What we do The Home Office is the lead government department for immigration and passports, drugs policy, crime, counter-terrorism and police. Responsibilities We are responsible for: - working on the problems caused by illegal drug use - shaping the alcohol strategy, policy and licensing conditions - keeping the United Kingdom safe from the threat of terrorism - reducing and preventing crime, and ensuring people feel safe in their homes and communities - securing the UK border and controlling immigration - considering applications to enter and stay in the UK - issuing passports and visas - supporting visible, responsible and accountable policing by empowering the public and freeing up the police to fight crime Priorities Our priorities are to: - empower the public to hold the police to account for their role in cutting crime - free up the police to fight crime more effectively and efficiently - create a more integrated criminal justice system - secure our borders and reduce immigration - protect peopleês freedoms and civil liberties - protect our citizens from terrorism