Corrected: New Immigration Ombuds Appointed

The Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security has appointed Michael Dougherty as the new Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman. Dougherty replaces Prakash Khatri, who had established the office in July 2003 and whose reports had been cited by federal courts as evidence the FBI's background checks unreasonably delayed immigration applications. (ImmigrationPortal.com; Immigration Daily.)

For several years, Dougherty was responsible for targeting illegal immigrants as Director of Operations for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Early in 2007, he formed a private company, Valiant Systems, to acquire and build companies in the homeland security, defense, law enforcement support and forensic advisory industries. Now, he'll be responsible for resolving individual and employer problems. (Testimony before House Cmte on Judiciary, 5/8/03; Testimony before Senate Caucus on Intl Narcotics Control; Huron Capital Partners Press Release.)

Mr. Dougherty may have some problems being perceived as a neutral advocate for immigration reform.

Apparently, the new immigration shares a name with another Michael Dougherty and the foregoing information is incorrect. A full post with clarification will be provided shortly.

Related posts: Another Federal Court Relies on Immigration Ombuds' Report to Rule Against Government; Immigration Ombuds Tenders Resignation.)