is ashared responsibility and we all play a significant role especially when theprivate sector owns 85% of the critical infrastructure. (Wise) Empowering individualsand organizations to operate securely must be on the agenda. Similar to the seesomething say something program DHS should create a program on educating thepublic on safeguarding their information. Educating, partnering, and heightenedlaw enforcement presence will assist government officials in deterring,investigating, and prosecuting criminals. DHS will continue to work withstakeholders in the homeland security for continued development andimplementation on prioritizing activities, setting milestones, and tracking theprogress of partners. (DHS.gov) Congress has made it clear that it will not forcethe private sector to share information with DHS, in which DHS will need tobuild partnerships and find ways to promote cooperation for shared information.Sharing information will help build a stronger cyber defense. (Wise)Cybersecurity will continue to be one of DHS’ greatest challenges in the comingyears on protecting against cyberattacks and intrusions. Emergency Response and ResilienceAs a nation wemust be prepared and ready to respond to severe natural disasters. The US isfaced with the increasing risks of natural catastrophes related to climatechange. Department of Homeland Security has grown since the disaster andrefocusing on how to effectively response and communicate. (Waugh) The largestshare of DHS budget goes to the Federal Emergent Management Agency (FEMA), inwhich is dedicated to strengthening national preparedness and resilience. Whileterrorism is still relevant the potential of casualties that could happen witha natural disaster is more likely to happen before another largescale terroristattack.FEMA continues tohave issues with how federal funding is spent and encouraging citizens to buildand rebuild homes and businesses in flood Plaines offering citizens floodinsurance programs. Recently FEMA announced reinsurance placement for the NationalFlood Insurance Program, reinsurance increases flood claims-paying ability bytransferring potential losses to the private reinsurance markets. (FEMA.gov) DHSneeds to hold companies responsible for building homes and businesses in floodPlaines where its vulnerable to disaster. By avoiding new developments inflooding zones, it would save money for consumers and prevent displacement ofcitizens. Programs thatprovide subsidizing state and local emergency management and public safety forroutine events need to be ended. Funding should be used for disaster responseand preparation in the event of a large natural disaster. (Coburn) In 2011 in response to Irene andLee, the balance of Disaster Relief Fund became so low that FEMA implementedimmediate needs funding which meant state and local agencies stopped receivingfederal dollars. (Donovan) Arguments of unlimited funding for FEMA could changethe problem but is not realistic way of fixing spending issues. Bettermanagement and use of funds needs to be handled better in the future to ensureeffective response to natural disasters. The Department of Homeland Security has many opportunities and challenges presented in the future. Any organization of this size will have its issues and future challenges that must be addressed and fixed. The amount of growth and changes DHS has experienced has been positive in support the mission areas discussed. All of the mission areas are creating a series of different approaches in protecting our nation from vulnerabilities and disasters. In order to have continued success reevaluation of current processes and procedures is needed. What was once a threat after 9/11 no longer continues to be a large area of concern. With strong private-public partnerships, innovative ways to fight homegrown terrorism and cyber terrorism will strengthened Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security is expanding and maturing creating new technologies to keep up with future threats and technology advancements. Work CitedBergen, Peter (February 28, 2017) The Future of Counterterrorism:Addressing the Evolving Threat to Domestic Security. Retrieved https://docs.house.gov/meetings/HM/HM05/20170228/105637/HHRG-115-HM05-Wstate-BergenP-20170228.pdfCoburn, Tom (January 2015) A Review of the Department of HomelandSecurity’s Missions and Performance. Retrieved https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/canvas/sp18/21811—6277/content/16_lesson/images/DHS_Review_Coburn_Jan_2015.pdfDHS.gov (November 2011) Blueprint for a Secure Cyber Future. Retrievedhttps://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/nppd/blueprint-for-a-secure-cyber-future.pdfDonovan, Dan (February 28, 2017) The Future of FEMA:Recommendations of Former Administrators. Retrieved https://www.hsdl.org/?view&did=800193FEMA.gov (January 5, 2018) FEMA Expands its Reinsurance Program toManage Future Flood Risk. Retrieved https://www.fema.gov/news-release/2018/01/05/fema-expands-its-reinsurance-program-manage-future-flood-risk Johnson, Jeh (January 5,2017) DHSRecord of Progress and Vision for the Future. Retrieved https://www.dhs.gov/archive/DHSInReviewWaugh, William (n.d.) The Futureof Homeland Security and Emergency Management. Retrieved https://psu.instructure.com/courses/1922787/modules/items/23804025Wise, Rob (February 1, 2013)Homeland Security at a Crossroads: Evolving DHS to Meet the Next Generations ofThreat. Retrieved https://www.csis.org/analysis/homeland-security-crossroads-evolving-dhs-meet-next-generation-threats Get Help With Your EssayIf you need assistance with writing your essay, our professional essay writing service is here to help!Find out more