The Daily The Brief, Controversial Tenure of Kirstjen Nielsen
Apr 9, 2019
Caitlin Dickerson, an immigration reporter for The New York Times, dives into the dramatic tenure of Kirstjen Nielsen, former Secretary of Homeland Security. They discuss how Nielsen's strict immigration policies ultimately failed to secure her position. The conversation covers the emotional fallout of the controversial family separation policy and the internal conflicts she faced. Dickerson also addresses the transition to her successor, Kevin McAleenan, and the ongoing shifts in immigration policy during an unpredictable administration.
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Nielsen and Family Separation
- Kirstjen Nielsen, initially hesitant about family separation, delayed it for four months.
- Despite her reservations, she ultimately approved the policy, becoming its public face.
Family Separation Backlash
- Family separation, though enacted, faced legal challenges and public outcry.
- A federal judge deemed the practice unconstitutional and ordered reunification.
Limiting Asylum Applications
- Nielsen also expressed concerns about limiting asylum applications to ports of entry.
- Despite her reservations, this policy, too, was implemented and subsequently blocked by federal courts.