AFPI Appoints Three Former Homeland Security Executives to Bolster Immigration Policy Expertise

Washington D.C.— The America First Policy Institute (AFPI) is thrilled to announce the appointment of three seasoned experts focused on homeland security, immigration, and border security policy: Julie Kirchner, Tony Pham, and Emilio González. Each brings decades of experience leading large components and offices within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and a passion to advance America First policies.

“Julie, Tony, and Emilio bring unparalleled expertise at the highest levels of immigration policy thought leadership and within the highest ranks of DHS. Their unwavering commitment to advancing policies that prioritize the safety, security, and prosperity of the American people will serve the America First movement for years to come,” said AFPI Executive Vice President Chad Wolf.

Julie Kirchner most recently served as Executive Director at the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR). Kirchner previously held multiple senior roles within DHS, including as Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Ombudsman, Senior Advisor to the Customs and Border Protection Commissioner, and as Senior Advisor for the Immigration Detention Ombudsman. Her career reflects a deep commitment to strengthening immigration enforcement, protecting the American workforce, and preserving our national sovereignty.

Tony Pham previously served as acting Director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Principal Legal Advisor for DHS, and as Assistant Secretary for Border Security and Immigration Policy at DHS headquarters. His leadership at ICE was marked by a strong focus on law enforcement and operational efficiency, particularly in targeting violent criminal aliens. A former detention superintendent, Pham brings a practical, legal, and operational understanding of the immigration enforcement landscape. He was awarded the DHS Distinguished Service Medal for his exemplary service.

Emilio González is a retired U.S. Army Colonel and former Director of USCIS. He also served as Director for Western Hemisphere Affairs on the National Security Council, providing strategic guidance on Latin American policy. Fluent in Spanish and a frequent commentator on immigration and foreign affairs, González offers a unique and valued perspective on homeland security, immigration, and regional dynamics.

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About America First Policy Institute

The America First Policy Institute advances policies that put the American people first. AFPI’s guiding principles are liberty, free enterprise, national greatness, American military superiority, foreign policy in the American interest and the primacy of American workers, families and communities. Several AFPI national leaders have been selected by President Trump to serve in his cabinet or other important roles, including AFPI Chair Linda McMahon, Secretary of Education; AFPI CEO Brooke Rollins, Secretary of Agriculture; Pam Bondi, Attorney General; Doug Collins, Secretary of Veterans Affairs; Scott Turner, Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; Lee Zeldin, Administrator of the EPA; Lt. General Keith Kellogg (Ret.), Special Envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Kash Patel, Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, among others.