FOIA Records Reveal Political Appointments and Leadership Changes at USCIS in 2019/2020

Recently obtained records from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) provide a detailed look at political appointments and leadership changes within the agency during a pivotal period starting in mid-2019. Released in response to a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed in October 2019, the 41 pages of documents outline personnel movements, roles, and organizational structures, offering a glimpse into the agency’s internal operations during a time of significant administrative transition.

The records identify individuals appointed to prominent positions within USCIS, many of whom were categorized as political appointees. Among those highlighted is Kenneth Cuccinelli, who assumed the role of Principal Deputy Director on June 10, 2019. His appointment is noted as a non-career Senior Executive Service (SES) position. The documents reveal that Cuccinelli’s annual salary was set at $183,100, reflecting his influential role in shaping immigration policy during a contentious period for the agency.

Other notable appointees include Diana Banister, who became Senior Counselor to the Director, and Joseph Edlow, detailed as Deputy Director for Policy. Their personnel files reveal the scope of their responsibilities and the salaries associated with their positions. In Edlow’s case, the records note a reassignment from Chief Counsel to Deputy Director, highlighting the fluidity of roles within the leadership structure.

The FOIA release also includes resumes submitted by appointees, which provide insights into their professional backgrounds and qualifications. For example, Jared Culver, appointed as a Senior Advisor, came to USCIS with extensive experience in legislative affairs, including roles with Congress and the Department of Homeland Security. Similarly, Diana Banister’s resume outlines her background in public affairs and strategic communications, underscoring her expertise in messaging and policy promotion.

Organizational charts included in the records illustrate changes in USCIS leadership, with updates to reporting structures and the redistribution of responsibilities among various offices. These charts highlight the key offices involved in implementing USCIS policies, including the Office of the Director and the Office of Policy and Strategy.

Interestingly, the FOIA documents reveal that USCIS did not locate records related to ethics waivers or recusal determinations for the appointees, a notable absence given the public interest in transparency and accountability for political appointees. Additionally, portions of the released records were redacted under FOIA Exemption (b)(6), which protects personal privacy, particularly regarding information contained in personnel files.

This release offers a valuable look into the shifting dynamics within USCIS during a critical period, providing context for the decisions and actions that shaped the agency’s trajectory. The information sheds light on how political appointments influence the direction and focus of a federal agency tasked with overseeing complex and often polarizing immigration policies. While the documents answer some questions, they also leave room for further inquiry into the processes and decisions that govern the agency’s leadership.

Document Archive

FOIA Records Reveal Political Appointments and Leadership Changes at USCIS in 2019/2020 [44 Pages, 15MB]

 

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