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In response to widespread criticism of the INS' ability to handle
security and maintain efficiency in the wake of the September 11th
attacks, the role of the INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service)
has been split into two agencies: the Bureau
of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) and the Bureau
of Border Security (BBS).
Both the BCIS and BBS will be incorporated into the newly created
Department of Homeland Security. The INS will no longer be an active
entity.
The BCIS will handle all aspects of obtaining
visas and status, and will also oversee the former local INS Service
Centers. It will be in charge of:
- visa petitions
- naturalization petitions
- applications for refuge and asylum
- document issuance and renewal
The BBS will be in charge of:
- border patrol
- detention and removal
- inspections
- investigations
- administration of SEVIS, a computerized system to track non-immigrant
students and exchange visitors.
PLEASE NOTE:
- Official forms and documents previously issued by the INS will
still be valid and accepted by the BCIS and other agencies as
evidence of status in the US.
- BCIS local offices are now located in the former INS Service
Centers. There will be no immediate changes
in office locations.
- The INS' National Customer Service Call-In Center is
still operational:
- Toll-free: 1-800-375-5283
- Hearing-impaired: 1-800-767-1833
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