EOIR Director Rooney to Retire

This has been quite a year for all of us at EOIR. In January of last year, Attorney General Gonzales announced his plan to review all EOIR operations. This caused a great deal of concern among the dedicated people at every level of our agency. Time has proven, however, that this was the best thing that could have happened to EOIR. Over the past few years, we had been unable to proceed with several management and policy initiatives because of budget constraints or the need for Department approval. At the conclusion of the Attorney General's review, however, 19 of his 22 directives not only supported these ideas but directed that they be implemented. Today, we are poised to move forward with strong support for our activities from the highest levels of the Department and the Congress and with a realistic expectation of continued funding for new initiatives.

I am very proud of what we have all accomplished and the great promise for the future. It has been quite a ride during my eight years as Director, but none of it more exciting or rewarding than this past year. It is for me the ideal time now to conclude my tenure at EOIR. I have advised the Deputy Attorney General that I will be retiring from federal service on March 31, and want to thank all of you for your outstanding work and tremendous support.