On January 4^th, Department of Homeland Security Deputy Secretary Michael Jackson swore in Dr. Emilio Gonzalez as the new Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).  Nominated for the position in September 2005, Dr. Gonzalez appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee on October 18, 2005 , and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on December 23, 2005 .

Dr. Gonzalez will immediately begin his tenure as USCIS Director.  According to a press release from USCIS, Dr. Gonzalez brings a passion for immigration work and a wealth of policy experience with him to his new position.  According to DHS, as a Cuban immigrant and naturalized American, Gonzalez shares a special connection with the American immigrant population.