The White House is considering Julie Kirchner, the former head of the anti-immigration group Federation for American Immigration Reform, to lead U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Politico reports Wednesday. She’s also reportedly been considered for the deputy director position. The Federation for American Immigration Reform, which pushes for lower levels of immigration, has been labeled a “hate group” by the Southern Poverty Law Center, which claims that the group “promotes hatred of immigrants, especially non-white ones.” If nominated and confirmed by the Senate, Kirchner would replace Francis Cissna—a widely respected staffer who has not yet been fired, but is expected to leave by the end of the week. The potential decision comes during Trump’s move to overhaul the top brass at the Department of Homeland Security, a decision that has alarmed top Republicans like Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA).
