On March 1, 2003 the responsibility for providing immigration-related services and benefits such as naturalization and work authorization were transferred from the  Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS),  a bureau of Homeland Security.  The USCIS Web site has more information on the policies, procedures, forms, and fees involved in immigrating to the U.S.

The US-VISIT Program is set up to secure our borders and expedite the entry/exit process while enhancing the integrity of our immigration system and respecting the privacy of our visitors.

The Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman (CIS Ombudsman) was created within the Department of Homeland Security by the Homeland Security Act of 2002.  The CIS Ombudsman provides recommendations for resolving individual and employer problems with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Investigative and enforcement responsibilities for enforcement of federal immigration laws, customs laws, and air security laws was transferred to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  For more information on what ICE is doing, please check the ICE Web site.  U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) assumed responsibilities for protecting our borders within the Department of Homeland Security.  For more information about CBP and its activities, please check the CBP Web site.

The Data Management Improvement Act Task Force recently released their Second Annual Report ot Congress in December 2003.