Illegal Immigration Is Up.....

A report recently ran citing that illegal immigration is up in this country while the number of deportations are down. This is a DHS issue, of course, because it involves undocumented people entering into the country without any real record of who they are and what their possible intentions are. For the most part, people entering the country illegally are looking for work but we still have to take this report seriously. With New Year’s even almost upon us, security in this country tightens because there will be many parities hosted with large gatherings.

Jeh Johnson of the DHS recently spoke to reporters about the increase in illegal immigration. An administration official said the drop in deportations was at least partially due to the surge of illegal immigrants from Central America, who require detention, flights and travel documents, which makes them more expensive to deport versus the cost to deport illegal Mexicans, who can usually be quickly sent back across the land border.

The official also said part of the problem is that so-called “sanctuary city” localities are increasingly refusing to turn immigrants over to federal authorities for deportation. Homeland Security said localities refused 10,182 different requests from federal agents to hold illegal immigrants the agents wanted to pick up for deportation. (Washington Times)
Regardless if the numbers are slightly up or slightly down, the problem remains and will be carried into 2015 as an issue this country has yet to resolve. In fact, I don’t believe there is a “one size fits all” solution right now to address this problem. I’ve said several times on this blog that there has to be a series of protocols implemented but the ability for the DHS to look at illegal immigrants on a case-by-case basis before deciding if they should be deported or provided with an option to apply for citizenship. Either way, this is certainly an issue I will continue to address in the New Year.

2015 will be interesting for us as a country and from a homeland security perspective. I look forward to covering these topics (and more) for all of you in the future. This said, I will be taking a break from the blog to celebrate the holidays- returning with a post on Friday, January 26th.

Twyla N. Garrett

Tips for Leadership Success!

I hear people come up with the best excuses as to why they can't lead. That's ridiculous. Leaders don't ask for permission, leaders take charge. If someone is "holding you back" from being a leader- you're not a leader. It is this simple and that cut and dry. If you know you're a leader but need a little guidance as to how to prove it- check out my tips below.

#1. Know how to let people work. Real leaders care more about what is getting done and not how it is getting done. In fact, leaders expect people to be creative and resourceful when accomplishing tasks. If you want to lead, do so. Communicate with your team what you need done and when you need it done. Define your expectations as to what they need to accomplish and how much you are or aren't going to be involved in the process. If you have an excellent support team, which you should, then there is no need to worry!

#2. Answer your own phone. I learned this lesson from Essie Weingarten, founder of Essie Cosmetics, a nail-polish company based in New York City. Essie refuses to have a secretary even though her business does $150 million in retail sales a year. She answers her own phone so she can address problem, take suggestions and gain valuable feedback about her company. Essie leads by example and being hands-on within her company.

#3. Walk around your office. Leaders need to be involved with their employees. Don't micromanage, but show a presence. Walk around the office and say hello to people. Ask what they are working on or take the time to discuss what you're working on. Make people aware of what you are doing and become involved. Leaders don't bark orders, leaders help execute tasks and are aware of employee issues or project challenges.

Being a leader is something you are born with. You can refine how you operate for added success. Do you have specific exercises that help you lead? I'm interested in learning about them. Let's discuss on Twitter.

Until next time,
Twyla