There was notable opposition and controversy regarding the use of the term "homeland" when the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) was established in 2002. Critics largely objected to its linguistic associations, its break from traditional American political vocabulary, and its perceived authoritarian undertones.

Linguistic and Historical Concerns: Critics and language experts noted that "homeland" felt un-American, as U.S. presidents had traditionally used terms like "the nation," "the republic," or "domestic" to describe internal affairs. The word "homeland" was frequently compared to "fatherland" (vaterland) or "motherland," terms historically associated with Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, leading some to view it as "Orwellian".

Perceived Nativism: Some observers felt the term evoked a sense of defensive nationalism or ethnic belonging that was at odds with the American concept of a diverse, immigrant-based society.