INS Definition

INS is an abbreviation for the former U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service agency. INS was established in 1933 as part of the U.S. Department of Justice. The agency ceased to exist under that name on March 1, 2003

History of the INS

The INS had four main divisions—Programs: Field Operations, Policy and Planning, and Management.

The Field Operations divisions were responsible for enforcement and examinations that included the arresting and deporting of illegal immigrants. It was also responsible for controlling illegal and legal entry into the United States.

The Field Operations division was responsible for overseeing INS' operating offices both in the U.S. and internationally.

The Office of Policy and Planning handled information as well as the communication between INS and other government agencies and the public. It was divided into three areas: the Policy Division, the Planning Division, and the Evaluation and Research Center.

The Management division, was responsible for maintaining INS' overall mission by providing administrative services. These duties were carried out by the offices of Information Resources Management, Finance, Human Resources and Administration, and Equal Employment Opportunity.

[U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Immigration services

Three agencies belonging to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) now perform the former INS functions:: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Immigration services, including permanent residence, naturalization, asylum, and other functions became the responsibility of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is responsible for the investigative and enforcement functions (including investigations, deportation, and intelligence). Border functions, which included the Border Patrol and INS Inspectors, were combined with U.S. Customs Inspectors to create U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).