In September 1988. at the height of the influx of asylumseekers brought on by political turmoil in Central America. Mr. de Leon was selected as the Assistant District Director for the Harlingen. Texas. District Office. In 1991. he was promoted to Deputy District Director. Mr. de Leon also played a leadership role during the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. DHS. and in 2003 was named Interim District Director of USCIS. The following year he was promoted to USCIS District Director. a position he holds today. I have known Mr. de Leon since 1970. My friend and former colleague is truly an American success story. having worked his way up through the ranks of INS and DHS.