Fairly and Effectively Administer the Immigration and Naturalization Laws of the United States
|
STRATEGIC GOAL FIVE: Fairly and Effectively Administer the Immigration and Naturalization Laws of the United States |
The DOJ components with primary responsibility for implementing this Strategic Goal are the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) and the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). The Civil Division, the Criminal Division's Alien Smuggling Task Force, and the United and the United States Attorneys' offices are also key players.
The Homeland Security Act of 2002, enacted November 24, 2002, transfers INS from the DOJ to the new Department of Homeland Security. While this transfer will be completed on March 1, 2003, DOJ will summarize the performance of INS in FY 2002. As indicated INS-related performance measures will be discontinued for DOJ in FY 2003.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.1: ENFORCEMENT Secure America's borders, especially to reduce the incidence of alien smuggling |
The mission of the INS is to enforce provisions of the law that governs lawful entry and presence within the United States, and provide immigration benefits and services to individuals and entities (e.g., employers) entitled under law.
INS executed the Border Management and Control strategies, which include port enforcement, and deterrence and apprehension. Port enforcement efforts target the sophisticated methods of illegal immigration and alien smuggling, and the implementation the expedited removal authority granted under the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA).
In the wake of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, INS enforcement activities focused first on protecting America from terrorism. Since terrorists exploit legal and illegal means of coming to and remaining in the United States, one can draw an anti-terrorism nexus to virtually all enforcement strategies, goals, and objectives outlined here.
Immigration Inspections resources focused on improving entry controls to identify individuals violating immigration laws. Efforts in the areas of deterrence and apprehensions targeted unlawful border crossers who seek to enter between Ports-of-Entry (POEs). INS continued implementation of the National Border Control Strategy at and between POEs in designated geographic areas known as corridors. In addition, INS intercepted and repatriated mala fide travelers and offshore migrants en route to the United States. INS also forged effective relationships and engaged in cooperative activities with national, state, and local government, as well as non-government entities, to defuse tensions and provide fora for discussion and feedback on INS laws, policy and practices.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.2: CRIMINAL ALIENS Promote public safety by combating immigration-related crimes and removing individuals, especially criminals, who are unlawfully present in the United States |
The events of September 11, 2001 required INS to reexamine its strategies, approaches, and operations to ensure that service efforts fully address threats to the United States. This reevaluation, coupled with a reemphasis on many objectives established prior to the terrorist attacks, changed the focus for the Interior Enforcement program. The updated approach to the program's increasingly critical mission includes focused enforcement efforts at the Northern Border and in the Caribbean and Central and South America, as well as targeted investigations of industries and businesses where there is a potential threat of harm to the public interest. INS initiatives on the national and global levels required partnerships with other DOJ components to combat terrorism, organized crime, illegal drugs, and violent gangs to reduce the threat of criminal activity.
INS continued its aggressive campaign to remove more removable aliens, with a concentrated focus on criminal aliens. INS will develop a fugitive operations program to identify, locate, apprehend and remove aliens who have received final orders of removal and who have not presented themselves for final removal (absconders). Additionally, INS continued its Institutional Removal Program (IRP) that seeks to identify, locate, process and provide hearings for aliens within the criminal justice system and effect their expedient removal after their release from custody and/or incarceration. INS also began the development of systems to monitor and track individuals released from custody to ensure their appearance for final removal.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.3: IMMIGRATION BENEFITS SERVICES Provide timely and consistent services and achieve a substantial reduction in the benefits processing backlog |
INS served customers proactively and equitably to create understanding and
appropriate action by providing benefits quickly and accurately to those entitled
to them. INS improved application processing and continued to emphasize the integrity
of decisions made on applications for immigration benefits. Additionally, INS
continued to move toward a six-month processing time for all applications, servicewide
and in individual offices. At local levels, INS worked to increase community consultations
to anticipate or identify potential operational obstacles.
INS continued reducing the backlog on all applications and online filing efforts
for additional benefit applications and begin deployment of a customer-based Computer
Linked Application Management System (CLAIMS) replacement system. INS began efforts
to offer case status information and address changes via the INS Internet website
and the National Customer Service Center.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.4: ORGANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Improve operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness of the INS workforce |
A variety of services, goods, policies, and procedures are needed to create and support the operational capability of a productive INS workforce. In a stable organization, infrastructure costs and activities would generally be allocated to the business/mission areas that they support and not given separate attention except for major strategic management priorities. However, because of the enormous expansion of the INS mission and workforce over the past several years, infrastructure changes have not been able to keep up with the mission areas that they need to support. Clearly, backlogs, shortfalls, imbalances, and inconsistencies exist that needed specific attention.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.5: QUALITY OF DATA Provide accurate, easy-to-use, readily accessible, and up-to-date information to meet planning and operational needs |
In the course of administering the Immigration and Nationality Act, the INS provided a significant amount of information to benefit applicants, other governmental agencies, employers, communities, Congress, and the public. INS also gathered information from and about those with whom INS comes in contact. The Government Paperwork Elimination Act (GPEA) and government-wide management reforms called for changes in the way agencies interact with the public.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.6: BORDER FACILITATION Improve the efficiency of the inspections process for lawful entry of persons and goods |
INS continued the development of a comprehensive, fully automated, integrated entry exit system at all POEs to track the arrival and departure of non-U.S. citizens while speeding entry of routine, legitimate traffic. This will improve our ability to deny access to those that should not enter, as well as to definitively determine whether an alien has departed after entry. Additional resources permitted INS to increase primary inspection lanes at air, sea, and land POEs. This effort was one of the Traffic Management strategies to further improve inspections at Ports-of-Entry.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.7: ADJUDICATION Adjudicate all immigration cases promptly and impartially in accordance with due process |
The Executive Office for Immigration Review (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. While the quality and fairness of judicial decision-making is of paramount importance, timeliness is an important measure of performance. In 2002, EOIR redrafted its regulations to streamline the adjudication process for appeals.
Both INS and EOIR are committed to the prompt and fair resolution of matters brought before EOIR by defending immigration laws, policies, and administrative judgments regarding alien removal in Federal courts. Additionally, the Civil Division and the United States Attorneys uphold the intent of Congress and secure the efforts of the immigration agencies.
| Was the Target Achieved | FY 2002 Performance | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Strategic Objective | Performance Measure/Indicator | Yes | No | N/A | Target | Actual | Performance Improvement From FY 2001 |
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Refined Measure: Total # of Illegal Aliens Residing in the U.S. (millions) | x | 6.8 | 7.6 | Projection, not performance target | ||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Refined Measure: Aliens Entering and Departing the Illegal Population (thousands): Estimated Actual Entries | x | 510,000 | 775,000 | Projection, not performance target | ||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Refined Measure: Aliens Entering and Departing the Illegal Population (thousands): Estimated Actual Departures | x | 710,000 | 770,000 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: High Priority Border Corridors Demonstrating Optimum Deterrence (number of corridors): Phase I | x | 4 | 4 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: High Priority Border Corridors Demonstrating Optimum Deterrence (number of corridors): Phase II | x | 4 | 4 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: High Priority Border Corridors Demonstrating Optimum Deterrence (number of corridors): Phase III | x | 0 | 0 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Targeted Alien Smuggling & Trafficking Organizations: Identified | x | 3 | 16 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Targeted Alien Smuggling & Trafficking Organizations: Disrupted | x | 0 | 7 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Targeted Alien Smuggling & Trafficking Organizations: Dismantled | x | 1 | 1 | |||
| 5.1 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Interception of Mala Fide and Offshore Travelers en route to the U.S. | x | 20,000 | 90,000 | |||
| 5.2 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Final Order Alien Removals: Unexecuted | x | 289,000 | 289,000 | |||
| 5.2 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Final Order Alien Removals: Expedited | x | N/A | N/A | |||
| 5.2 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Final Order Alien Removals: Non-Criminal | x | 42,500 | 42,500 | |||
| 5.2 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Final Order Alien Removals: Criminal | x | 65,000 | 65,000 | |||
| 5.3 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Average Case Processing Time (Months): Naturalization | x | 8 | 10 | Case processing times were not met | ||
| 5.3 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Average Case Processing Time (Months): Adjustment to Status | x | 10 | 13 | |||
| 5.3 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Level of Compliance with Naturalization Quality Procedures | x | 99% | 99% | |||
| 5.3 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: New Measure: Timely Completion of Asylum Reform (60 days) | x | 75% | 79% | |||
| 5.3 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: New Measure: Timely Completion of Expedited Removals Cases (14 days) | x | 80% | 90% | |||
| 5.4 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Compliant, Secure & Adequate IT Systems: Technology Adequate Equipment | x | 17% | Improvements to Lifecycle standards and system security continue | |||
| 5.4 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Compliant, Secure & Adequate IT Systems: Systems Dev. Lifecycle Standards | x | 90% | ||||
| 5.4 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Compliant, Secure & Adequate IT Systems: System Security | x | 99% | ||||
| 5.5 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Public Use Forms Available Online | x | 100% | 100% | |||
| 5.5 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Applications that can be Filled Online: Public Use forms | x | 72 | 61 | Technology has been developed; admin. and fiscal barriers exist | ||
| 5.5 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Applications that can be Filled Online: Applications | x | 2 | 0 | |||
| 5.6 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Total Commercial flights to clear primary inspection with 30 minutes | x | 70% | 73% | |||
| 5.6 | DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Land Border Wait Times | x | 82% | 90% | |||
| 5.7 | % of EOIR Cases Completed within Target Time Frames: Asylum | x | 90% | 91% | In FY 2002, BIA backlog was reduced; efforts to complete cases w/in targeted timeframe continue | ||
| 5.7 | % of EOIR Cases Completed within Target Time Frames: IHP | x | 90% | 84% | |||
| 5.7 | % of EOIR Cases Completed within Target Time Frames: Detained | x | 90% | 84% | |||
| 5.7 | Appeals | x | 40% | 26% | |||
NOTE: Every function under Strategic Objective Five will transition to the Department of Homeland Security, with the exception of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), found in 5.7A of this Strategic Objective.
| Section | Appropriation | FY 2002 FTE | FY 2002 Actual $ (millions) |
FY 2003 FTE | FY 2003 Request $ (millions) |
FY 2004 FTE | FY 2004 Request $ (millions) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.1 | Land border Inspection Fee | 14 | [4] | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.1 | Immigration User Fee | 3,289 | 315 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.1 | Immigration Exam Fees | 280 | 24 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.1 | Immigration and Nat. Service | 12,538 | 1,946 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.1 | U.S. Attorneys | 435 | 47 | 470 | 62 | 470 | 62 |
| Subtotal 5.1 | 16,556 | $2,332 | 470 | $62 | 470 | $62 | |
| 5.2 | Immigration and Nat. Service | 2,440 | 410 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.2 | Immigration Exam Fee | 122 | [15] | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.2 | Immigration User Fee | 67 | [8] | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Subtotal 5.2 | 2,629 | $410 | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 5.3 | H-1B Fees | 67 | 14 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.3 | Immigration and Nat. Service | 266 | 129 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.3 | Immigration Exam Fees | 4,903 | 835 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Subtotal 5.3 | 5,236 | $978 | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 5.4 | Breached Bond/Detention Fund | 11 | 2 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.4 | Immigration and Nat. Service | 1,653 | 313 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.4 | Immigration Exam Fee | 210 | 38 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.4 | Immigration User Fee | 252 | 34 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.4 | Immigration Construction | -- | 76 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Subtotal 5.4 | 2,126 | $463 | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 5.5 | Immigration and Nat. Fee | 887 | 350 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.5 | Immigration Exam Fee | 1,201 | 310 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.5 | INS Fines | -- | [18] | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.5 | Immigration User Fee | 50 | [37] | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Subtotal 5.5 | 2,138 | $660 | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 5.6 | Immigration and Nat. Service | 1,249 | 379 | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| 5.6 | Immigration Exam Fee | 285 | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Subtotal 5.6 | 1,534 | $379 | -- | -- | -- | -- | |
| 5.7 | Executive Office for Immigration Review | 1,129 | 182 | 1,283 | 192 | 1,393 | 195 |
| Subtotal 5.7 | 1,129 | $182 | 1,283 | $192 | 1,393 | $195 | |
| Total SG 5 | 31,348 | $5,404 | 1,753 | $254 | 1,863 | $257 | |
RESOURCE COMPARISON: Strategic Goal to Total DOJ $ and FTE
 d |
 d |
Required Skills: INS Border Patrol agents, Immigration Inspectors, and Intelligence Officers must have interpersonal skills, problem solving abilities, composure, skill in the use of firearms, operate a variety of motor vehicles, and be fluent in Spanish. Officer corps personnel, particularly those in the intelligence and investigative fields, will also require strong computer skills and knowledge of the systems utilized in INS. Achievement of anti-smuggling goals also requires Special Agents, Investigative Assistants, Financial Analysts for asset forfeiture, Intelligence Agents/Officers, analysts, and other support staff. INS officers overseas must possess the full breadth of immigration knowledge with respect to enforcement and benefit responsibilities, experience in one or more immigration-related disciplines, and above all, communication and diplomatic skills in order to obtain host country authorities' support of the INS mission.
EOIR requires the skills of immigration judges, Board of Immigration Appeals members and attorneys, Administrative Law Judges, and support positions, including court interpreters, paralegals, and legal technicians.
Information Technology Utilized: The US Customs Service's Interagency Border Inspection System (IBIS) is a major tool used by the INS to inspect travelers. The INS also uses other automation and technologies to improve processing time performance, such as dedicated commuter lanes and accelerated passenger lanes. Photo-phone equipment allows transmission of photographic images between the INS Forensic Document Lab and POEs. At air and certain sea POEs, USCS and INS Immigration Inspectors receive passenger data from the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS), which allows the agencies to perform enforcement checks and identify high-risk passengers before they arrive in the U.S. Intelligence information and links analysis is conducted using NetLEADS, the approved intelligence module for INS that is part of the ENFORCE Investigation Case Management and Intelligence Module (EICMIM) and stored in the Enforcement Integrated Database (EID). EICMIM allows INS to streamline intelligence collection, storage, research, analysis, and the dissemination of value-added intelligence information. Live-scan biometrics functionality between INS' Automated Fingerprint Identification System (IDENT) system and FBI's Integrated Automated Fingerprint Information System (IAFIS) continues to be integrated and stored within ENFORCE. The Performance Analysis System (PAS) and system-generated counts are used to report data on the use of automation and technologies to manage traveler inspections on a monthly basis. The Border Patrol Enforcement Tracking System (BPETS) and Intelligent Computer Assisted Detection (ICAD) are two of the tools used to generate data for border strategy effectiveness reports. A geographical information system and technology refresh, and a hardware-software-telecommunications platform upgrade will also be undertaken. The Border enforcement effort between the POEs also utilizes the Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS), which uses cameras, monitors, and sensors.
Systems utilized to collect performance data include the Deportable Aliens Control System (DACS), the Criminal Alien Information System (CAIS), Performance Analysis System (PAS), LYNX work-site enforcement case tracking system, and Orion LEADS intelligence system. Ultimately, the data will be captured in ENFORCE. The verification of aliens' lawful status by the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) includes interfaces with DACS and other corporate information systems such as the Central Index System (CIS). INS also interfaces with the NCIC to report wanted and deported alien felons. CLAIMS 4 software is used in the processing of Naturalization casework.
At the National Records Center (NRC), the RAFACS system (Receipt and Alien-File Accountability and Control System), allows for timely transfer and tracking of alien-file (A-file) records associated with applications processing, was replaced by the National Files Tracking System (NFTS). INS uses a variety of systems to support administrative and financial activities and decisions. Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act (FOIA) Information Processing System (FIPS) is used to manage FOIA requests.
EOIR staff use ANSIR, the Automated Nationwide System for Immigration Review, which is integrated with routine case processing information.
PROGRAM EVALUATIONS
Naturalization Benefits Processing
Formal assessments of Naturalization Applications casework focus on verifying
the compliance level of INS field offices with the Naturalization Quality Procedures.
Previously, this was accomplished through outside audits controlled by the Department.
Currently, INS completes internal audits with contract and INS personnel. Internal
audits are continuing in FYs 2003 and 2004.
Employment Verification Pilots
Formal multi-year program evaluations of the Employment Verification Pilots began
in FY 1999. These evaluations include statistics and interpretation of the impact
of the pilot in providing alien status verification services for employers in
accordance with Strategic Objective 5.5. The Basic Pilot evaluation was produced
in FY 2001. The Citizen Attestation and Machine Readable Pilots will be evaluated
in FY 2002, and an evaluation of the overall Verification Pilots is scheduled
for FY 2003.
Border Enforcement
INS continually evaluates the effectiveness of its border enforcement strategies,
particularly for the southwest border, and monthly evaluates progress on sub-goals
and milestones for the southwest, northern, and coastal borders through the Commissioner's
Performance Management Report. These reports provide the Commissioner information
regarding the current status of control of corridors and identify management issues
and progress with deployment and key operations.
In addition, several special studies have been initiated and are ongoing to evaluate border enforcement effectiveness. They include follow-on analysis and reporting regarding the independent assessment of the effectiveness of the operations in the San Diego and McAllen Sectors and follow-up to the recommendations and action plans in the 1999 and 2001 GAO reports on the Status of the Southwest Border Strategy. Study findings will be available when all results are synthesized and an overall analysis is performed. This year the data, analyses, conclusions and evaluation implications from these studies were combined with INS data, including fingerprint identification of recidivist patterns and performance data. This step allowed INS to complete an assessment of program evaluation approaches, determine the best approach, and implement the plan.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.1: ENFORCEMENT Secure America's borders, especially to reduce the incidence of alien smuggling |
| 5.1A Reduce the number of illegal aliens in the United States |
Background/Program Objectives:
The Immigration and Nationality Act states that the Commissioner, in consultation
with interested academicians, government agencies, and other parties, shall provide
for a system for collection and dissemination, to Congress and the public, of
information useful in evaluating the social, economic, environmental, and demographic
impact of immigration laws. The Act provides that
"such information shall include information on… the number of aliens estimated to be present unlawfully in the United States each fiscal year."
The initial estimates and projections reported by INS utilized the official updated 1996 estimates of the U.S. illegal population using the detailed statistical data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The estimates were revised for 1997-1999 based on recently released information on the foreign-born population as collected in the 2000 Census, rather than in the 2000 Current Population Survey. INS has improved the estimates further by identifying and eliminating those persons from the unauthorized population who have gained temporary protection against removal by applying for an immigration benefit. The estimated number of illegal residents as of December 31, 1999, was reported as 6.8 million last year, but the estimate has increased to 7.0 million this year, as a result of the improved data and methodology.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Estimated Number of Illegal Aliens Residing
in the U.S. (in millions) [INS] DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Estimated Annual Entries and Departures
to the U.S. Illegal Population (in 1,000s) [INS] Data Definition: The total number of illegal aliens is an estimate of the total number of illegal aliens residing in the U.S. as of December 31 of the reference year. The definition of a resident corresponds to the U.S. Census Bureau definition of usual residence (i.e., where a person spends more nights during a year than any other place). Illegal aliens in transit or with no place of usual residence within the United States, therefore, are not included in the estimate. The estimate of the total number of illegal aliens is actually based on estimates for several components according to the following formula: Total illegal residents = (Foreign-born residents) + (Estimated undercount) - (Legally admitted immigrants + Temporary migrants (nonimmigrants) + migrants who have gained temporary protection against removal by applying for an immigration benefit). Note: Legally admitted immigrants include: Aliens admitted for legal permanent residence + Refugees admitted but not yet adjusted to Legal Permanent Resident status - Emigrants - Deaths Annual entries is an estimate of the annual number of illegal aliens who entered the U.S. during the reference year and continue to reside in the U.S. as of December 31 of the year. A change in the resident illegal population between years is equal to the difference between the number of new entrants establishing residence during the year (entries) minus the number of prior residents who left the illegal population during the year (departures). The difference between entries and departures is the net change in the illegal resident population. Note that many of the residents departing the illegal population remain in the U.S. as legal permanent resdents. In addition, Illegal residents leave the population through emigration, death, or removal by INS enforcement. The definition of a resident corresponds to the U.S. Census definition of usual residence (i.e., where a person spends more nights during a year than any other place). Illegal aliens who entered the U.S. during the year who are in transit or who have no usual place of residence within the U.S., therefore, are not included in the estimate. Data Collection and Storage: Data are collected from a variety of official government sources. The most important are Census and survey data on the resident foreign-born population collected by the U.S. Census Bureau and administrative data of legal admissions collected by INS. The data on foreign-born residents are collected on the long-form sample during the Decennial census, or, between Decennial censuses, with the monthly household Current Population Survey. The Decennial census data are based on a 1 in 6 sample of all U.S. households. The Current Population Survey data are based on a survey of approximately 50,000 households. INS administrative records used in the estimate are for legal permanent residents, persons removed from the U.S. by INS procedures, and estimates of nonimmigrants based on Nonimmigrant Information System (NIIS) data. The legal permanent resident data are collected by INS through Department of State visas and records of adjustment and recorded in INS' Computer-Linked Application Information Management System (CLAIMS3). Information on INS removals is collected and recorded in INS' service-wide Deportable Alien Control System (DACS) by the respective field offices that conduct the removals. Information on emigrants and deaths of illegal resident aliens is estimated based on data and research conducted by the Census Bureau and information reported by the Mexico-U.S. Migration Study in 1998. Data Validation and Verification: The census foreign-born data are subject to the validation and verification procedures established at the U.S. Census Bureau. Individual INS records of legal permanent residents and persons removed by the INS are extensively reviewed to insure the validity of the data. INS' annual number of legal permanent residents is compared to U.S. Department of State data on visas issued for the categories of immigrants who require a visa, to check for completeness. INS inspectors collect data from all arriving aliens via the Arrival/Departure Record which records name, address, birth date, passport number, airline and flight number, country of citizenship, country of residence, date of arrival and departure. The information is compiled in the Nonimmigrant Information System. The estimates of emigrants and deaths are based on research reports that are subject to the validation and verification procedures established at the U.S. Census Bureau. Data on the removal of criminal and non-criminal aliens are subject to extensive data review activities by both the program office and the Statistics Division of the INS. DACS and CLAIMS3 data verification and validation sections appear in this plan in Strategic Objectives 5.2 and 5.3, respectively. The estimates of emigrants and deaths of illegal immigrants are based on research reports that are subject to the validation and verification procedures established at the U.S. Census Bureau. The estimates of undercount of illegal residents in the 2000 Census are consistent with those of the U.S. Census Bureau and private researchers. Data Limitations: The estimate for the total foreign-born population is subject to sampling error. Assumptions of the number of persons who emigrate or are in temporary legal status and assumptions of the coverage of the foreign-born and illegal aliens in the Decennial census or Current Population Survey also affect the estimate. Differences in assumptions will lead to different estimates. The U.S. Census Bureau and several non-governmental researchers have published their own estimates of the illegal resident population in the past. Differences that are well within the margin of error may still raise questions about the accuracy of the estimates. However, neither the U.S. Census Bureau nor non-governmental researchers have been able to estimate annual inflow, departures from the population, or net annual change in the population, so there are no benchmarks against which to compare the estimates. |
| Performance: | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Total
Number of Illegal Aliens Residing in the United States (in millions) [INS] (NOTE:
This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the
Department of Homeland Security. Prior year data has been changed as follows:
The annual estimates for 1997-1999 have been revised based on information on the
foreign born collected in the 2000 Census and improvements in estimating persons
who have obtained temporary protection against removal. The foreign-born information
in the census is based on a 1 in 6 household questionnaire [approximately 5,000,000
foreign-born households], while the previous estimates were based on a sample of approximately 50,000 households [native and foreign-born]. The 2000 Census data provides the basis of the estimates through December 31, 1999. The December 31, 2002, projection is based on projecting net annual illegal immigration in 2000-02 and adding it to the December 31, 1999 population.) |
|
| FY 2002 Target: Original target: 6.8 million. This was based on a .2 million reduction in illegal aliens residing in the U.S. between 2001 and 2002 (originally estimated at 7.0 million in 2001). This target was set without the benefit of the 1999 baseline data now available through the 2000 Census. | |
| FY 2002 Actual: 7.6 million. This reflects no measurable change in the estimated number of illegal aliens residing in the U.S. between 2001 and 2002. | |
| Discussion: The projected number of illegal aliens residing in the United States as of December 31, 2002, is 7.6 million. The primary reason that the estimated number for FY 2002 is higher than the target is due to the improved estimates of the foreign-born population available through the 2000 census data, which significantly increases the estimated populations for each year following 1999. The estimated size of the illegal population remained virtually unchanged between FY 2001 and FY 2002, while INS had projected a decrease of 200,000 in the population (see following discussion of the number of illegal aliens entering and departing the U.S.). | |
| Public Benefit: Reduction in the illegal resident population reinforces immigration laws and reduces the supply of illegal aliens for unauthorized employment. It also reduces the demand on local economic and social services from illegal alien residents. | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Aliens Entering and Departing the Illegal Population [INS] (Formerly: Illegal Aliens Entering and Departing the U.S. Annually) (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. Prior year estimates have been revised based on new information available from the 2000 Census. The average annual number of entries of illegal aliens intending to reside in the United States was 780,000 during the 1995-1999 period, while an average of 410,000 left the illegal population, resulting in a net increase of 370,000 a year. The projected average annual entries for 2000-2004 is 860,000, an average of 710,000 are expected to leave the population, resulting in a net increase of 150,000 a year. The entry data for 2000-2004 period are based in part on the estimated illegal entries in 1999 as counted in the 2000 census. Also, that many of the aliens departing the illegally resident population remain in the United States as legal permanent residents.) | |
| FY 2002 Target: Original estimates: 510,000 estimated
illegal alien entries; 710,000 estimated illegal alien departures This results in a net 200,000 reduction in illegal aliens residing in the U.S. as discussed above. |
|
| FY 2002 Estimated: 775,000 estimated illegal alien entries; 770,000 estimated illegal alien departures | |
| Discussion: This results in a 5,000 increase in illegal aliens residing in the U.S., which is higher than targeted. The projected target for illegal aliens entries for 2002 was set at 510,000. This target was set without the benefit of the 1999 baseline data now available through the 2000 Census. We currently estimate that the number of illegal alien entries in 2001 was 875,000; therefore, the number of entries are estimated to have decreased 100,000 between 2001 and 2002. Apprehensions of undocumented aliens have generally been decreasing since FY 2000 through 2002. This can be attributed to several factors, such as the increased level of control along the southwest border, enhanced enforcement efforts after 9/11/2001, and the possibility that undocumented aliens are more likely to remain in the U.S. rather than return to their native countries, which reduces their exposure to the possibility of apprehension upon their return to the United States. | |
| Public Benefit: INS efforts to reduce illegal migration into the United States will enable us to defend the security and stability of our Nation and deter specific threats from organized crime, drug traffickers, and terrorist groups. Reduction in the movement of aliens across the border will also improve the quality of life in border communities. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
INS coordinates with interested academicians, government agencies, and other parties,
including the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, and the U.S. Government
Accounting Office. INS is also involved with a number of organizations in the
academic and statistical community to continue to improve the collection, methodology,
and reporting of alien population information.
| 5.1B Effectively Control the Border |
Background/Program Objectives:
At the Ports-of-Entry
Immigration Inspectors identify and examine persons seeking entry into the United
States at air, land, and sea Ports-of-Entry (POEs) in order to prevent the entry
of terrorists, criminals, and unlawful migrants. This mission entails the full
range of law enforcement and border security responsibilities balanced with the
need to foster travel and tourism and facilitate commerce.
INS works with other Federal Inspection Services to obtain and utilize all available information before passengers arrive at United States borders via air, land, or sea. The analysis of that data provides information necessary to prevent illegal entry, human trafficking, and smuggling, among other crimes.
Between the Ports-of-Entry
The Border Patrol's National Strategic Plan is the basis for a four-phased, multi-year
approach to the deployment of new resources along the U.S. borders, initially
concentrating on areas of greatest illegal entry. The strategic has a national
focus of "prevention through deterrence" as a means to restrict illegal
traffic and encourage legal entry. Deterrence is defined as raising the risk of
apprehension so high that it is futile to attempt entry. The four-phased approach
builds-up resources along the entire Southwest border as well as the northern
border and coastal areas of the U.S.
Areas with the highest concentration of illegal entry are given the highest
priority. The strategy focuses resources on specific sectors (further defined
by corridors) in priority order. Phase I includes San Diego and El Paso. Phase
II covers Tucson and McAllen. Phase III concentrates on Del Rio and Laredo and
the remainder of the Southwest border. Phase IV includes the Northern Border and
Coastal areas, as well as new areas of activity.
The primary indicator of successful deterrence is the significant reduction followed
by leveling off of attempted entry. Optimum deterrence is defined, as the level
at which applying more Border Patrol agents and resources would not yield a significant
gain in arrests/deterrence. This is a critical point in the strategy, as it would
make little sense to try to reach essentially zero illegal entry attempts in one
location while there are literally thousands of such attempts in another. Through
sufficient staffing in recent years, the Border Patrol has profiled and predicted
the trend pattern to reaching optimum deterrence. After several years of staffing
increases, a peak is reached in staffing levels and arrests, followed by a reduction
in illegal entry attempts (deterrence), culminating in a leveling off of both
resources and arrests (optimum deterrence). It can take up to 6-8 years to reach
optimum deterrence provided there are sufficient resources.
Although an eventual reduction in arrests is a primary indicator of illegal entry attempts (and therefore deterrence), other critical indicators include: decrease in border related crime, decrease in recidivism, shifting of illegal activity to non-traditional points of entry and through non-traditional methods, increase in smuggling fees, increase in property values and commercial and public development along the border, etc. Each of these factors is part of a comprehensive analysis conducted for each area. The effectiveness of the Border Patrol's National Strategic Plan is evidenced by the significant changes in illegal entry attempts in the San Diego, California, El Paso and Brownsville, Texas, and the Nogales, Arizona border areas. The ultimate impact is the increase in quality of life in these areas.
As a result of the events of September 11, 2001, the Border Patrol redirected its attention forward into Phase IV of the National Strategy expanding its focus to include the Northern Border and coastal areas of the U.S. Additional Border Patrol Agents and Aircraft Pilots were deployed to the northern border and the Border Patrol expanded its Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET) to all sectors along the Northern Border. The IBET increases cooperation and exchange of intelligence among other Federal, State, and local law enforcement agencies. Representatives of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police are an integral part of the IBET teams as well.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: High Priority Border Corridors Demonstrating
Optimum Deterrence [INS] Data Definitions: Operational effectiveness is defined as apprehensions
plus turn backs (the attempt was thwarted), divided by attempts. Attempts
are compiled by adding apprehensions plus evadees (successful illegal entries)
plus turn backs. Evadees and turn backs are estimated by Border Patrol agents
using information from video cameras, infrared scopes, helicopter patrols, sensor
hits, and tracks, etc. Optimum deterrence is further analyzed by evaluating:
increase in traffic outside of targeted corridors, decrease in attempted illegal
entries, decrease in violent acts against law enforcement, and utilization of
"non-traditional" entry routes. Data Validation and Verification: On a monthly basis, nationwide reporting occurs via the Performance Analysis System (PAS) database. Monthly reviews and editing of apprehension data in PAS is conducted at the Sector level and by the centralized INS Statistics Division. Increasingly, review and editing involves using systems counts from ENFORCE/IDENT. Data Limitations: Standardization of recording and reporting of data is ongoing. Data collection is currently an intensive manual process. The use of INS' Intranet to extract existing data from automated systems such as ENFORCE and ICAD along with auxiliary data not yet automated, is being tested at limited pilot sites. The national implementation of such operational data will be used to access and analyze operational effectiveness Patrol Strategy. |
| Performance: | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: High Priority Border Corridors Demonstrating Optimum Deterrence (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.) | |
| FY 2002 Target: 8 | |
| FY 2002 Actual: 8 | |
| Discussion: The Border Patrol met the FY2002 target of eight high priority border corridors demonstrating optimal deterrence. In addition, all nine Southwest Border sectors demonstrated an increase in operational effectiveness (above the FY 2000 baseline) in one or more corridors. This increase in effectiveness was accomplished while expanding Border Patrol operations to address concerns that arose subsequent to the events of September 11, 2001. | |
| Public Benefit: Border Patrol enforcement efforts along the Southwest Border have been attributed to an increase in the quality of life in many communities located adjacent to the border. The Border Patrol has been credited with the reduction of crimes commonly committed by undocumented migrants in specific areas where the Border Patrol maintains an enhanced enforcement presence. These decreases in criminal activity and undocumented alien traffic have created a safer border environment, which has resulted increased property values and rejuvenated certain residential neighborhoods. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
The INS coordinates with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement
agencies where operational initiatives are crosscutting. This includes memoranda
of understanding (MOU) with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), particularly
with respect to a delegation of legal authority to enforce drug laws under Title
21. A similar MOU is in place with the United States Customs Service where cross-designated
authority is provided to both INS and Customs officers to enforce their respective
laws. INS, the U.S. Attorney's Office, and the FBI often coordinate at the INS
Sector and District Office levels. INS participates with the U.S. Customs Service,
the Department of Agriculture, the U.S. Forest Service, and the U.S. Coast Guard
in the Border Coordination Initiative (BCI). BCI interacts with over 15 Federal
agencies working with Operation COBIJA and hundreds of state and local law enforcement
entities.
The INS also is involved with a number of federal, state, and local joint-agency task forces with missions such as anti-terrorism, drug interdiction, disruption of alien smuggling, detection of fraud, and other illegal activities. On the international front, the INS coordinates its border enforcement efforts with land neighbors to the north and south engaged in such special programs as Operation Alliance with Mexico, and Project Northstar with Canada. Other initiatives with the Canadian and Mexican governments to secure the borders of all three countries will continue to increase the international law enforcement efforts of each country.
| 5.1C Identify, Disrupt and Dismantle Alien Smuggling and Trafficking Organizations |
Background/Program Objectives:
The growing volume and sophistication of alien smuggling organizations poses a
threat to the national security of the U.S. to the success of the INS' Border
Control and Interior Enforcement Strategies. Public corruption and lax immigration
controls in source and transit countries contribute to a smuggling organization's
ability to move large groups of migrants from virtually any country in the world
to the U.S.
The National Anti-Smuggling Strategy focuses on deterring, disrupting, and dismantling major smuggling organizations operating in the U.S., source, and transit countries. After September 11, 2001, the INS Anti-Smuggling Strategy placed significant emphasis on targeting alien smuggling organizations that present threats to national security. Terrorists and their associates are likely to align with specific alien smuggling networks to obtain entry into the U.S. Some smuggling organizations utilize their illicit profits to provide financial support to terrorist organizations. INS activity in this area will target specific smuggling corridors, and will emphasize long-term, complex investigations targeting smuggling organizations that present a threat to national security. Specific investigative targets have been identified, based on recommendations from the Interagency Working Group (including INS, FBI, DOJ, and the Intelligence Community) on alien smuggling.
To effectively combat threats to our security, INS targets smuggling organizations with ties to extremists overseas. Targeting these groups in source and transit countries increases the ability to protect our homeland, increases our intelligence gathering efforts, enhances our efforts at the border, and enhances our efforts to completely dismantle those organizations that present the greatest threats to our security.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Targeted Alien Smuggling & Trafficking
Organizations Identified, Disrupted and Dismantled [INS] Data Definition: Identification: the process of conducting investigations
and gathering evidence and intelligence to name participants and their criminal
associates violating Federal U.S. immigration laws. Since these are complex investigations,
cases identified in one year produce outcomes in later years. Data Collection and Storage: Data are collected in the Performance Analysis System (PAS) and through manual tracking. INS collects investigations data in the PAS which contains aggregate case data and workyears for specific categories of activities. The field enters data into PAS each month. Data Validation and Verification: PAS verification is conducted by the Statistics Office of the Office of Policy and Planning. The statistics are corroborated through submission audits; and logic, range, and computational edits. The Office of Statistics produces monthly statistical and production reports. Some manual tracking is required for smuggling and fraud since performance categories for types of cases no longer exactly match the definitions and methodology of the existing PAS categories. This manual case information is collected and verified by headquarters staff. Data Limitations: PAS records are complete with 95% of field office records entered within the first 8 working days of the reporting month. The remaining 5% are subsequently obtained through submission audits. Since PAS data are manually consolidated at an office level, audits of individual case records cannot be performed. |
| Performance: | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Targeted Alien Smuggling & Trafficking Organizations Identified, Disrupted, and Dismantled [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.) | |
| FY 2002 Target: Identify 3, Disrupt 1, Dismantle 0 | |
| FY 2002 Actual: Identified 16, Disrupted 7, Dismantled 1 | |
|
Discussion: INS exceeded its goals in FY 2002 for the number of targeted alien smuggling and trafficking organizations identified and disrupted. INS conducted investigations of the most significant alien smuggling organizations and alien smugglers. Many of the operations were conducted in Central and South America, particularly in Guatemala, Mexico, Ecuador, and the Caribbean. The majority of the 16 organizations identified and the 7 organizations disrupted were operating in this area of the world. |
|
| Public Benefit: The criminal organizations that engage in alien smuggling and immigration fraud, as well as foreign-born-terrorist organizations, pose a significant threat to the public safety and national security of the United States. Seizing the assets of these organizations and individuals reduces their capital, thus affecting their ability to operate, and also takes away the profit incentive inherent in nearly all criminal activity. As a result of INS efforts, many alien smugglers, fraud organizations, and facilitators were arrested and presented for prosecution; assets were seized; and aliens with a nexus to organized crime, violent gangs, drug trafficking gangs, or who have terrorist related affiliations, were apprehended. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
INS conducts international investigations to prevent, identify, disrupt, and dismantle
criminal organizations that facilitate illegal migration. INS' anti-smuggling
strategies are coordinated with the FBI. In addition, INS works with the U.S.
Attorneys to prepare cases and receives information on work-site enforcement activities
from the Department of Labor. INS is represented and participates in several intra-agency
task forces including the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Forces, the DOJ Organized Crime
and Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), the Violent Gang Task Forces, and the
Interagency Working Group on Alien Smuggling and Trafficking in Persons.
The Criminal Division's Alien Smuggling Task Force works closely with INS, FBI, the Department of State, U.S. Coast Guard, the intelligence community, and the U.S. Attorneys' offices to target major smuggling organizations for investigation and prosecution. The Criminal Division's Alien Smuggling Task Force and INS meet regularly with Canadian and Mexican counterparts to identify and implement measures to improve border security.
| 5.1D Deter Illegal Immigration at the Source |
Background/Program Objectives:
INS enforcement activity overseas is dedicated to halting illegal immigration
at its source and in transit in order to safeguard our borders. By intercepting
mala fide and undocumented travelers; targeting and prosecuting known alien smugglers
and traffickers, disrupting smuggling operations that may support potential terrorists,
and repatriating migrants involved in these operations, INS' efforts overseas
are keeping our borders safe and keeping out individuals who present national
security concerns. Targeted enforcement actions overseas strengthen the legal
immigration process and save INS costly processing, detention, and removal of
aliens who may gain access illegally to the United States.
Expanded INS enforcement-dedicated resources overseas will result in stronger and more coordinated investigations, higher numbers of mala fide and undocumented interceptions will occur, thus pushing back our borders and increasing security. These actions will send a clear message to potential terrorists, criminals and undocumented migrants that their efforts to violate our borders will not succeed.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Interception of Mala Fide and Offshore
Travelers en route to the US [INS] Data Collection and Storage: Data are compiled daily. Workload summary
submitted by INS offices in respective foreign countries and reported to the District
Office level. The District Office forwards that data to the Office of International
Affairs and to the Performance Analysis System (PAS) database. Data Limitations: Major discrepancies in the collection of data have been identified, corrective action is underway, and expected to be completed prior to the end of FY 2002. |
| Performance: | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Interception of Mala Fide and Offshore Travelers en route to the United States [INS] (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security. Also, major discrepancies in the collection of data were identified and corrected in FY 2002.) | |
| FY 2002 Target: 20,000 | |
| FY 2002 Actual: 90,000 | |
|
Discussion: The FY 2002 target was exceeded due to Operation Bus Bound, which was conducted in cooperation with Mexico and Guatemala which resulted significant increases in interceptions of undocumented aliens enroute to the U.S. |
|
| Public Benefit: Through the deterrence efforts of
the overseas district and sub-offices, and in particular Operation Bus Bound, the number of undocumented or mala fide travelers who successfully reached the United States was reduced. INS, in cooperation with host country immigration and law enforcement officials, as well as air carriers, were responsible for the interception and, in most cases, repatriation of 90,000 would-be immigrants. The interception of these migrants before they reached the United States means that other INS programs, (i.e., Border Patrol, Detention and Removal, and Inspections), were better able to focus their limited resources as needed. |
|
Crosscutting Activities:
INS agents in offices worldwide work closely with entities within the Department
of State, DEA, USCS, the FBI, the USCG, and the CIA to better identify, disrupt
and dismantle organized alien smuggling and trafficking entities.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.2: CRIMINAL ALIENS Promote public safety by combating immigration-related crimes and removing individuals, especially criminals, who are unlawfully present in the United States |
| 5.2A Increase the Number of Criminal Alien Removals and Monitor Alien Overstays |
Background/Program Objectives:
INS attempts to remove aliens who have received formal removal orders or who have
volunteered to be repatriated. A fundamental part of this mission is to ensure
the removal of the criminal element in the alien population. INS is adopting new
policies and procedures to improve the effectiveness of the Institutional Removal
Program, a program designed to identify and remove incarcerated criminal aliens
by means of administrative or hearing processes before their release from custody.
Focusing on the criminal alien removals enhances public safety.
Another challenge is identifying and removing persons who are in the U.S. illegally, including alien overstays. Knowing who has entered and who has departed our country in real time is an important element in enforcing our laws. The Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 requires INS to develop a fully-automated, integrated entry-exit data collection system and deploy this system at airports and seaports by the end of FY 2003; at the 50 largest land ports-of-entry (POEs) by the end of FY 2004; and all other POEs by the end of FY 2005. The legislation also requires a private sector role to ensure that any systems developed to collect data do not harm tourism or trade.
|
DISCONTINUED/REFINED MEASURE: Final Order Removals, Expedited
Removals, and Unexecuted Orders [INS] Data Definition: Unexecuted Final Orders - Removable Aliens: Aliens that have been issued final orders of removal but who have not been removed at the time of the report. Some of these aliens have been officially notified to report for their deportation, but have failed to do so. These are termed "absconders. Aliens "not readily removable:" include those who are incarcerated, officially designated as in a Temporary Protected Status, and aliens from countries with whom the US does not have repatriation agreements. Expedited Removal: The formal removal of an alien ordered removed by the INS after having been inspected and found to be inadmissible based on having no documents or fraudulent documents. Data Collection and Storage: INS collects removal and detention data in the Deportable Alien Control System (DACS) case tracking system. Data is input daily from physical Alien-files, primarily by INS Deportation Program staff, and to a lesser extent, inspectors and agents. DACS is updated throughout the life cycle of the case. Data Validation and Verification: DACS verification occurs through the headquarters DACS quality team, file reviews, comparison with monthly statistical reports, INSPECT team reviews, and district status reports and call-up lists. The Statistics Office of the Office of Policy and Planning conducts monthly quality reviews of DACS data. The verification of an alien's lawful status by the Law Enforcement Support Center (LESC) includes interfaces with DACS and other corporate information systems such as the Central Index System (CIS). INS also interfaces with the NCIC to report wanted and deported alien felons. Data Limitations: DACS removals records are complete, with 99 percent of total removals records entered within 6 months of the close of the fiscal year. A small but significant number of detention records (approximately 7 percent of over one hundred thousand records) are incomplete. The long-range plan is for DACS to migrate to the Enforcement Case Tracking System (ENFORCE) that will have the capability to track detention and removal cases. A new system the ENFORCE Removal Module (EREM) should permit the reduction of data entry errors, increase completeness and accuracy of data retrieval and provide greater data integrity. |
| Performance: | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED/REFINED MEASURE: Final Order Removals, Expedited Removals, and Unexecuted Orders [INS] (Formerly: Final Order Alien Removals) (NOTE: This indicator is being discontinued - the program has been transferred to the Department of Homeland Security.) | |
| FY 2002 Target: Criminal Removals: 65,000; Non-Criminal Removals: 42,500; Unexecuted Final Orders - Removable Aliens: 289,000 | |
| FY 2002 Actual: Criminal Removals: 67,946; Non-Criminal: 45,504; Expedited Removals: 33,945; Unexecuted Final Orders - Removable Aliens: 406,000 | |
|
Discussion: INS exceeded both the criminal and non-criminal removal targets for FY 2002. INS re-evaluated the unexecuted final orders measure in FY 2002. After an in-depth review and validation of the data encompassing all active cases in the INS database, including absconders and all other forms of unexecuted final order cases, INS revised the measure to include all removable aliens, not just absconders. As of September 30, 2002, there was a 406,000 case backlog of removable unexecuted final orders and a 196,000 case backlog of not readily removable unexecuted final orders of removal, for a total of 602,000 unexecuted orders. [NOTE: Aliens "not readily removable" include those who are incarcerated, officially designated as in a Temporary Protected Status, and those who are nationals of Laos, Vietnam or Cuba (countries that refuse to accept repatriation of their nationals).] |
|
| Public Benefit: Focused efforts to remove all aliens, especially criminals and absconders, promotes the public safety, enhances the national security and will create a deterrent to continued illegal migration. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
To facilitate efficient and expedient removals, repatriations, and information
sharing, INS works in conjunction with BOP, USMS, state and local law enforcement,
and foreign governments. INS shares facilities with BOP and coordinates detainee
bed space. Additionally, INS coordinates with BOP when aliens serving federal
sentences are processed for removal before completion of their sentence under
the Institutional Removal Program. INS also shares facilities with USMS, and relies
on USMS for some of their transportation needs through the JPATS program. Through
this cooperation, INS is able to maximize available bed space and meet transportation
requirements more efficiently. INS also works to develop additional agreements
with foreign governments to facilitate repatriation.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.3: IMMIGRATION BENEFITS SERVICES Provide timely and consistent services and achieve a substantial reduction in the benefits processing backlog |
| 5.3A Ensure Immigration Benefit Services are Timely, Fair, and Consistent |
Background/Program Objectives:
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.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Average Case Processing Time (Months)
[INS] DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Level of Compliance with Naturalization
Quality Procedures [INS] 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. |
| 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. 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: See below. | |
| 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: The public will benefit by receiving immigration information and benefits in a timely, accurate, consistent, courteous, and professional manner. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
INS coordinates with the FBI for fingerprint screening. INS coordinates with the
Department of State and Department of Labor in the Data-share initiative to electronically
share traveler visa and application information to improve the issuance process
and improve identification of fraudulent visas. The Student and Exchange Visitor
Program is directed by INS in partnership with the Department of State and the
Department of Education.
| 5.3B Ensure Asylum and Refugee Cases are Timely, Fair, and Consistent |
Background/Program Objectives:
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.
|
DISCONTINUED/NEW MEASURE: Timely Completion of Asylum Reform
(60 days) & Expedited Removals Cases (14 days) [INS] 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. |
| Performance: | |
| Performance Measure: DISCONTINUED 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: The public benefits by receiving asylum and asylum-related status determinations that are timely, fair, and consistent with United States law and international obligations. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
INS coordinates with the FBI for fingerprint screening. INS coordinates with the
Department of State and Department of Labor in the Data-share initiative to electronically
share traveler visa and application information to improve the issuance process
and improve identification of fraudulent visas.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.4: ORGANIZATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE Improve operational efficiency and organizational effectiveness of the INS workforce |
| 5.4A Conduct Effective Information Systems Planning and Management to Provide an Adequate, Cost Effective and Compliant IT Environment |
Background/Program Objectives:
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.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Compliant, Secure & Adequate IT Systems
[INS] 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. |
| 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: Accomplishment of the INS mission depends on secure electronic collection, transmittal, integration, storage, and access of information. INS must also stay abreast of increased technological demands and improve the ability of the public to interact with the INS. The IT equipment used in the field must be able to handle these demands. The security and reliability of this information is required to ensure accurate application of immigration laws and protection of U.S. borders through efficient and appropriate enforcement activities. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
These measures are largely internal to DOJ and are administered by INS.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.5: QUALITY OF DATA Provide accurate, easy-to-use, readily accessible, and up-to-date information to meet planning and operational needs |
| 5.5A Provide Accurate and Readily Accessible Information |
Background/Program Objectives:
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.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Public Use Forms Available Online
[INS] DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Forms That Can Be Filled Online and Filed
Online [INS] 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. |
| 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: 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. Notably, the INS is providing a convenient alternative for obtaining public use forms. In doing so, the INS saves on printing and postage costs used to get these forms to the public and decreases the likelihood that persons will visit INS offices for the sole purpose of obtaining public use forms. | |
| 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. 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: 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: The ability to file online will provide the public a convenient, paperless alternative for submitting public use forms and benefits applications. In addition, it will improve INS' application processing time through elimination of data entry and, in some instances, the elimination of the need for the INS to scan photographs, signatures, and/or pressed prints for document production. | |
Crosscutting Activities:
These measures are largely internal to DOJ and are administered by INS.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.6: BORDER FACILITATION Improve the efficiency of the inspections process for lawful entry of persons and goods |
| 5.6A Facilitate Port-of-Entry Traffic and Monitor Deferred Inspections |
Background/Program Objectives:
The rapid, continuing growth of passenger and vehicular traffic places greater
demands on the inspection process. In addition, the September 11, 2001 terrorist
attack 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.
|
DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Total Commercial flights to Clear
Primary Inspection within 30 Minutes [INS] DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Land Border Wait Times (FY98-01 Goal=20
Minutes or Less, FY02 Goal=30 Minutes or Less) [INS] 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 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. |
| 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: INS to complies with more stringent security requirements to implement the Congressional legislative mandates from the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 and the USA PATRIOT Act of 2001, all of which impact INS' ability to effectively accomplish its dual mission at the ports. INS's dual mission is to provide the law-abiding public with service that must be balanced against the need to maintain national security. | |
| 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. |
|
| Public Benefit: See above | |
Crosscutting Activities:
At land POEs, INS Immigration Inspectors collect data on processing times in cooperation
with the U.S. Customs Service (USCS). Pursuant to a 1979 Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU), INS and the USCS agreed to staff land POE vehicle lanes on an equal basis.
Since September 11, 2001, POEs have modified this ratio dependent upon location.
INS Immigration Inspectors coordinate operational initiatives with other federal, state, local, and international law enforcement agencies to minimize adverse affects of enforcement operations on traffic management at POEs. On the international front, INS Immigration Inspectors coordinate traffic management and other operational activities with national border control authorities in Mexico and Canada.
INS Immigration Inspectors maintain working relationships with the intelligence community, routinely sharing information that is aimed at the interdiction and interception of document fraud and human trafficking at United States POEs. These activities enhance traffic management at the POEs by enabling Immigration Inspectors to perform law enforcement responsibilities while effectively managing traffic, both pedestrian and vehicular. Continuation of these operations in FY 2003 will enhance INS Immigration Inspectors' ability to thwart fraud, human trafficking, and terrorism at United States POEs.
| STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE & ANNUAL GOAL 5.7: ADJUDICATION Adjudicate all immigration cases promptly and impartially in accordance with due process |
| 5.7A Adjudicate Immigration Cases in a Fair and Timely Manner |
Background/Program Objectives:
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.
|
% of EOIR Cases Completed Within Target Time Frames [EOIR] 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. |
| 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. EOIR is considering new, and more appropriate, measures for the BIA in FY 2003. |
|
| FY 2003 Performance Plan Evaluation: Based on FY 2002 performance, we plan to meet our original FY 2003 goals of 90% Expedited Asylum Cases within 180 days; 90% IHP (Criminal) Cases before release; and 90% Detained Cases Without Applications for Relief within 30 days. However, based on FY 2002 performance and the implementation of the BIA procedural reform regulation, we have revised our FY 2003 goals for the Board of Immigration Appeals. The Revised FY 2003 goals for the BIA are 95% of legacy cases completed and 90% of Detained Appeals within 180 days of receipt. | |
| FY 2004 Performance Plan: 90% Expedited Asylum Cases within 180 days; 90% IHP (Criminal) Cases before release; 90% Detained Cases Without Applications for Relief within 30 days; 90% Detained Appeals within 180 days of receipt; 90% Non-detained appeals assigned to a single Board member within 90 days of assignment; 90% Non-detained appeals assigned to a 3-member panel within 180 days of assignment | |
| Public Benefit: EOIR's adjudication functions are part of the government's larger immigration program. As such, EOIR's ability to adjudicate cases in a timely fashion allows the larger system to operate more efficiently. This includes the efficient utilization of INS detention bed spaces. The guarantee of fairness and due process remains a cornerstone of our judicial system. EOIR's role in the provision of relief in meritorious cases and in the denial of relief in others helps assure the integrity of the overall process. | |
Strategies to Achieve the FY2003/FY 2004 Goal:
EOIR will continue to target new resources and to reallocate existing resources
to the adjudication of the priority caseload as described. This includes the adjustment
of court dockets to increase the number of calendars devoted to detained cases
and increasing the volume and frequency of Immigration Judge details to federal,
state and local correctional facilities as needed. EOIR will continue to implement
the BIA procedural reforms regulation promulgated by the Attorney General. This
includes additional streamlining measures and review of cases by single Board
members.
Crosscutting Activities:
EOIR coordinates with INS and BOP in operating its Institutional Hearing Program,
which is intended to resolve immigration cases before non-citizen inmates are
released from prison. With respect to coordination involving adjudication processes
overall, EOIR coordinates routinely with the INS and the Civil Division. Although
EOIR is an independent component of the Department, its workload is linked to
INS enforcement activities and adjudication policies. Similarly, EOIR's ability
to adjudicate cases in a timely fashion affects other Department goals, e.g.,
the expeditious removal of criminal aliens, the efficient use of limited detention
space, and the timely provision of relief in meritorious cases.
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Estimated Number of Illegal Aliens Residing
in the U.S. (in millions) [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-3.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Estimated Annual Entries and Departures
to the U.S. Illegal Population (in 1,000s) [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-4.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: High Priority Border Corridors Demonstrating
Optimum Deterrence [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-5.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Targeted Alien Smuggling & Trafficking
Organizations Identified, Disrupted and Dismantled [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-6.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Interception of Mala Fide and Offshore
Travelers en route to the US [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-7.png)
![DISCONTINUED/REFINED MEASURE: Final Order Removals, Expedited
Removals, and Unexecuted Orders [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-8.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Average Case Processing Time (Months)
[INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-9.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Level of Compliance with Naturalization
Quality Procedures [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-10.png)
![DISCONTINUED/NEW MEASURE: Timely Completion of Asylum Reform
(60 days) & Expedited Removals Cases (14 days) [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-11.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Compliant, Secure & Adequate IT Systems
[INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-12.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Public Use Forms Available Online
[INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-13.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: Forms That Can Be Filled Online and Filed
Online [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-14.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Total Commercial flights to Clear
Primary Inspection within 30 Minutes [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-15.png)
![DISCONTINUED MEASURE: % of Land Border Wait Times (FY98-01 Goal=20
Minutes or Less, FY02 Goal=30 Minutes or Less) [INS]](images/Section05/Fig5-16.png)
![% of EOIR Cases Completed Within Target Time Frames [EOIR]](images/Section05/Fig5-17.png)