Learn about the United States
Learn about the United States

Author: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Publisher: Government Printing Office

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 36

ISBN-13: 9780160831188

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"Learn About the United States" is intended to help permanent residents gain a deeper understanding of U.S. history and government as they prepare to become citizens. The product presents 96 short lessons, based on the sample questions from which the civics portion of the naturalization test is drawn. An audio CD that allows students to listen to the questions, answers, and civics lessons read aloud is also included. For immigrants preparing to naturalize, the chance to learn more about the history and government of the United States will make their journey toward citizenship a more meaningful one.

Homeland Security
Homeland Security

Author: Michael Chertoff

Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press

Published: 2011-11-29

Total Pages: 217

ISBN-13: 081220588X

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In 2003, the President and the U.S. Congress established the Department of Homeland Security. From the beginning, its mission was clear: prevent terrorist attacks, protect against threats to America's safety and security, and prepare the nation to respond effectively to disasters, both natural and man-made. This monumental mission demands a comprehensive strategy. It also requires a crystal-clear explanation of that strategy to Americans and their allies worldwide. In a revealing new book, Homeland Security: Assessing the First Five Years, Michael Chertoff provides that explanation. In a refreshingly candid and engaging manner, America's former homeland security secretary depicts the department's long-term approach, what it has achieved, and what it has yet to do. The strategy begins with the threats America faces, from terrorist groups like al Qaeda to hurricanes like Ike or Gustav. "Once these threats are identified," Chertoff writes, "we can confront them, using every tool at our disposal. We can stop terrorists from entering the country, and discourage people from embracing terrorism by combating its lethal ideology. We can protect our critical assets and reduce our vulnerabilities to natural disasters. We can plan and prepare for emergencies and respond in a way that minimizes the consequences. And we can work closely with our allies abroad to reduce the risk of future disasters." In each of these areas, Chertoff informs the reader what the nation has done and what it still must do to secure its future. How well has this strategy fared in a post-9/11 world? Since that fateful day, there have been no global terror attacks on American soil. Yet in the face of continued dangers, Michael Chertoff warns repeatedly against complacency. He urges America and its leaders to strengthen their resolve, stay the course, and build creatively on past successes.

FUNDAMENTALS OF HOMELAND SECURITY
FUNDAMENTALS OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Author: John W. Ellis

Publisher: Charles C Thomas Publisher

Published: 2014-03-01

Total Pages: 177

ISBN-13: 0398087865

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The mission, authority, organization, role, function, and the fundamental terminology that affects homeland security in the United States is examined in this book. Homeland security demands quick, effective organization to operate in emergencies, but simultaneously defies it by the limited time frame and sheer scope of the problem. The author focuses on the five core missions of homeland security: preventing terrorism, securing borders, enforcing immigration law, safeguarding cyber systems, and ensuring resilience to disasters. These core missions require five common skill areas for homeland security operations: risk assessment, determining authority and capability to enact solutions, identifying organizational structure and functions, recognizing operational patterns, and applying analytical techniques to achieve the best performance possible. Unique features include the key points of contact, potential areas of conflict, legal and executive aspects, work flow processes and their analysis, examination of risk assessment, review of implementation and response, emergency services and logistics, and political issues. In addition, operational assignment of resources for intelligence, tactical response, investigations, prosecution, and confinement are discussed. A glossary of abbreviated terms frequently used is among the special features provided. With 18 illustrations, this up-to-date overview of homeland security and the necessary methods for implementation is a resource of valuable information.

Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis
Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis

Author: National Research Council

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2010-09-10

Total Pages: 161

ISBN-13: 0309161525

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The events of September 11, 2001 changed perceptions, rearranged national priorities, and produced significant new government entities, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created in 2003. While the principal mission of DHS is to lead efforts to secure the nation against those forces that wish to do harm, the department also has responsibilities in regard to preparation for and response to other hazards and disasters, such as floods, earthquakes, and other "natural" disasters. Whether in the context of preparedness, response or recovery from terrorism, illegal entry to the country, or natural disasters, DHS is committed to processes and methods that feature risk assessment as a critical component for making better-informed decisions. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis explores how DHS is building its capabilities in risk analysis to inform decision making. The department uses risk analysis to inform decisions ranging from high-level policy choices to fine-scale protocols that guide the minute-by-minute actions of DHS employees. Although DHS is responsible for mitigating a range of threats, natural disasters, and pandemics, its risk analysis efforts are weighted heavily toward terrorism. In addition to assessing the capability of DHS risk analysis methods to support decision-making, the book evaluates the quality of the current approach to estimating risk and discusses how to improve current risk analysis procedures. Review of the Department of Homeland Security's Approach to Risk Analysis recommends that DHS continue to build its integrated risk management framework. It also suggests that the department improve the way models are developed and used and follow time-tested scientific practices, among other recommendations.

Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses
Terrorism: Reducing Vulnerabilities and Improving Responses

Author: Russian Academy of Sciences

Publisher: National Academies Press

Published: 2004-06-23

Total Pages: 254

ISBN-13: 0309166233

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This book is devoted primarily to papers prepared by American and Russian specialists on cyber terrorism and urban terrorism. It also includes papers on biological and radiological terrorism from the American and Russian perspectives. Of particular interest are the discussions of the hostage situation at Dubrovko in Moscow, the damge inflicted in New York during the attacks on 9/11, and Russian priorities in addressing cyber terrorism.

Understanding the Department of Homeland Security
Understanding the Department of Homeland Security

Author: Don Philpott

Publisher: Bernan Press

Published: 2015-12-14

Total Pages: 305

ISBN-13: 1598887424

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Understanding the Department of Homeland Security — the largest and the newest department of government —discusses why the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established and then takes a detailed look at the role of the 22 different federal departments and agencies that were incorporated into it. DHS has more than 240,000 employees in jobs that range from aviation and border security to emergency response, from cybersecurity analyst to chemical facility inspector. It's duties are wide-ranging, but the goal is clear—keeping America safe. Features of this book include: An analytical look at the Department of Homeland Security and all its component agencies A list of all the major homeland security incidents over the last 100 years About the Series: TheCabinet Series looks at the major departments in the Federal Government explaining why they were created and the responsibilities of each agency and how they conducts their daily business at home and abroad. It helps to explain what federal agencies do and how they affect the lives of citizens.

Downsizing the Federal Government
Downsizing the Federal Government

Author: Chris Edwards

Publisher: Cato Institute

Published: 2005-11-25

Total Pages: 263

ISBN-13: 1933995513

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The federal government is running huge budget deficits, spending too much, and heading toward a financial crisis. Federal spending soared under President George W. Bush, and the costs of programs for the elderly are set to balloon in coming years. Hurricane Katrina has made the federal budget situation even more desperate. In Downsizing the Federal Government Cato Institute budget expert Chris Edwards provides policymakers with solutions to the growing federal budget mess. Edwards identifies more than 100 federal programs that should be terminated, transferred to the states, or privatized in order to balance the budget and save hundreds of billions of dollars. Edwards proposes a balanced reform package of cuts to entitlements, domestic programs, and excess defense spending. He argues that these cuts would not only eliminate the deficit, but also strengthen the economy, enlarge personal freedom, and leave a positive fiscal legacy for the next generation. Downsizing the Federal Government discusses the systematic causes of wasteful spending, and it overflows with examples of federal programs that are obsolete and mismanaged. The book examines the budget process and shows how policymakers act contrary to the interests of average Americans by favoring special interests.

Homeland Security
Homeland Security

Author: Charles P. Nemeth

Publisher: CRC Press

Published: 2016-04-19

Total Pages: 627

ISBN-13: 1466510919

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Homeland security is a massive enterprise that gets larger by the moment. What was once mostly a TSA/aviation concern has evolved into a multidimensional operation covering a broad array of disciplines. These include critical infrastructure protection, border security, transportation security, intelligence and counterterrorism, emergency management, immigration and naturalization, and public health. Homeland Security: An Introduction to Principles and Practice, Second Edition provides students and practitioners alike with the latest developments on the makeup, organization, and strategic mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This new edition is fully updated with new laws, regulations, and strategies that reflect changes and developments over the last several years. The book offers unique insights into the various roles of multi-jurisdictional agencies and stakeholders at all levels of government—including law enforcement, the military, the intelligence community, emergency managers, and the private sector. Coverage includes: The history of security threats in the American experience, the events leading up to 9/11, and the formation and evolution of the DHS The legal basis and foundation for the DHS The nature of risk and threat Training and preparatory exercises for homeland security professionals How states and localities can work compatibly with federal policy makers Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) in both the pre- and post-9/11 and post-Katrina world The agencies and entities entrusted with intelligence analysis Issues surrounding border security, immigration, and U.S. citizenship Homeland security practice in the airline, maritime, and mass transit industries—including national, regional, and local rail systems The interplay between public health and homeland security Each chapter contains extensive pedagogy, including learning objectives, informative sidebars, chapter summaries, end-of-chapter questions, web links, and references to aid in comprehension and retention. Homeland Security: An Introduction to Principles and Practice, Second Edition is the only book to provide an objective, balanced perspective on each of the core components that comprise the DHS’s mission and the priorities and challenges that federal and state government agencies continue to face.