Immigration & Naturalization Service

The Department of Homeland Security now controls immigration and nationalization services.

Since shortly after September 11, 2001, when terrorists allegedly attacked the United States, all immigration and nationalization services have been overseen by the Department of Homeland Security. Before that time, various security tasks were distributed among different agencies.

Immigration and Naturalization Service

Before 9/11, the Immigration and Naturalization Service was responsible for controlling visas for people entering the country and enforcing immigration laws within the United States. INS was dissolved in January 2003.

Customs and Immigration Services

The U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, a department of DHS, was started in 2003 to oversee all legal immigration into the United States. USCIS provides immigration information via an extensive website, provides online visa application or download-able application forms, and administers tests to immigrants for naturalization as citizens.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, another department of DHS founded in 2003, is the second largest investigative agency in the United States. USICE investigates and enforces immigration laws, and processes apprehended illegal aliens for deportation.

References

• DHS: Brief Documentary History of the Department of Homeland Security
• USCIS: About Us
• USCIS: Our History
• USICE: Overview
• USCIS: Study for the Test

Resources

• USCIS: Immigration and Nationality Act