Which department operates as the primary entity for managing immigration and border security in the U.S.?

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) serves as the primary entity in the U.S. for managing immigration and border security. Established in response to the events of September 11, 2001, DHS focuses on ensuring the safety and security of the American public. Within the DHS, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) are critical components that handle matters related to border security, immigration enforcement, and the processing of immigration applications.

The Department of Defense primarily focuses on military operations and national defense, while the Department of Justice manages legal affairs and law enforcement, including immigration-related adjudication through the Executive Office for Immigration Review. The Department of State handles foreign policy and international relations, including visa issuance, but not border security or immigration enforcement in the same capacity as DHS. This clearly establishes the DHS as the central authority for immigration and border security matters in the United States.