[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20660]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO ALFONSO R. DE LEON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2006

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in thanking 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS, Harlingen District 
Director Alfonso R. de Leon for his over 40 years of Federal service 
and in congratulating him on his upcoming retirement.
  Mr. de Leon began his career in 1970, when he joined the Immigration 
and Naturalization Service, INS, as a radio operator with the U.S. 
Border Patrol in Del Rio, Texas.
  In 1975, he transferred to Laredo, Texas, where he served with INS 
Inspections as Trainee, Journeyman, Training Officer, Special Case 
Officer, Supervisor, Assistant Port Director, Acting Port Director and, 
finally, Port Director.
  In September 1988, at the height of the influx of asylum-seekers 
brought on by political turmoil in Central America, Mr. de Leon was 
selected as the Assistant District Director for the Harlingen, Texas, 
District Office. In 1991, he was promoted to Deputy District Director.
  Mr. de Leon also played a leadership role during the establishment of 
the Department of Homeland Security, DHS, and in 2003 was named Interim 
District Director of USCIS. The following year he was promoted to USCIS 
District Director, a position he holds today.
  I have known Mr. de Leon since 1970. My friend and former colleague 
is truly an American success story, having worked his way up through 
the ranks of INS and DHS. He has always exemplified expertise, 
dedication, and professionalism in every position he has held 
throughout his career.
  As a result, Mr. de Leon has earned widespread respect from his 
colleagues and employees as well as numerous other local, state, and 
federal law enforcement officials. He has also been a leader in 
implementing innovative programs to enhance national security, 
eliminate the immigration caseload backlog, and improve customer 
service in the Harlingen District.
  Most importantly, Mr. de Leon is also a devoted family man. He and 
his wife, Mary Blanch, have three children and four grandchildren. I 
know that of his many accomplishments, Mr. de Leon is perhaps most 
proud of his fine family, and deservedly so.
  Again, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in expressing the 
House of Representatives' appreciation for Harlingen District Director 
Alfonso R. de Leon's service to our Nation and in wishing him all the 
best in his retirement.

                          ____________________