Kara Lynum is the founder and owner of KML Strategies, a boutique law firm providing immigration legal services to law firms, institutions, and individuals. Prior to opening KML Strategies, Kara served as Acting General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, where she was the chief legal advisor to the Secretary and senior leadership, overseeing approximately 4,000 attorneys across DHS components including CBP, ICE, USCIS, FEMA, TSA, the U.S. Secret Service, and CISA. She led legal strategies on high-profile immigration and national security issues. Prior to serving as Acting General Counsel, Kara served as the Deputy General Counsel and previously held senior legislative affairs roles at DHS, including overseeing Congressional investigations and leading legislative engagement for Operation Allies Welcome. Before joining DHS, Kara was Senator Feinstein and Senator Durbin’s immigration counsel for the Senate Judiciary Committee. Kara previously operated Lynum Law Office in Minnesota. While at DHS, Kara received DHS's Distinguished Service Medal (the agency's highest civilian honor) and two Secretary's Meritorious Service Silver Medal Awards.