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The INS: How Does It Work?
Until 2003, the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was the main agency in charge of all United States immigration matters. In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took over as the INS retired from its years of service.
The INS performed numerous duties. It offered immigration services and benefits, including permanent resident visas, student visas, and tourist visas. It provided judges and courts for immigrants who wanted to enter the U.S. to avoid being persecuted in other countries on the basis of race or belief. It operated entry points. It issued employment permits for temporary workers. It granted citizenship for immigrants remaining in the country for a certain minimum period of time and passing a naturalization test.
The INS was a service under the Department of Justice (DOJ), and led by a Commissioner. The INS was organized with a headquarters, three regions, and thirty-three districts. The districts were composed of numerous divisions such as: Investigations, Inspections, Management, Examinations, and Adjudications. An Assistant District Director led each division.
The INS was also organized into four “offices” led by an Executive Associate Commissioner. For example, there was the “Office of Field Operations.” The INS focused on granting immigrant visas, and its Office of Programs worked closely with the Department of State regarding immigration law. The INS also worked closely with the DOJ, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the Office of the Inspector General (OIG), to investigate fraud, crime, and threats to national security.
Although the INS is not with us anymore, it has served as a successful model for the new and improved DHS.
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