The Immigration and Naturalization Service has released detailed information on its new $4.2 billion budget, one that represents a 10% increase over its previous allocation from Congress. The budget represents a 179% increase over its 1993 fiscal year budget. The budget includes $413.4 million in funding for new intiatives and funds for 2,609 new staff positions (this would allow the INS to grow to more than 31,600 people, an 84% increase since 1993).

According to the INS, the new budget will allow the agency to continue to improve control over America's international borders by deterring illegal border crossings while facilitating legal commerce. Specifically, the INS says it will use its funding to

- effectively regulate the border, both at and between the ports of entry

- deter illegal employment in the interior of the United States

- combat and punish smuggling as well as other immigration-related crimes

- remove expeditiously ever-greater numbers of criminal aliens and other deportable aliens.

Aside from performing its enforcement functions, the INS states that it will use the funding increase to increase its ability to process benefits for legal immigrants and prospective new citizens and to ensure that INS customers are supported by the most comprehensive and modern technology available.

The INS used its budget message to again state its strong objection to splitting up the agency's enforcement and benefit functions.

The breakdown of the $413.4 million in new initiatives is as follows:

REFINE BORDER MANAGEMENT STRATEGY

Border Patrol Agents - $103M

Inspections - $37.3M

Automation and Equipment - $23.3M

Expedited Removals - Asylum - $12.2M

Operation Disrupt - $48.6M

Construction - $48.6M

SUBTOTAL - $225M

IMPROVE INSTITUTIONAL INFRASTRUCTURE

Continue Fleet Replacement - $10M

Implement Repairs & Alternations Program - $10.2M

New Office "One-Time" Construction = $26.4M

Systems Development and Data Management and Implement CLAIMS - $2.1M

SUBTOTAL $48.7M

ENHANCE PROFESSIONALISM

Legal Proceedings Program- $4.5M

Enhanced Accountability - $7M

FOIA/PA Enhancement - $4.7M

SUBTOTAL - $48.7M

IMPROVE & CENTRALIZE INS RECORDS

Re-engineer RAFACS and CIS - $5.7M

Records Contracts - $2.8M

SUBTOTAL - $8.5M

TOTAL INCREASE REQUESTED - $413.4M