Grassley specifically asked that report language be included in the appropriations bill that provides funding to the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Grassley worked with Sen. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin to develop the language, which includes Wisconsin. The request was made to the two lead senators of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, State, and the Judiciary.
"We have a tremendous need in Iowa for more support and service personnel to manage the paperwork for legal immigrants. Last year, Congress provided an additional $170 million to address the backlog caused by this staffing shortage. This year, the message we want to get across to the INS is that the problem in Iowa and Wisconsin is serious and our states deserve a fair share of the federal resources set aside to address the workload," Grassley said.
Specifically, the requested report language reads:
"The Committee is concerned about the level of service provided at INS field offices in the Midwest region, particularly in the States of Wisconsin and Iowa. The Committee is aware of a failure to maintain appropriate staff levels at these offices so that routine processing and constituent services are either left unattended or subject to unreasonable delays. The Committee expects the INS to address these issues by filling existing staff vacancies, providing necessary additional service, public affairs and/or liaison personnel and developing a backlog reduction plan by December 1, 1999."
Today's letter represents a continued effort by Grassley to have additional INS support and service personnel put on the job in Iowa. He spoke directly with Commissioner Meissner about the need for personnel last December, and he repeated that request to the Attorney General in a letter also sent in December.