INS Commissioner's Concern on Undocumented Victims & Families
Posted Sep 26, 2001

On September 21, 2001, INS issued a statement with regard to undocumented immigrants affected by the World Trade Center attack of September 11, 2001. INS was concerned that some people may have been afraid to identify missing relatives because of worries about their immigration status. INS Commissioner James Ziglar therefore issued a statement assuring the public that INS will not inquire as to the status of persons who come forward. The statement is reproduced below because of its importance:

"All of us in the INS family have been deeply shocked and saddened by the terrible loss of life and destruction in New York. We are committed to supporting the rescue and recovery efforts taking place at the World Trade Center. We have heard disturbing reports that some people whose loved ones are missing have not come forward because of immigration issues. We cannot let that happen. It is crucial that local authorities get the help they need in identifying victims and the missing. I want to personally urge the immigrant community to come forward, and assure everyone that INS will not seek immigration status information provided to local authorities in the rescue and recovery efforts."