How New DHS Policies Could Sabotage Costs and Workforce Dynamics for Trump

Department of Homeland Security emblem on American flag.

Biden administration’s last-minute DHS policy changes spark controversy over costs and workforce management, raising concerns about future operations and budget implications.

Key Insights

  • DHS employees granted three additional vacation days, potentially costing taxpayers $3 billion.
  • USCIS job classifications merged, allowing easier promotions without merit-based criteria.
  • Changes may complicate budget management and agent competency in specialized cases.
  • Critics suggest moves appease unions while creating fiscal obstacles for future administrations.

Unprecedented Vacation Time Granted to DHS Employees

In a surprising move, outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has granted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees an additional three days of administrative leave. This decision, made in the final days of the Biden administration, has raised eyebrows and sparked debate about its potential impact on the department’s operations and budget.

The extra vacation time, valued at approximately $3 billion, brings the total additional leave granted during Mayorkas’ tenure to over six weeks. This unprecedented use of administrative leave has earned Mayorkas the nickname “Santo Mayorkas” among department employees. Federal rules typically allow agency chiefs to grant a maximum of 10 days of administrative leave annually, making Mayorkas’ 269 hours of granted leave likely a record.

“It has been the honor of my life to support you and to work alongside you. In recognition of your extraordinary talent, dedication, and sacrifice, I am proud — this one last time — to grant all personnel 24 hours of administrative leave, to be used this calendar year. Please take care of one another.” – Alejandro Mayorkas

Concerns Over Operational Costs and Efficiency

Critics argue that this generous leave policy may significantly affect the department’s budget and operational efficiency. John Hart, CEO of Open the Books, expressed concern about the additional time off, stating, “The Department of Homeland Security is tasked with some of the federal government’s most foundational responsibilities. The last thing taxpayers need is to furnish them with more time off when most federal workers are not reporting to the office daily anyway.”

With an average hourly pay of $43 for DHS employees, the extra time off allows senior staff to work less than four days a week throughout the year. This raises questions about how the department can maintain its critical responsibilities while granting such extensive leave.

USCIS Job Classification Changes and Their Impact

Another significant change implemented by the Biden administration involves the merger of two job positions at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). This reorganization allows employees to achieve higher pay grades through tenure rather than merit, potentially impacting the agency’s budget control and the quality of service provided.

The new career ladder for Immigration Services Officers (ISOs) now spans GS-5 to GS-12 pay grades, allowing promotions without competition or proof of ability. This change has led to concerns about less qualified agents handling complex immigration cases and the potential long-term impact on the agency’s effectiveness.

Implications for Future Administrations

These last-minute policy shifts present challenges for the incoming Trump administration. Revoking the granted time off could lead to backlash and potential demoralization among DHS employees. However, maintaining these policies may strain the department’s budget and operational capabilities.

Some observers suggest that these moves may be designed to appease union stakeholders while, in essence, sabotaging the Trump administration by creating fiscal obstacles. The timing of these changes, implemented in the final days of the Biden administration, has fueled speculation about their intended long-term impact on the Department of Homeland Security’s operations and budget management.

As the new administration takes office, it will face the complex task of balancing employee morale with fiscal responsibility and operational efficiency within the Department of Homeland Security. The long-term consequences of these policy changes remain to be seen, but they undoubtedly present significant challenges for the future of DHS management and operations.

Sources:

  1. Biden Administration Makes 11th-Hour Moves To Sabotage Trump Department Of Homeland Security
  2. ‘Santo Mayorkas’: DHS secretary’s final tally tops $3 billion in extra vacation time for employees