Editor's Comments of the Day

The GAO report entitled “Alien Smuggling-Management and Operational Improvements Needed to Address Growing Problem” [you need Acrobat to read this pdf file] finds that the INS efforts to curtail alien smuggling have been impeded by a lack of program coordination, absence of an automated case-tracking and management system and limited performance measures, and furthermore the “INS intelligence program has been impeded by a lack of understanding among field staff on how to report intelligence information, a lack of staff to perform intelligence functions at most INS district offices, and an inefficient and cumbersome process of organizing data that does not allow for rapid retrieval and analysis.” To increase the effectiveness of the INS efforts the report recommends that the INS Commissioner “establish criteria for opening an anti-smuggling case to help ensure that INS’ anti-smuggling resources are focused on the highest priority cases; establish a cost-effective case tracking system of alien smuggling investigations that is automated, agency-wide, and readily available to investigative personnel and program managers to facilitate the sharing of case information and prevent duplication of effort; establish performance measures for anti-smuggling efforts and intelligence programs with which to gauge program effects; and require that intelligence reports be prepared using a database format so the information can be systematically utilized.” The portrait of confusion, waste of resources and lack of coordination could be applied to the INS as a whole. There are many good people at the INS whose efforts are often hampered by the very agency whose mission they are trying to perform. The recommended changes do not go far enough to introduce organization and accountability at the INS.

Congressional News of the Day

Smith Bill Ready for Markup
The full Committee on the Judiciary has scheduled Rep. Smith’s “Technology Worker Temporary Relief Act” for markup on Tuesday May 9, 2000.

INS, DOS and DOL News of the Day

ILW.COM invites the submissions of recent correspondence about matters of immigration law from government agencies. Submissions may be published. Please send to editor@ilw.com.

General Accounting Office Report Criticizes INS [you need Acrobat to read this pdf file]
In the fourth of a series of mandated reports the GAO assesses the INS efforts of anti-smuggling strategy, identifies the factors impeding the INS from achieving its goals and provides recommendations to improve the effectiveness of INS’ efforts.

ILW.COM Featured Article of the Day

ILW.COM invites the submission of articles about immigration law. Please send articles to editor@ilw.com.

Immigration-An Economic Asset
In this article from his “As I See It” column Gary Endelman, Esq., argues in favor of viewing immigration as an economic opportunity rather than a political problem.

Immigration News of the Day

Tuberculosis Testing for Immigrants
A report from the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that immigrants from countries with a high incidence of tuberculosis be screened for the disease.

Prominent Muslim Scholar Denied Entry to the United States
A prominent Jordanian Muslim scholar said Friday he was denied entry to the United States this week and was interrogated by U.S. immigration authorities.