Alejandro Mayorkas, Biography, secretary, family, Net worth & More

Alejandro Mayorkas is the first Latino and immigrant politician to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As a Cuban refugee, he worked as a federal prosecutor and architect of important immigration policies like DACA, which is an example of his life struggle, dedication and service. So let’s know about the inspiring journey of Alejandro Mayorkas, how a Cuban-born immigrant became popular and successful among America’s top security officials.

Short info

Early Life and Education

Alejandro Mayorkas’s full name is Alejandro Nicholas Mayorkas. He was born on 24 November 1959 in Havana, Cuba to a Jewish family. His mother Anita (Gabor), was from Romania, who fled Europe to escape Nazi atrocities and took refuge in Cuba, while his father Charles R. Nicky, was the son of Jewish immigrants from Turkey and Poland who owned a steel wool factory in Cuba. He was raised in Los Angeles, California, where he attended Beverly Hills High School. He then graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 1981 with a degree in history and received a law degree from Loyola Law School in 1985.

Alejandro Mayorkas Career

Mayorkas began his legal career in 1989 as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Central District of California, where he specialized in white-collar crime cases. His notable cases include Operation Polar Cap, the nation’s largest money laundering case at the time, and the successful prosecution of Hollywood madam Heidi Fleiss on federal conspiracy, tax fraud, and money laundering charges. On December 21, 1998, President Bill Clinton appointed him U.S. Attorney for the Central District of California, making him the youngest U.S. Attorney in the country at the time.

Alejandro Mayorkas USCIS

On May 7, 2009, President Barack Obama appointed Mayorkas as U.S. Attorney. Appointed as the Director of the Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In this role, he successfully implemented the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program that provided protection to millions of immigrant children. However, critics also accused him of mismanaging the EB-5 investor visa program. For his work as USCIS Director, he received awards from several organizations, including the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. After the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, he led the US government’s efforts to rescue orphaned children.

Alejandro Mayorkas Homeland Security

In November 2020, President Joe Biden nominated Mayorkas as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. After confirmation by the Senate by a vote of 56–43, he took office on February 2, 2021, making him the 7th Secretary and the first Latino and immigrant to hold the position. Earlier in 2013, he was promoted as the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security. During his tenure, he led negotiations on cybersecurity agreements with Israel and China. He established the Fraud Detection and National Security Directorate, to ensure the integrity of the legal immigration system. In between government service, he also worked in private law firms, where he focused on complex litigation and internal investigations. Under his leadership, DHS expanded its Cybercrime Center to combat cybercrimes. He took several major steps to grant legal status to illegal immigrants and reform immigration policy.

Alejandro Mayorkas Impeachment

On November 8, 2023, Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia introduced an article of impeachment against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. In the article, he accused Alejandro of failing to secure the US-Mexico border and violating his oath of office. The impeachment resolution was referred to the House Homeland Security Committee but on November 14, 2023, Democrats blocked the effort to impeach DHS Secretary Mayorkas with Republican support. In January 2024, House Republicans introduced two articles of impeachment against Mayorkas, accusing him of “a deliberate and systemic refusal to obey the law” and “a breach of the public trust.” In February 2024, the House approved the impeachment, but in April 2024, the Senate dismissed the charges, allowing his term to continue.

Alejandro Mayorkas Net worth

According to Forbes, Alejandro Mayorkas’ net worth is estimated to be $8 million. His main sources of wealth are a combination of his legal career, his political career, and his stock investments. Mayorkas is currently the Secretary of Homeland Security and his net worth includes:

• Washington DC. A home in the U.S. priced between $500,000 and $1 million.
• Investing between $500,000 and $1 million in stocks, bonds and mutual funds.
• Pension from previous job as Secretary of Homeland Security $100,000 to $250,000

Alejandro Mayorkas Family

Mayorkas married in 2014 to Tanya Mayorkas, a lawyer and businesswoman, and they have two daughters Giselle Mayorkas and Amelia Mayorkas. Tanya first met Alejandro in 2013 when he was working in the United States Civil Service. Mayorkas is fluent in Spanish, Romanian, and English, and often draws on his family’s refugee experience to humanize the immigration debate. Tanya is also an active social activist. She is associated with several nonprofit organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, the National Organization for Women, and the Human Rights Watch. Mayorkas enjoys running, playing tennis, and squash. His life and career reflect his deep commitment to public service.

Alejandro Mayorkas Resignation

In an interview with ABC News on August 4, 2023, Mayorkas said that he had no plans to resign as Secretary of Homeland Security. He also said he is “proud” of his work at DHS and is committed to continuing to serve the American people. But many Republicans, including Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, are demanding his resignation. He has been accused of failing to secure the southern border and not handling the migrant crisis properly. His decision to end the public health order is also being criticised. Which allowed border officials to quickly expel migrants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Return to Cuba

In 2015, he traveled in an effort to improve U.S. relations with Cuba, where he visited his family’s old home and his father’s school.

Conclusion

Alejandro Mayorkas’ journey from Cuban refugee to Secretary of Homeland Security reflects a spirit of determination and service. Although his tenure has been controversial, his focus on equality, security, and modernization cements his role as a transformational leader. His story is an inspirational example of determination, service, and leadership that will continue to be a source of inspiration for generations to come.