Napolitano at Homeland Security

The nomination of Janet Napolitano, Governor of Arizona, to be Barack Obama's Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) and so take responsibility for immigration issues has gained mixed reviews from immigration advocates. A NY Times editorial praises the appointment and suggests how she could go about promoting true immigration reform. A LA Times article suggests her history as governor makes for some ambiguity in what she'll be doing. Actual reform will have to come through the Congress, where quick passage of at least the DREAM Act is expected. Still administratively, as the NY times editorial suggests, she can do much good. Napolitano is seen by her friends as "a realist" in Arizona -- e.g., signing the employers' sanction bill lest the state legislature came up with something worse. Others will await her performance at DHS skeptically.