Updated May 24, 2019 - Politics & Policy

Trump expected to name Ken Cuccinelli to top immigration post

In this image, Kenneth speaks into a microphone. — Photo: Douglas Graham/CQ Roll Call via Getty Images

Francis Cissna resigned from his position as the director of U.S. citizenship and immigration services on Friday per the request of President Trump — who is expected to name Kenneth Cuccinelli, Virginia's former attorney general, as Cissna's replacement, reports Politico.

The big picture: The move to push Cissna out is part of Trump's reimagining of the Department of Homeland Security. Trump also pushed out DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen in April.

Details: Cuccinelli is known as a hardliner on immigration and his appointment received the support of Trump's senior adviser Stephen Miller, according to the New York Times. The new position will likely be a part of the Department of Homeland Security — rather than a White House post.

Yes, but: While Trump wants a heavy-hitting immigration leader like Cuccinelli, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said he would block Cuccinelli's confirmation because he led an effort in 2014 defying McConnell and promoting candidates to run against incumbent Republicans, per the Post.

Go deeper: What we know about Jared Kushner's immigration plan

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Trump expected to name Ken Cuccinelli to top immigration post

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