Statement by Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff on the Appointment of the CIS Ombudsman

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Timothy Dougherty as the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman. Michael will serve the department by directly interacting with individuals and employers ensuring that USCIS meets its obligations to the public in the most efficient and effective way possible.

Michael previously served as Acting Director of Immigration Policy and Senior Policy Advisor for Immigration at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Policy and Planning. He returns to DHS after working as legislative counsel to U.S. Senator Jon Kyl, where he advised the Senator on legal and policy issues related to homeland security and immigration. Michael has also worked at the U.S. Department of Justice as a trial attorney in the office of Immigration Litigation and an Attorney Advisor for the Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Michael's 15 years of policy and litigation experience and a deep understanding of immigration law will serve him well as CIS Ombudsman. In this capacity, Michael will identify areas for improvement in the communication individuals and employers have with USCIS and will recommend solutions that will mitigate identified problems. I'm grateful for Michael's steadfast dedication to the American public, and I look forward to his leadership and many contributions as we further enhance immigration services.