Total removals for September decreased 35 percent compared to the same month a year before. In September 2001, INS removed 9,633 aliens from the United States, 4,555 of these aliens were criminals.

Data Source: HQSTA DACS Monthly Extract

* - Current Monthly Data are Preliminary.

• The current month's statistics are preliminary. Historically there have been significant upward revisions in the statistics for three months after the initial reporting period. The August statistic for total removals has increased 5 percent (691 removals) since the preliminary number was released last month.

• Preliminary data indicate that total removals in fiscal year 2001 decreased 6 percent compared to fiscal year 2000. In fiscal year 2001 expedited removals have decreased 19 percent compared to fiscal year 2000. Other types of removals have increased 6 percent comparing FY 2001 to FY 2000. Non-expedited removals are 60 percent of total removals.

• The terrorist attacks of September 11 had an impact on removals. For example, transportation of aliens was disrupted for several days. In addition, fewer aliens sought admission to the United States and the number of aliens in expedited removal at ports of entry declined 50 percent compared to September 2000.

• Preliminary data indicate that removals of criminal aliens decreased 2 percent comparing fiscal year 2001 with fiscal year 2000. However, non-expedited criminal removals have increased 2 percent.