By Allan Lengel
ticklethewire.com
Alan Bersin, a high ranking Department of Homeland Security official, has been nominated by President Obama to head the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Bersin, a former U.S. Attorney in California, is currently Assistant Secretary for International Affairs and Special Representative for Border Affairs.
Bersin would take over an agency that has faced some tough challenges combating the smuggling of illegal aliens and drugs and internal corruption.
“Under Alan’s leadership over the past several months, we have forged new international and domestic partnerships along our borders to strengthen security,” said Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano in a press release issued by her department.. “I look forward to continuing to work with Alan in his new position, where he will lead the Department’s efforts to implement practical, innovative solutions to protect our country from threats to our national and economic security and facilitate legitimate travel and trade.”
Bersin would manage 57,000 employees.
