Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) oversees critical functions that protect Americans, including disaster response, border security, immigration processing, and emergency management. From helping disaster survivors rebuild through FEMA assistance programs to enforcing travel security standards like REAL ID requirements, DHS touches the lives of Americans in countless ways. Understanding what these agencies do—and how to navigate their programs—is essential during emergencies and when traveling.

Disaster Recovery and FEMA Assistance

When disasters strike, FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program provides grants to help survivors rebuild. Assistance can cover housing needs, vehicle damage, medical and dental care, and child care. If you’ve applied, understand what your FEMA determination letter means and learn about payment timelines.

Travel Security and Immigration

DHS manages your travel and immigration experiences. If you’re flying domestically, REAL ID enforcement now includes a $45 TSA fee in certain situations. For international visitors, DHS proposes new security measures, including requirements to submit five years of social media history. USCIS processes visas for workers and visitors, including J-1 visas for exchange visitors and R-1 visas for religious workers.

Data Privacy and Agency Operations

DHS agencies collect and share data to fulfill their missions. There are agreements in place regarding how the IRS shares taxpayer data with ICE. Additionally, understanding which DHS services continue running during shutdowns helps you know what to expect during government funding lapses.