CRITICISM CONTINUES TO DOG INS OFFICIALS AT PORTLAND AIRPORT Despite efforts at improvements, INS officials in Portland, Oregon continue to receive criticism for their treatment of international visitors. While only 35 people were refused entry during the months of May and June, half the rate at which they were being refused earlier this year, people are still turned away at more than three times the rate of other West Coast airports.
These days, the primary complaints from travelers are that immigration officials engage in intimidation of passengers and are unnecessarily rude. Delta Air Lines’ representatives agree. On July 5th a family from the Philippines coming to the US for a funeral was deeply upset by their treatment. Delta representatives tried to assist them, but the situation grew worse. Eventually they were admitted, but refused to leave the US through Portland.
A recent meeting between INS officials, airport authorities and the community appeared to be productive. The INS continued to promise that detained visitors would not be jailed, but will be allowed to stay in hotel rooms. Also, the INS plans to implement a telephone service that will allow for Japanese translations.
However, the meeting also revealed more system problems in the attitudes of the INS. One person asked why the immigration inspectors wore semiautomatic handguns. The INS Portland Port Director said it was part of the uniform. The director of public relations for the western region of the INS suggested that inspectors be allowed to wear ordinary clothes, and that they consider smiling at the visitors.
The INS operation at the Portland airport will be undergoing a “comprehensive, top-to-bottom review.” An INS spokesperson says that the timing of the review is purely coincidental and is not related to complaints from visitors. Nonetheless, it will provide an opportunity for travelers to voice their complaints about treatment they have received at the airport. The audit will be conducted during the last two weeks of August. Those who want to provide information to be considered in the review should send it to Kathleen M. Stanley, assistant director, INS Office of Internal Audit, 425 I Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20536. < 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. | 
