T5 B5 Yates- Bill Fdr- Misc Ins-cis Info In Folder- 1st Pgs For Reference 175

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services STATEMENT

OF

EDUARDO AGUIRRE JR. DIRECTOR U.S. CITIZENSHIP AND IMMIGRATION SERVICES U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

REGARDING A HEARING ON

"US AND MEXICO: IMMIGRATION POLICY AND THE BILATERAL RELATIONSHIP" BEFORE THE

SENATE FOREIGN RELATIONS COMMITTEE

MARCH 23, 2004

1/04/2004 17:22 FAX U.S. Department of Homeland Security Washington, DC 20528

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

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Service Center Government Personnel Data What follows is a listing of Government positions authorized at each of the respective Service Centers1: », Service Center f - a . Number of Positions Authorized2

csc N S C-- , £ ' Pw«* H

816 586

TSC -Te*^ VSC -- V'&r «" ** NBC „„,-

605

803 207

*The data provided above is as of March 2003. Fraud Detection Unit (FDU) Personnel Data What follows is a listing of Intelligence Research Specialist and Investigative Assistants authorized at each of the respective Fraud Detection Units1: . i Fraud Detection Unit California Nebraska Texas Vermont Missouri

Number of Positions IRS -"" 8 8 ]0 8 2

Authorized IA3 5 6 4 11 3

*The data provided above is as of February 2004.

!

Includes both terra and permanent government employees.

* Although vacancies exist the numbers provide a fairly accurate representation of the number of personnel actually on board. Some positions are currently in the hiring process (i.e. proceeding through clearance). 3 These numbers reflects the number of lAs currently assigned to the FDU. Others are accounted for in the Service Center dala.

NATURALIZATION BENEFITS

Page 2 of2

N-400 Naturalization Applications Receipts, Oaths'Approved, and Pending 100,000

1,200,000

Receipts Approvals/Oaths Pending

• The number of pending cases decreased less than 1 percent compared to one year ago. Pending cases have steadily decreased from April 2002. • September 2002 naturalization approvals/oaths increased by about 22,000 compared to August 2002. The same comparison for September 2003 showed an increase of about 12,400.

Last Modified 12/05/2003

http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/aboutus/statistics/msrsep03/NATZ.HTM

2/11/2004

Introduction to Electronic Filing (E-Filing) USCIS Forms

Page 1 of 3

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Introduction to Electronic Filing (E-Filing) USCIS Forms Two USCIS forms can be filed online using the Internet: • Form 1-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and • Form 1-765, Application for Employment Authorization Applicants can E-File Form G-28, Notice of Entry of Appearance as Attorney or Representative, along with Form 1-90 or Form 1-765. Please note that USCIS now offers more payment options for customers who E-File. See Before Completing Your Application for more information. Eligibility Requirements Before Completing Your Application After Completing Your Application Scheduling an Appointment for Fingerprinting and Photographs E-Filing Tips Links to More Information on E-Filing Eligibility Requirements Most customers are eligible to E-File, but a few are not. You cannot E-File if: • You live outside the United States; • You are applying for a waiver of the filing fee; or • Your Permanent Resident Card was issued to you before you were 14 and you have reached your 14th birthday. Also, some applicants, because of their status, may not be able to E-File their application. Review the form's E-Filing Instructions and Eligibility Requirements before proceeding. Before Completing Your Application To E-File, you will need: • Adobe Acrobat Reader version 5 • Netscape 4.7 or higher, or Internet Explorer 5.0 or higher • A printer to print your application and Confirmation Receipt notice • A checking or savings account from which to electronically transfer U.S. funds for fee payment; OR a credit card (American Express,

http://uscis.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/efiling.htm

2/20/2004

District Office 1-360 Sent To Be Sent Rtn to TSC Remain in Fid ANC ATL BAL BOS BUF CHI CLE DAL DEN DET ELP HEL

HHW HLG HOU KAN LOS MIA

NEW NOL NYC

OMA PHI PHO POM POO SAJ SEA SFR SNA SND SPM

WAS SUB-TOTAL Blank TOTAL

0 15 3 10 2 6 3 10 3 2 2 0 0 1 8 2 31 31 11 7 24 2 4 5 0 1 2

0 15 3 10 2 6 2 10 3 2 2 0 0 1 8 2 31 31 10 7 22 1 4 5 0 1 2 3;;y 3 16 16 2 2 3 3 4 4 9 9 222 217 2 2 224 217

0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1 0 2

1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 0 5

0 0 3 TO 2 6 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 8 1 0 3 0 4 21 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 15 1 3 4 0 88 0 88

1-539 Sent To Be Sent Rtn to TSC

0 15 0 0 0 0 1 10 3 2 1 0 0

1 0

1 31 28 10 3 1 0 4 5 0 0 0 2 1 1 0 0 9 129 2 129

0 12 12 12 2 24 9 13 6 8 0 1 2 0 10 2 31 16 10 3 24 2 7 2 2 0 1 5 11 3 0 4 8 242 1 243

0 12 12 12 2 24 9 13 6 8 0 1 2 0 10 2 31 16 10 3 24 2 7 2 2 0 1 5 11 3 0 4 8 242 1 242

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 10

11 1 0 9

1 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0

11

0 0 13

1 0 0 0 0 0 0

11 0 0 3 0 73 0 73

Remain in Fid

1-129 Sent To Be Sent Rtn to TSC Remain in Fid

0 0 0 12 10 7 2 7 7 1 13 12 1I 1 1 24 16 15 0 1 1 12 8 5 6 2 2 8 8 8 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 10 12 11 2 3 3 31 22 22 5 32 30 10 21 20 2 2 3 11 30 28 1 1 1 7 7 5 2 2 2 11 1 2 0 0 0 1 11 1 3 3 5 0 26 26 1 1 3 5 5 0 1 1 1 6 4 8 169 243 224 1 3 3 169 246 221

0 3 0 1 0 1 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 19 3 22

0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 15 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 1 0 27 1 28

1-140 Sent To Be Sent

0 0 0 7 7 7 5 16 16 12 24 24 1 2 2 15 26 26 1 14 14 5 3 3 2 7 7 4 4 8 0 0 0 0 2 2 1 1 0 0 0 0 11 6 5 1 3 1 22 16 16 14 28 9 20 19 18 2 2 1 13 22 21 1 2 2 5 6 6 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 4 3 4 19 7 6 1 4 4 5 0 0 2 0 2 4 26 26 197 240 230 2 0 0 193 240 230

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 5 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

1

0 0 0 0 10 0 10

Rtn to TSC Remain in Fid

0 0 9 9 1 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 6 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 33 0 33

0 7 7 15 1 25 13 3 7 4 0 2 0 0 5 1 16 9 18 1 15 2 5 1 1 1 0 4 2 4 0 2 26 197 0 197

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Service Center IHrector Deputy Center jDirecto

Assistant Center Director for Enforcement Operations Division

Assistant Center Directors for Adjudications

Family Based Services Adjustment Services Business Services Naturalizati on Services

65

INS ^539 Change of Status Application Process Applicant submits INS 1-539 application to the appropriate INS Service Center: September 15, 2000 Mohamed Atta sends his 1-539 and 1-20 applications to the Texas Service Center Mesquite facility. INS contractor mailroom receives application and reviews for signature and appropriate fee; if incomplete, returns to sender; if complete, date-stamps and creates receipt file: September 19, 2000 Atta's application is date-stamped and a file is created. Receipt file given to Key Entry Operator, who enters data into INS CLAIMS. Bar code label with unique file number is generated and affixed on file: September 22, 2000 Atta's application is entered into CLAIMS and receipt file number produced. Notice of receipt letter printed and sent to applicant: September 22, 2000 Notice of receipt letter generated and sent to Atta from the Mesquite facility. Receipt file is batched in groups of 25 and held for 2-3 days to ensure monetary fees are collected and tallied. Receipt file is sent to the file room in the Work Distribution Unit (WDU): September 25, 2000 Atta's file is received by the WDU. File is "called up" by a supervisor for assignment to a Center Adjudications Officer (CAO): July 6, 2001 Atta's file is "called up" for adjudication at the TSC. CAO reviews the file for supporting documentation. CAO decides to approve, deny, or request additional evidence for each application. f

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CAO approves application and sends student copy of 1-20 to the student:

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CAO updates CLAIMS after approving 1-539 and approval notice is generated and sent:

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July 17, 2001 CAO approves Atta's 1-539 application and sends student copy of the 1-20 to Atta. \

July 17, 2001 CAO updates CLAIMS; approval notice is automatically generated and sent to Atta from Mesquite facility.

CAO places school copy of 1-20 in a tray, and I-20s are eventually mailed to ACS in London, Kentucky: Exact date unknown ^ CAO places Huffman Aviation copy of 1-20 in tray; 1-20 is mailed by clerical emplovee to ACS.

CAO returns adjudicated file to Mesquite facility where it is stored in the WDU for 90 days in case of inquiry about the file is received before being sent to Federal Records Center: ! August 14, 2001 ^ Atta's file returned to the WDU.

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This chart depicts the process for 1-539 change of status applications processed at the Texas Service Center in 20002001.

Page 1 of2

APPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRATION BENEFITS

I APPLICATIONS FOR IMMIGRATION BENEFITS Applications and petitions for immigration benefits in September 2003 increased 23 percent compared to ti number received in September 2002. September approvals were up 25 percent, while denials decreased by percent when compared to September 2002. For fiscal year 2003 receipts increased 4 percent, while approve decreased 15 percent compared to fiscal year 2002. Month Sep-2002

Sef-2903 Initial Receipts1 Approved Denied Pending1

%Ckaage

Total

Fiscal Fear FY2002toDate

F¥ 2 003 to Date

% Change FY29K

617,970 503,335 62,052

501,047 403,929 63,603

23 25 -2

6,559,773 4,840,433 667,755

6,324,496 5,690,938 635,557

4 -15 5

6,224,41 5,690,9: 635,5.'

5,510,553

4,383,154

26

5,510,553

4,383,154

26

4,383,1'

Data Source: PAS G-22.2

1

Receipts and Pending do not reflect an estimated 2,900 l-485s filed but not data entered.

Applications for Benefits: Receipts, Approved, and Fending

1,000,000 T—-—

r 6,000,000

5,000,000

5£

600,000

&

500,000 ;

4,000,000

3,000,000

£ 'I" 400,000 0)

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- • 2,000,000 300,000

-Initial Receipts 200,000

-Approved

• 1,000,000

-Pending 100,000 H

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http://uscis.gov/graphics/shared/aboutus/statistics/msrsep03/BENEFIT.HTM

2/20/2004

Press Office

I'.S. Department of Homeland Security

U.S. Gli/enship and Immigraiion Services

News Release

February 2, 2004 Contact: USCIS, Public Affairs 202-353-8472

USCIS PRIORITIZES BACKLOG REDUCTION IN FY 2005 BUDGET Washington, D.C.- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today requested $1.711 billion in the FY 2005 budget, including a 60% increase in funding dedicated to the reduction of the immigration benefits backlog. The FY 2005 budget requests $140 million in discretionary funding and $1.57 billon in mandatory funding, or fee revenues for legal immigration benefits. "Our progress in restoring integrity and public confidence in America's legal immigration system allows us to further emphasize reducing the backlog. We anticipate a $60 million increase over FY 2004 to help realize the President's goal of six-month processing times for all immigration benefit applications by the end of FY 2006," said USCIS Director Eduardo Aguirre. USCIS prioritizes enhancing national security, reducing the backlog and improving customer service. In its first year, USCIS: initiated on-line options for application filing and case status updates; established the Office of Citizenship; eliminated lines at some of its highest volume offices; introduced atoll-free customer service help line; streamlined the Certificate of Citizenship process for internationally adopted children; developed a more secure travel document for permanent residents; and completed the leadership team. The FY 2005 USCIS budget includes $765 million for immigration services, $400 million for nonimmigrant services, $247 million for citizenship services, $139 million for asylum/refugee services and a total of $160 million for backlog reduction. Funded almost entirely by fees rather tax dollars, USCIS is required to conduct a review every two years to ensure that adequate revenue is collected. On Tuesday, February 3rd, USCIS will announce the results of its review. Today, and each business day, USCIS will: process 140,000 national security background checks; receive 100,000 web hits; take 50,000 calls at four National Customer Service Centers; adjudicate 30,000 applications for an immigration benefit; see 25,000 visitors at 92 district offices; issue 20,000 green cards; capture 8,000 sets of fingerprints at 130 Application Support Centers; welcome 3,000 newly naturalized citizens; greet 100 refugees; and help American parents adopt 100 foreign children. -USCISOn March 1, 2003, U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services became one of three legacy INS components to join the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. USCIS is charged with fundamentally transforming and improving the delivery of immigration and citizenship services, while enhancing our nation's security. w\v\v.uscis.aov