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Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)

Understanding the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and Its Legacy

Q: Who handles immigration applications now?

The Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) is responsible for immigration applications and benefits.

Q: What is the difference between ICE and USCIS?

ICE focuses on enforcing immigration laws, while USCIS handles immigration benefits and naturalization.

Definition & Meaning

The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) was a federal agency under the Department of Justice responsible for administering and enforcing immigration and naturalization laws in the United States. In 2003, the INS was dissolved, and its functions were transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, immigration benefits, such as applications for asylum, work permits, green cards, and citizenship, are managed by the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). Enforcement of immigration laws within U.S. borders is handled by the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (BICE), while the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (BCBP) oversees U.S. border enforcement at land borders, airports, and seaports.

Table of content

Legal Use & context

The term "Immigration and Naturalization Service" is often referenced in discussions about U.S. immigration law and policy. It is relevant in various legal contexts, including:

Immigration applications and petitions
Enforcement of immigration laws
Naturalization processes for immigrants seeking citizenship

Individuals may manage certain immigration processes themselves using legal templates provided by platforms like US Legal Forms, but complex cases may require professional legal assistance.

Key legal elements

Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Here are a couple of examples of how the functions previously handled by the INS are applied today:

A person applying for asylum must submit their application to the BCIS, demonstrating a well-founded fear of persecution in their home country.
A foreign national seeking a green card must complete the necessary forms and provide supporting documentation to the BCIS to adjust their immigration status.

Comparison with related terms

Term	Definition	Difference
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)	The agency that now handles immigration and naturalization processes.	USCIS is the successor to the INS, focusing on benefits rather than enforcement.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)	The agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the U.S.	ICE focuses on enforcement, while the INS was involved in both enforcement and benefits.

Common misunderstandings

What to do if this term applies to you

If you are navigating immigration processes, consider the following steps:

Determine which agency oversees your specific application.
Gather necessary documentation and complete the appropriate forms.
Consider using templates from US Legal Forms for assistance with your application.
If your case is complex, seek help from a qualified immigration attorney.

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Quick facts

Attribute	Details
Agency	Department of Homeland Security
Types of Applications	Asylum, work permits, green cards, citizenship
Enforcement Agency	Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Border Enforcement Agency	Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP)