Inspector general: No. 2 official at Homeland Security Department wielded improper influence
{{#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. A new inspector general’s report has concluded that Mayorkas, now the No. 2 official at the Homeland Security Department improperly intervened on behalf of foreign investors. It happened in three cases involving the U.S. government soliciting foreign investments in exchange for American visas. Investigators said Tuesday that his involvement created the appearance of favoritism and special access. The investigation could not suggest a motive for his involvement. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File) (The Associated Press)
A new inspector general's report has concluded that the No. 2 official at the Homeland Security Department improperly intervened on behalf of foreign investors. It happened in three cases involving the U.S. government soliciting foreign investments in exchange for American visas.
Investigators say he helped secure the visas, and created the appearance of favoritism and special access. The investigation could not suggest a motive for his involvement.
The Obama administration was expected to express its continued support for the official, Alejandro Mayorkas (al-uh-HAN-dro may-YORK-us). At the time, Mayorkas was head of the department's Citizenship and Immigration Services agency.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}Mayorkas told investigators that his unusual involvement was intended to improve the government's process or prevent mistakes.