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