INS Hiring 8,000 New Employees
Posted May 03, 2002

The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is planning to hire 8,000 new employees by September 30, 2002. Positions are available throughout the U.S. In addition, 4,000 more positions are budgeted for fiscal year 2003 (October 1, 2002 to September 30, 2003).

Most of the positions are for Border Patrol Agents and Immigration Inspectors. The need for these positions is a direct result of the attacks of September 11, 2001. In addition to the increased security concerns, many Immigration Inspectors and other INS employees have been lured to more "glamorous" and lucrative assignments, including Federal Air Marshall positions.

Border Patrol Agents are responsible for protecting the areas of the U.S. border between authorized Ports of Entry. Their duties include preventing illegal entry of foreign nationals and apprehending persons who have entered illegally. This is instrumental in fighting drug trafficking, and the entry of other contraband into the U.S.

The Immigration Inspectors screen persons arriving at U.S. Ports of Entry by land, sea, or air. Many of our MurthyBulletin and MurthyDotCom readers would have encountered them at the INS counters at international airports when first landing from foreign travel. The Inspectors review travel documents to determine whether an individual should be allowed entry to the U.S. They also determine the appropriate length of stay for non-immigrants. When questions arise, they conduct interviews and investigations. If they determine a person should not be permitted to enter the U.S., they have authority to take a number of "adverse actions" against that individual.

This increase in staffing should allow the INS to better carry out its mission. Although the INS provides intensive training for the new employees, the laws and policies are complex and ever changing. This may mean that our readers will encounter recently trained inspectors with more frequency. For this reason, it is all the more important for persons attempting to enter or re-enter the U.S. to carry all required documentation, presenting it appropriately to the inspector at the port of entry. Ultimately, be prepared and be patient.