Career Timeline of Alejandro Mayorkas: Major Achievements and Milestones

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 4, 2025

Discover the career path of Alejandro Mayorkas, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Alejandro Nicolas Mayorkas is an American attorney and government official who served as the seventh United States Secretary of Homeland Security from 2021 to 2025. A member of the Democratic Party, he has held prominent roles within the Department of Homeland Security, including Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (2009-2013) and Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security (2013-2016). His career has focused on immigration and homeland security matters within the U.S. government.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1989: Assistant United States Attorney

In 1989, Mayorkas became an Assistant United States Attorney in the Central District of California.

1996: Chief of the Office's General Crimes Section

In 1996, Mayorkas served as Chief of the Office's General Crimes Section.

December 21, 1998: Appointment as United States Attorney

On December 21, 1998, Mayorkas was appointed by President Bill Clinton as the United States Attorney for the Central District of California.

1998: United States Attorney for the Central District of California

In 1998, Mayorkas became the United States Attorney for the Central District of California in Los Angeles.

1998: End of tenure as Chief of the Office's General Crimes Section

In 1998, Mayorkas's tenure as Chief of the Office's General Crimes Section came to an end.

September 2001: Joins O'Melveny & Myers

In September 2001, Mayorkas joined O'Melveny & Myers as a litigation partner.

November 2008: Selected for Presidential Transition Role

In November 2008, Mayorkas was selected for a role in the presidential transition leading up to the inauguration of Barack Obama.

May 20, 2009: Nomination Received by Senate

On May 20, 2009, Mayorkas's nomination as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was received by the Senate.

August 7, 2009: Nomination Confirmed by Senate

On August 7, 2009, Mayorkas's nomination as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) was confirmed by the Senate.

2009: Director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services

In 2009, Mayorkas became the director of United States Citizenship and Immigration Services.

2009: Obama Presidential Transition Team

In 2009, Mayorkas was a member of the presidential transition team for Barack Obama, leading the team responsible for the U.S. Department of Justice's Criminal Division.

January 2010: Haiti earthquake relief

In January 2010, Mayorkas led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the earthquake in Haiti.

January 2010: Led Efforts to Rescue Orphans Following Haiti Earthquake

In January 2010, as USCIS director, Mayorkas led U.S. government efforts to rescue orphaned children following the earthquake in Haiti.

June 2013: Nominated as Deputy Secretary

In June 2013, Mayorkas was nominated by President Obama as the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

December 20, 2013: Confirmed as Deputy Secretary

On December 20, 2013, Mayorkas was confirmed as the Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

2013: Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security

In 2013, Mayorkas became the sixth Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security.

2013: Led DHS Response to Ebola Virus Epidemic

In 2013, as Deputy Secretary, Mayorkas led the DHS's response to the Ebola virus epidemic.

2015: Led DHS Response to Zika Virus Epidemic

In 2015, as Deputy Secretary, Mayorkas led the DHS's response to the Zika virus epidemic.

October 2016: Joins Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr

In October 2016, Mayorkas joined the law firm of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr in Washington, D.C.

2016: End of term as Deputy Secretary

In 2016, Mayorkas's term as the sixth Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security came to an end.

November 23, 2020: Nomination for Secretary of Homeland Security

On November 23, 2020, Joe Biden nominated Mayorkas for the position of Secretary of Homeland Security.

February 2, 2021: Confirmation and Swearing-In as Secretary of Homeland Security

On February 2, 2021, Mayorkas was confirmed as Secretary of Homeland Security by the Senate and was sworn in by Vice President Kamala Harris the same day.

May 2021: Establishment of Family Reunification Task Force

In May 2021, Mayorkas led the establishment of a task force dedicated to reuniting families separated at the southern border during the Trump administration.

2021: Secretary of Homeland Security

In 2021, Mayorkas became the seventh United States Secretary of Homeland Security.

February 6, 2024: House Initially Votes Against Impeachment

On February 6, 2024, the House voted against impeaching Mayorkas, with the vote being 214–216.

February 13, 2024: House Votes to Impeach Mayorkas

On February 13, 2024, the House voted to impeach Mayorkas on a party-line vote of 214–213; making him the first federal official to be impeached based solely on policy disagreements, and the first Cabinet secretary to be impeached in 150 years.