Jeh Johnson Praises Georgetown Protestors in Commencement Speech

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson wasn't a welcome sight for a number of protesters at Georgetown University's commencement this weekend due to his role in deporting undocumented immigrants, but he praised those opposed to him being there nonetheless.

"UndocuHoyas" have been protesting Georgetown's invitation of Johnson ever since it was announced, writing a letter to the administration demanding that the invitation be rescinded. However, Johnson spoke as scheduled, and didn't avoid the controversy in his remarks.

"There has been a controversy that has arisen on this campus as a result of the invitation to be your commencement speaker," Johnson said in his May 21 speech. "After meeting with students on Monday, I decided to scrap the prior approach and address the immediate issue, that you saw, head-on. In the process, I believe I can deliver on the request to talk about the manner in which today’s government leaders grapple with difficult issues of national and homeland security."

Johnson said that he admires the "energy and passion" of students and alumni who object to him and U.S. immigration policy.

"I hope you continue in your cause. Your level of activism and commitment is something I encourage in my own college-age children," Johnson said. "In this free country, you have an important role, your views matter, and they contribute to the policymaking of our government. And, do not become disheartened if others oppose you."

He added that while it is true he is head of the department responsible for enforcement of immigration laws, he has been working to make immigration enforcement policies more "humane and fair." He said that in November 2014, new policies were put in place that do that.

"If someone who is a priority for removal has received a final order of removal, has no pending appeal, and has not qualified for asylum or other humanitarian relief under our laws, we must repatriate them," Johnson said. "There are many who strongly disagree with this. But, we are a nation with borders, and these borders cannot be open to illegal migration.

"Is sending a man, woman or child back to the very situation they fled pleasant? No," he continued. "As government officials and leaders, we try to do the right thing. Doing the right thing can be complicated."

He said while it is often heartbreaking to see children in desperate situations, and that he personally wanted to save them, "we cannot formulate government policy based solely on my personal reaction to a painful situation."

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