A proposal by former DHS secretaries would not automatically change visas, green cards, or other immigration benefits.
A public proposal to reorganize the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) does not, by itself, change U.S. immigration rules. A practical change to a visa, green card, naturalization case, or other immigration benefit requires an applicable official action, such as a statute, regulation, executive action, agency notice, or formally issued policy.
In September 2026, former DHS Secretaries Michael Chertoff and Jeh Johnson called in an interview for a broad review of the department’s structure and priorities. That reporting concerns a proposal and a public debate; it does not announce a new visa category, an eligibility change, or a new rule for applicants.
What the proposal addresses
The discussion concerns how DHS should allocate responsibilities among national security, counterterrorism, emergency response, and immigration enforcement. It is a discussion about institutional design and government priorities. The proposal itself does not amount to a new law or an immigration rule taking effect.
What does not change merely because of the news
The report alone does not create a new requirement to:
apply for or renew a visa;
seek lawful permanent residence (a green card);
file a family- or employment-based petition;
apply for naturalization; or
satisfy an individual eligibility requirement.
It also does not establish that an interview, security review, or processing time will change. Each process depends on the governing law and current guidance from the responsible agency.
The official counterterrorism strategy and immigration
The White House issued a national counterterrorism strategy in May 2026. The document connects counterterrorism, border security, and immigration enforcement within the administration’s priorities. Even so, a national strategy does not itself replace the requirements for a particular immigration benefit or turn a proposal for institutional restructuring into a rule that applies to every case.
In immigration matters, security and background checks may be part of the review depending on the benefit and the case. The significance of any announcement must be assessed from an official source and its effective date.
How to follow a real change
People with pending cases or plans to file should monitor notices from USCIS, the Department of State, and DHS. A material change will generally identify the issuing authority, the affected public, its effective date, and any transition rules.
Before changing an immigration strategy because of a news report, confirm whether an official measure actually reaches your type of case. An individual analysis still depends on the benefit sought, the person’s history, and the rules in effect.
Public sources
