Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson on Facilitating Legal Flows of Goods and People
The secretary of homeland security talked trade, cybersecurity, and immigration at the Washington Conference.
Speakers:
- Jeh Johnson, Secretary of Homeland Security
- Susan Segal, President and CEO, Council of the Americas
Stating that the U.S. government’s relationship with the Mexican government is “very strong,” U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson discussed trade with Mexico, the visa waiver program, cybersecurity, and immigration reform at the Washington Conference on the Americas.
Johnson stated that he did not realize the importance of international relations before he became secretary, as a large part of Homeland Security’s role is promoting and facilitating lawful trade. He has met with his Mexican counterpart five times, and has been to Mexico twice, meeting with President Enrique Peña Nieto, the attorney general, the foreign minister, and others. These conversations reflected the importance of the U.S.-Mexico relationship in promoting trade and travel, especially facilitating export-import policy.
“I am pleased and optimistic about our relationship, and I think it will grow stronger,” said Johnson.
Similar discussions have also taken place with the government of Canada in terms of the “bluewater bridge” in Port Huron.
In terms of the visa waiver program, it was recently announced that Chileans would receive streamlined travel benefits, the first in Latin America. Johnson stated that he would like to see other countries be able to attain the same benefits. However, the criteria are statutorily mandated, with a certain percentage of visa applications that need to be accepted.
Cybersecurity is also a pressing concern for his department. Johnson pointed to areas where the Homeland Security could deal with these ongoing threats, such as sharing best practices with the private sector and information sharing, including by the financial sector.
“There are a series of threats and attacks that we have to be vigilant in addressing,” said Johnson.
Johnson was very optimistic with regards to immigration reform.
“Comprehensive information reform will come along,” he said. “I believe it will become law because it makes so much sense. There is a certain inevitability to comprehensive immigration reform. I look forward to implementing.”