INS HAS PROBLEMS PAYING ITS BILLS It seems that applicants for immigration benefits are not the only people who suffer from INS backlogs. Many vendors who supply the INS with goods and services have gone so long without being paid that they have been forced to repossess items from the federal agency.
Even with a nearly $5 billion annual budget, the INS has consistently been behind in paying its bills all year. According to INS officials, the problems have been caused by delays in implementing a new financial operating system. Apparently the INS has had no easier a time switching computer systems for its financial management that it has with the computer systems used for processing benefits. The change from the previous 20-year-old system to a new, centralized bill payment system has cost $30.6 million. Delays in staff training and a larger than expected influx of bills have added to the delays in the change.
This latest news will certainly be a factor in the ongoing debate about the future of the INS. Over the past few years there have been numerous calls for the INS to be reorganized, and many have called for it to be split into two separate agencies.
The INS says it has not experienced any significant difficulties because of the payment problems, only a few minor inconveniences. At least one leased vehicle was repossessed, and in one office water service was disrupted for two days. The INS says that all payment problems will be resolved in the near future. < Back | Next > Disclaimer: This newsletter is provided as a public service and not intended to establish an attorney client relationship. Any reliance on information contained herein is taken at your own risk. | 
