Previously, we reported on a proposal by the US Commission on Immigration Reform to abolish the Immigration and Naturalization Service and transfer its responsibilities to other agencies. The Clinton Administration is set to reject that proposal. INS Commissioner Meissner has said she was notified in late December that the INS would remain intact. The Administration is instead set to propose to redefine the INS’ role to clearly distinguish between the agency’s role in fighting illegal immigration and in providing benefits to immigrants and non-immigrants. The well-known consulting firm Booz-Allen & Hamilton has been hired to assist in working out the specific plan. The firm’s proposal is due March 1, 1998. The House Appropriations Committee has directed the Administration to have a restructuring plan submitted by April 1st.
Senator Spencer Abraham, the Republican chairman of the Senate’s Immigration Subcommittee, has previously said he is interested in splitting the INS into two agencies – enforcement and benefits administration – and has indicated he will hold hearings on this subject early this year. As might be expected, the INS is on record as strongly opposing any split or disbanding.
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