D D Data Collection and Storage: Data are collected using a mix of automated counts and manual case counts. Some data are collected locally under manual counts and reported monthly through the automated PAS database, and some counts are provided from various automated systems supporting casework (e.g. CLAIMS4, CLAIMS3, and the Redesigned Naturalization Casework System). Data Validation and Verification: INS instituted monthly data reconciliation and review activities to maximize the integrity of the data reported. Data on the quality of case work is currently compiled by Quality Assurance Analysts and independent contractor(s) conducting quality reviews. Data Limitations: In FY 2001, Naturalization case capability was fully deployed under CLAIMS4. Improvements to automated case processing will be realized through the development of Phase 1 of the CLAIMS replacement system.  The development will build on functional requirements captured and system design work completed in FY 2002.

INS is responsible for timely, accurate processing of applications for immigration benefits. The current focus is to increase performance in Adjustment of Status application casework processing while meeting completion and backlog goals.

Quality is a primary consideration for application processing. INS strives to maintain a high level of compliance with Naturalization Quality Procedures. These procedures are designed to ensure that naturalization processing is performed consistently, correctly, and fairly. Standardized reporting of compliance with Adjustment of Status Quality Procedures is under development.

Performance:

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Average Case Processing Time [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
(NOTE: This average is calculated by dividing the average of the past 12 months of completions into the number of pending applications at the end of September.)
            FY 2002 Target:
            Naturalization: 8 months
            Adjustment of Status: 10 months
            FY 2002 Actual:
            Naturalization: 10 months
            Adjustment of Status: 13 months
            Discussion:  A formal plan was developed to eliminate the backlog of immigration benefit applications over a two-year period, and achieve and maintain a six-month processing standard for all applications.  Although the INS met the numerical case completions target for naturalization and 97% of the adjustment of status case completions target, the INS did not meet the processing time goals for these applications in FY 2002.  Naturalization applications increased significantly after September 11, 2001. INS also instituted additional security checks on all applications in FY 2002, which required significant resources.  Future backlog elimination milestones will be revised to accommodate the receipt levels and security checks.

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Level of Compliance with Naturalization Quality Procedures  (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
            FY 2002 Target:  99%
            FY 2002 Actual: 99%
            Discussion: The INS achieved a 99% compliance rate with the Naturalization Quality Procedures in FY 2002.

Background/Program Objectives:

D Data Collection and Storage:  Asylum Officers update the Asylum Pre-Screening System (APSS) with information on aliens referred for credible fear interviews and record their decisions.  Asylum Officers update the Refugees, Asylum, and Parole System (RAPS) with their decision on an Asylum claim. Data Validation and Verification: Data are reviewed for accuracy by APSS and RAPS. Data Limitations: None known at this time.

INS is committed to maintaining timely, fair and consistent asylum case processing that denies or refers to Immigration Court, meritless claims without discouraging legitimate refugees. Similarly, INS conducts expedited removal/credible fear screenings, overseas refugee processing, and adjudication under Section 203 of the Nicaraguan and Central American Relief Act (NACARA 203), in a fair, timely, and consistent manner.  INS carefully monitors its pre-reform asylum and NACARA 203 backlogs and applies available resources to reduce these backlogs.

Performance:

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED/NEW MEASURE: Timely Completion of Asylum Reform (60 days) and Expedited Removals Cases (14 days) [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
            FY 2002 Target:
            Asylum Reform: 75%
            Expedited Removal: 80%
            FY 2002 Actual:
            Asylum Reform: 79%
            Expedited Removal:  90%
            Discussion: INS exceeded the goals for timely completion of asylum reform and expedited removal/credible fear cases in FY 2002.  In addition, INS completed 86,401 asylum cases and 22,885 NACARA 203 cases, exceeding the targets for completions in both caseloads.

Background/Program Objectives:

D Data Definition: Technologically Adequate Equipment is the percent of INS workstations that are 600 MHZ or faster, that are capable of running all software applications and an Internet browser. System Security from FY00-02, this is the percentage of systems and sites in full compliance with IT security certification and accreditation requirements. From FY03-04, this is the percentage of total site and systems unconditionally accredited. Life-cycle compliance is based on periodic manual review of systems. Data Collection and Storage: Indicators are extracted from several databases and manual reports used for project management and inventory control.  The data are maintained and updated centrally. Data Validation and Verification: Data are verified through routine, continuous management reviews and periodic reports. Data Limitations: The definition of life-cycle compliance is subject to changing interpretation, especially as INS moves toward a more comprehensive approach to IT capital asset management.  The definition of technologically adequate will be updated over time as changes to automation at INS put more pressure on workstation performance.

The enormous growth in INS' workforce and mission over the past several years has resulted in proliferation of new or enhanced automated systems.  Management approaches to information technology have been undergoing significant long-term changes, with emphasis on a strategic approach to the management of IT resources and capital assets, compliance with security requirements, and accurate reporting of current status.  These activities help ensure that automation decisions and activities provide maximum value for dollar spent.

INS uses its Enterprise Architecture to guide and justify use of resources for automated support of business activities, and is focused on increasing compliance of all projects with appropriate Systems Development Lifecycle Standards and security requirements.

Performance:

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Compliant, Secure and Adequate Information Technology (IT) Systems (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
            FY 2002 Target:
            Technologically Adequate Equipment: 17%
            System Security: 99%
            Systems Dev. Lifecycle Standards: 90%
            FY 2002 Actual:
            Technologically Adequate Equipment: 39% System             Security: 99%
            Systems Dev. Lifecycle Standards:  56%
            Discussion: Technologically Adequate Equipment:  The target of 17% for FY 2002 was surpassed, with a FY 2002 accomplishment of 39%. The improvement was the result of program deployment of new equipment and concerted efforts to improve data.  INS initiated the Atlas Program that will focus on improving all aspects of the IT environment wide including: connectivity, common computing environment, information assurance, enterprise information, access and e-Gov, infrastructure engineering and operations and transformation planning
            System Security:  Significant progress was made throughout the fiscal year and the target of 99.5% for FY 2002 was met.  The target cannot be 100% due to continuous fluctuation in systems and sites requiring re-certification and accreditation.
            Systems Development Lifecycle Standards: The overall target of 90% was not met. The primary reason this measure was not met was the result of the evaluation of the Information Technology portfolio risks and impact of applications not adhering to Lifecycle Standards. Investment projects are typically significantly more vulnerable than Operations and Maintenance projects to cost and schedule variances and require a higher degree of lifecycle oversight. Of INS projects, 27.5% are investment projects. However, they comprise $55,666,680, which is 39.7% of the total dollar value of the applications in the portfolios. Considering current resource constraints, a decision was made to concentrate on investment applications. All of the investment projects are in compliance with those components of the Lifecycle Standards.

Background/Program Objectives:

D D Data Definition: Forms That Can be Filled Online: Customer accesses the form online - fills in the information - prints it and mails it. Forms That Can be Filed Online: Customer accesses the form online - fills in the information - and submits it electronically. Data Collection and Storage: Information is derived from management reports and review of the INS Internet. Data Validation and Verification: Regular review, control and maintenance of the INS Internet is conducted by the responsible INS program personnel and IRM staff. Data Limitations: The percentage of online forms available does not eliminate the possibility that customers will continue to make non-electronic form requests or file forms manually. The number of applications developed for filing online initially will not reflect nationwide implementation.

INS will continue to provide useful, current information about INS services, offices and functions, policy and plans, regulations, statistics and reports.  INS will provide an information framework that facilitates quick, remote access for wider audiences and allows increased use of the Internet for access to INS forms. INS will modify operations to provide electronic alternatives to delivery of products, services, and exchange of information.  By FY 2004, INS will expand the use of electronic filing to additional benefits applications and make 70% of the Immigration Services workload available for electronic filing.  INS will provide employers and benefit providers with the information, assistance, and tools needed to comply with the laws while safeguarding the civil and privacy rights of citizens and aliens alike.

INS will continue to implement the Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) and take steps toward the expansion of electronic government through strategic attention to key areas identified in INS' target Enterprise Architecture and modern e-mail communications.  INS has established a GPEA Task Force to coordinate INS’ efforts to expand the use of electronic means to deliver services and benefits.  This task force will monitor and report on initiatives to gather and exchange information that enhance service and responsiveness, while preserving privacy, legal sufficiency, and accurate, accessible data.  As processes and policies are put in place for improved management of information technology (also discussed under Strategic Objective 5.4), informational needs of customers will be identified and addressed through design, development, and deployment of programs and systems.

Performance:

Performance Measure:  DISCONTINUED MEASURE:  % of Public Use Forms Available Online [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
            FY 2002 Target: 100%
            FY 2002 Actual: 100%
            Discussion: The target was met. All forms that are available for public use are downloadable. The Forms and Fees area is the most visited on the INS Website with 9,806,076 visits in FY 2002.

 All forms that are available for public use are downloadable.

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Forms That Can be Filled Online and Forms That Can Be Filed Online (Formerly: “Forms and Applications That Can be Filed Online”) (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
(Note: This display has been corrected from the previous submission.)
            FY 2002 Target:
            Forms Fillable Online: 72
            Forms Filed Online: 2 (Targets were previously reported incorrectly through typographical errors as Forms:  82; Applications 2.)
            FY 2002 Actual Performance:
            Forms Fillable Online: 61
            Forms Filed Online: 0
            Discussion: We did not meet either target for this area. We currently have 61 of the 72 approved forms available.  Budget shortages and form content changes prevented us from meeting the target of forms fillable online. The technology for e-filing has been developed.  INS is awaiting publication of a regulation in the Federal Register to allow the agency to accept signatures electronically. The regulation was delayed due to a determination that it was necessary to prepare it as a proposed regulation rather than an interim final regulation.  The technology will not be available to the public until we have allowed for comment on the proposed regulation and subsequently published the final regulation.

Background/Program Objectives:

D D Data Collection and Storage: Individual POEs collect flight processing information from travelers and airlines and report aggregated information monthly into the Performance Analysis System (PAS).  The inspection time for the last traveler is captured in the Interagency Border Inspection System used by INS and U.S. Customs Service. Wait time data for each land POE is collected manually and reported through INS regional offices. Data Validation and Verification: PAS verification is conducted by the INS Statistics Office through submission audits; edits, data validation and logic checks, and field contact.  Reported processing times are reviewed by district and regional office staff above each air POE and by the headquarters Inspections program, monthly. Air POEs flight processing information is reviewed by supervisory and technical staff. Time measurement data provided by airlines is recorded in automated systems and subject to quality reviews.  At land POEs, data is manually collected locally and validated regularly. Data Limitations: PAS records are complete with 95% of field office records entered within eight working days of the following (reporting) month.  Land POEs use one of three approved methodologies to observe, and collect data, and to calculate wait times.  Because of this variety, submitted data may vary slightly among land POEs.

The rapid, continuing growth of passenger and vehicular traffic places greater demands on the inspection process.  In addition, multiple terrorist attacks on the U.S. on September 11, 2001 compels INS to continue increased scrutiny at all POEs to ensure border integrity, and increase enforcement of our nation’s immigration laws thereby preventing entry of terrorists and other criminals.  These necessary enforcement actions can result in longer lines and increased waiting times, especially at United States land border POEs.

While INS cannot compromise its enforcement mission, it strives to effectively manage the movement of travelers and commerce at POEs.  To accomplish that objective INS works with transportation companies and other Federal agencies to obtain and utilize all available information before passengers arrive at U.S. borders.

The INS and the U.S. Customs Service (USCS) agree that cooperation in policy and operational matters enhances the enforcement and traffic management objectives of each agency.  To this end, INS coordinates efforts with USCS and the other federal inspection services to facilitate the inspection of bonafide travelers.

Performance:

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Total Commercial Flights to Clear Primary Inspection within 30 Minutes [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
            FY 2002 Target: 70%
            FY 2002 Actual: 73%
            Discussion: INS exceeded its target and cleared 73% of commercial flights through primary within 30 minutes.

Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Land Border Wait Times (FY98-01 20 Minutes or Less, FY02-03 30 Minutes or Less) [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued since the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security)
            FY 2002 Target: 82%
            FY 2002 Actual: 90% (89.85%)
            Discussion: INS exceeded the target, clearing 89.85% of land border non-commercial vehicles through primary inspection within 30 minutes at those locations where the information was captured.

Background/Program Objectives:

D Data Collection and Storage: Data are collected from the Automated Nationwide System for Immigration Review (ANSIR) a nationwide case-tracking system at the trial and appellate levels).  Data Validation and Verification: Data is verified by on-line edits of data fields. Headquarters and field office staff have manuals that list the routine daily, weekly and monthly reports that verify data. Audits are conducted using the system random number generator, comparing automated data with the corresponding hard case files. All data entered by courts nationwide is instantaneously transmitted and stored at EOIR headquarters, which allows for timely and complete data.  Data validation is also performed on a routine basis through data comparisons between EOIR and INS databases. Data Limitations: None known at this time.

The mission of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) is to provide separate and independent fora for the objective, unbiased adjudication of disputes between INS and aliens or other individuals regarding immigration status, removal, or the availability of relief under the law.  In the conduct of this mission, EOIR and its components (the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), the Immigration Courts, and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer) seek to render fair and proper decisions in a timely and efficient manner.  EOIR’s ability to meet its goal of fair and timely adjudication of immigration cases is critical to: the guarantee of justice and due process; the timely grant of relief from removal in meritorious cases; the timely removal of criminal and other inadmissible aliens; and the effective utilization of limited detention resources.  EOIR has identified four adjudication priorities and set specific time frames for each.  These priorities include cases involving criminal aliens, other detained aliens, those seeking asylum as a form of relief from removal, and appeals to the BIA.

Performance:

Performance Measure: Percent of Immigration Court Cases Completed Within Target Time Frames [EOIR]
            FY 2002 Target:
            90% Expedited Asylum Cases within 180 days
            90% Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) (Criminal) Cases before release
            90% Detained Cases Without Applications for Relief within 30 days
            40% Appeals within 180 days
            FY 2002 Actual:
            91% Expedited Asylum Cases within 180 days 84% Institutional Hearing Program (IHP) (Criminal) Cases before release
            84% Detained Cases Without Applications for Relief within 30 days
            26% Appeals within 180 days
            Discussion: EOIR has worked to complete its cases within the targeted time frames.  The first three measures (expedited asylum, IHP, and detained cases without applications for relief) relate to the immigration courts.  The immigration courts met their goal of completing expedited asylum cases within 180 days. Despite the complexity of many cases due to their designation as “special interest,” the courts were within 10% of the goal for detained cases without applications for relief. IHP cases were also within 10 % of the goal, and the percentage of cases meeting the goal was up slightly from FY 2001.  Due to a new regulation that imposes strict time lines on the BIA’s adjudications and mandates elimination of the backlog, EOIR did not meet its goal of completing 40% of appeals within 180 days of filing.  Instead, efforts were concentrated on completing a large number of BIA’s oldest cases.  At the end of FY 2002, BIA’s backlog was 44,400 cases, down from 57,900 pending at the end of FY 2001.  Additionally, BIA completed more than 47,000 cases in FY 2002, an increase of 48% over its FY 2001 completions.