January 12, 2001 INS to Hire More Than 800 Immigration Inspectors Nationwide WASHINGTON – The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) has announced that it needs to hire more than 800 Immigration Inspectors to fill positions nationwide. The new Inspectors will join the ranks of a current staff of more than 4,500 who perform more than 500 million inspections of people entering the United States each year. "The job of an Immigration Inspector is vital to the success of INS’ mission— providing quality customer service yet ensuring the enforcement of immigration law. Inspectors must be friendly and fair, yet firm in doing their jobs," said INS Commissioner Mary Ann Wyrsch. "Since they are often the first face a traveler will encounter, they are truly ambassadors of the United States." An Inspector must balance the task of welcoming and facilitating legal travel into the United States while deterring and preventing the entry of those who should not be in the United States. Starting salary ranges from $20,000 - $25,000 per year, depending on location, with the potential for overtime pay. INS Inspectors are located throughout the United States in a variety of locations such as international airports, land ports and seaports. In addition, Inspectors can be assigned to overseas posts. Inspectors may be required to carry firearms. To qualify, an applicant must: Have at least three years work experience that demonstrates strong analytical, planning, organizational and communications skills or a bachelors’ degree from an accredited university or a combination of work experience and college course work; Be a U.S. citizen; Hold a valid state driver’s license; Pass a written entry exam; Pass a medical and drug test and a background investigation; and Successfully complete a comprehensive 17-week training course conducted at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. Individuals selected for part time, seasonal or intermittent positions will receive five weeks of training. The open recruitment period began January 6 and closes January 24, 2001. Full time, part time, seasonal and intermittent positions are available. Anyone interested in obtaining more information can either call (612) 727-5290 and request document 20005, or visit the INS Web site at www.ins.usdoj.gov and click on "Working for the INS." Applicants can either call (478) 757-3153 ext. 9964 or apply on-line at www.usajobs.opm.gov to be scheduled for the Inspector’s test. – INS –