Ken Cuccinelli joined The Heritage Foundation as a visiting fellow in February 2021 after serving as deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in the Trump administration.

In his role at Heritage, Cuccinelli focused on immigration, border security and shares lessons learned from his work at the Department of Homeland Security. He also provided insight on what immigration programs Chinese nationals use and exploit and recommendations on what the current administration should do to check the Chinese Communist Party.

Cuccinelli was deputy secretary of homeland security from November 2019 until January 2021. He also served as acting director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. 

During his tenure at the Department of Homeland Security, Cuccinelli helped administer and protect the integrity of America’s immigration system. As director of USCIS, he combated asylum fraud and ensured self-reliance among America’s immigrants. After being appointed deputy secretary, he made reforming America’s immigration system a top priority. He worked to combat human trafficking, was an original member of the White House COVID Task Force, and oversaw the department’s efforts to safeguard federal personnel and buildings during the 2020 riots in American cities. 

Cuccinelli previously served as Virginia’s attorney general from 2010 to 2014. During his time as attorney general, he was best known for his efforts to rein in the illegal actions of the Obama administration. However, he also led the Commonwealth of Virginia in fighting human trafficking, achieved record enforcement against gangs, fighting health care fraud, and prosecuting child predators. Cuccinelli also served in the Senate of Virginia from 2002 to 2010 and has practiced law for over 25 years. 

He earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Virginia, a law degree from Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, and a masters degree in international commerce and policy from George Mason University. 

Cuccinelli and his wife, Teiro, grew up and live in Virginia and have seven children, one son-in-law, and the world’s two cutest grandchildren.