DHS No. 2 to face lawmakers for the first time since internal report on favoritism claims
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}FILE - In this July 25, 2013 file photo, Alejandro Mayorkas, then-President Obama's nominee to become deputy secretary of the Homeland Security Department, testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. Mayorkas has been defending himself against allegations he used his previous government post to provide preferential treatment to the politically connected before he was promoted to the agency’s No. 2 position. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (The Associated Press)
The Homeland Security Department's No. 2 is making his first formal trip to Capitol Hill since an internal watchdog report last month accused him of using his former position to intervene on behalf of powerful Democrats.
Deputy Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has long defended himself against the allegations and is likely to face a hostile audience when he testifies Thursday before the House Homeland Security Committee.
Agency Inspector General John Roth concluded Mayorkas violated ethics rules when he intervened in three foreign investor visa cases as head of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Roth didn't accuse Mayorkas of breaking any laws by getting involved in the applications for the investor-visa program.