WASHINGTON — President Joe Biden’s top immigration adviser on the National Security Council will leave the White House next week after three years playing a key role in the administration’s immigration strategy, according to an NSC spokesman.
Katie Tobin, who served as director general of cross-border security, is stepping down at a time when border policy is front and center. A record number of migrants crossed the US-Mexico border.
His departure, which has been planned for months, comes amid high-stakes negotiations between the White House and senators over changes to asylum laws.
Tobin was part of the high-level delegation visited Mexico last month meeting with colleagues to resolve the increase. The Biden administration relied on the country curb migrant crossings caused temporary declines in numbers.
“Katie is leaving after three years of dedicated and dedicated efforts on the immigration file,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan told NBC News. “We will miss Kathy’s positivity and thoughtful contributions to an incredibly complex portfolio, but we wish her well.”
During his tenure at the White House, Tobin was instrumental in planning the case End of chapter 42a Trump-era public health order used to deport migrants at the height of the pandemic.
He also spearheaded one of the president’s flagship initiatives on migration, known as the Los Angeles Declaration on Migration and Protection. More than 20 countries in the Western Hemisphere have signed a declaration that attempts to address various issues related to global migration patterns.
Tobin previously worked for the United Nations Refugee Agency as an expert on asylum and refugees.
“Katie is a generative strategist and politician, a highly effective diplomat and advocate for the humane treatment of migrants. “He pushed for the development of a new hemispheric system of shared responsibility, including the expansion of legal avenues and enforcement mechanisms,” White House Homeland Security Advisor Liz Sherwood-Randall said.
It is not clear who will replace MTN spokesman Tobi. He was originally set to leave last summer, but the White House persuaded him to stay, given the increased focus on migration and diplomatic work with Mexico, the official said.