"The difficult mission of the INS became even more challenging after September 11, when individuals who exploited our immigration policies carried out violent acts of terror against American citizens," Grassley said. "I appreciate the INS moving forward to make improvements. Congress also needs to do its part and help see that structural and procedural changes are effective."
Grassley said he wants to make sure any make-over of the federal agency improves enforcement of immigration laws and ensures better management of legal immigration cases in Iowa.
On Monday afternoon, Grassley said he plans to visit the INS office located in Des Moines. Grassley was instrumental in getting an INS office opened in Iowa and has successfully worked to secure additional personnel, both for enforcement and casework. He is a senior member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Just this year, additional service workers were added to the INS staff in Des Moines to help cope with a backlog of cases.
"It's important for Congress to have a hearing on the administration's new proposal as quickly as possible. Even though congressional action is required to implement many of the reforms, other significant changes will be made administratively," Grassley said. He cautioned that previous efforts by the INS to restructure itself have fallen short and sometimes created new problems.
"An oversight hearing in December would provide a valuable and timely opportunity for the INS to spell out the details of its restructuring plan. Congress allocates tax dollars to the federal agencies, and members of Congress have a responsibility to ask questions and keep watch over the bureaucracy," said Grassley, who has compiled a record of effective oversight of various federal agencies.
Grassley asked Sens. Ted Kennedy (D-MA) and Sam Brownback (R-KS) to convene the hearing. Kennedy is the chairman and Brownback is the ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration.
The restructuring plan unveiled by administration officials on Thursday would separate the enforcement and service functions of the INS into two separate bureaus. Local, district and regional field offices would be replaced by separate offices for enforcement and immigration services. The INS said the reforms could begin in the next 30 days and take two years to complete.