How Biden Admin’s DHS Reforms Could Sabotage Trump Administration

Magnifying glass showing Homeland Security website.

Biden administration’s last-minute changes to the Department of Homeland Security spark budget concerns and workforce reforms, leaving the incoming administration with potential challenges.

Key Takeaways

DHS employees granted three additional vacation days for 2025, valued at approximately $3 billion.
USCIS job positions merged, allowing automatic promotions without merit-based assessments.
Critics warn of potential budget strain and impact on agency operations.
Changes seen as possible strategy to sabotage incoming administration’s DHS budget.
Concerns raised about maintaining agent qualifications for complex immigration cases.

Mayorkas’ Parting Gift: Extended Leave for DHS Employees

In a move that has raised eyebrows across Washington, outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas has granted Department of Homeland Security (DHS) employees an additional three days of administrative leave for 2025. This decision comes as part of a series of last-minute changes implemented by the Biden administration, potentially impacting the department’s budget and operations.

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The Biden administration has implemented changes at the Department of Homeland Security that may increase operational costs and reduce the effectiveness of border security funding. Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas granted additional vacation days and…

— The America One News (@am1_news) January 19, 2025

The extra vacation time, valued at approximately $3 billion, has earned Mayorkas the nickname “Santo Mayorkas” among department employees. This latest extension brings the total additional leave granted during his tenure to over six weeks, an unprecedented move in the department’s history.

“It has been the honor of my life to support you and to work alongside you. In recognition of your extraordinary talent, dedication, and sacrifice, I am proud — this one last time — to grant all personnel 24 hours of administrative leave, to be used this calendar year. Please take care of one another.” – Mayorkas

While Mayorkas defends the leave as a reward for overworked staff, critics question the department’s ability to afford such extensive time off given its critical responsibilities. John Hart, CEO of Open the Books, expressed concern about the impact on taxpayers and government efficiency.

USCIS Job Merger: Automatic Promotions Raise Concerns

Complementing the leave extension, the Biden administration has implemented a significant change within the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The merger of two job positions, ISO-1 and ISO-2, now allows employees to achieve higher pay grades through tenure rather than merit-based promotions.

This restructuring, which spans GS-5 to GS-12 pay grades, allows for promotions without competition or proof of ability. Critics warn that this could lead to less qualified agents handling complex immigration cases and impact the agency’s budget control. The merged job positions were quietly posted on USAJobs.gov on January 17, the last weekday of the Biden administration.

Budgetary Implications and Future Challenges

The combined effect of extended leave and automatic promotions poses significant budgetary challenges for the DHS. With the average hourly pay for a Homeland Security employee estimated at $43, the additional leave alone contributes to the $3 billion cost. This financial burden, coupled with potential operational inefficiencies, may create difficulties for the incoming administration.

Furthermore, these changes create administrative challenges in tracking leave usage and maintaining workforce productivity. Should the new administration attempt to revoke the granted time off, the potential demoralization of employees adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

As the dust settles on these last-minute changes, the incoming administration faces the daunting task of balancing employee satisfaction, operational efficiency, and fiscal responsibility within the Department of Homeland Security. The long-term implications of these decisions on national security and immigration policy remain to be seen.