STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY: IMMIGRATION POLICIES, MIXED MESSAGING, AND INFORMATION FRATRICIDE
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Authors
Graham, Jonathan M.
Subjects
strategic communications
immigration enforcement
immigration policy
measurement and evaluation of communications
information fratricide
mixed messaging
public communications
parent-child separation
Migrant Protection Protocols
MPP
asylum policy
Department of Homeland Security
DHS
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
policy recommendations
immigration enforcement
immigration policy
measurement and evaluation of communications
information fratricide
mixed messaging
public communications
parent-child separation
Migrant Protection Protocols
MPP
asylum policy
Department of Homeland Security
DHS
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
policy recommendations
Advisors
Mabry, Tristan J.
Peters, Lynda A.
Date of Issue
2021-03
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Under President Trump, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) rolled out the controversial parent-child separation policy, also known as zero tolerance, and the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP) program in 2018–19. How DHS conducts strategic communications about such controversial policies is directly related to public and stakeholder perception of these policies. A newly developed stakeholder-centric measurement and evaluation model used to evaluate these two policy case studies demonstrates that Trump’s DHS used messaging which was, at times, inconsistent and even contradictory. While communications on MPP showed an evolution in DHS’s ability to successfully engage in strategic communications related to these enforcement efforts, the parent-child separation policy represents the prototypical example of information fratricide. The research methodology adopts an outsider viewpoint and employs a media content analysis of high-level public communications of DHS officials. Identification and future use of DHS’s top communications strengths, as displayed in these sample communications, can lead to more effective strategic communications and improved stakeholder engagement. The thesis concludes with generalized recommendations for future communications policy within DHS based on lessons learned from this thesis research.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
National Security Affairs (CHDS)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.