Speech #1100151906

I would like to take this opportunity and spotlight the extraordinary leadership Dr. Emilio T. Gonzalez demonstrated while Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS. Since his confirmation in late 2005. Director Gonzalez managed an organization of more than 17.000 Federal and contract employees responsible for the accurate. efficient. and secure processing of immigration applications. During his tenure. USCIS underwent a period of unprecedented growth. revitalization. and expansion. The agency sharpened its fraud detection and national security efforts through the creation of the National Security and Records Verification Directorate and the deployment of Fraud Detection National Security officers to USCIS offices. The Nations signature employment authorization program. EVerify. grew to include 55.000 employer participants and has verified the work status of more than 3 million new employees. An ambitious facilities revitalization program was initiated by Director Gonzalez. with the goal to renovate or replace nearly 40 USCIS facilities over 3 years. Director Gonzalez is a shining example of the contributions and excellence that the Hispanic community has brought. and will continue to bring. to the service of our great Nation. Our grateful Nation is proud of his service. and I wish him the best in all his future endeavors.