Illegal Aliens: INS' Processes for Denying Aliens Entry Into the United States
Abstract
This report discusses the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) processes for handling aliens who attempt to enter the county illegally. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, under score the importance of effectively controlling the legal and illegal entry of aliens into the United States. Aliens enter the United States legally or illegally. Generally, legal entry requires aliens to first obtain visas at a U.S. consulate and appropriate travel documents, such as passports, from their own country. They then present themselves for INS inspection at a U.S. port of entry. Aliens may enter legally as immigrants or nonimmigrants. Immigrants enter for purposes of becoming lawful permanent residents. In addition, refugees and immediate relatives spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens can also be admitted. Nonimmigrants are admitted for a specified period of time for a specific purpose, such as tourism, business, or schooling. Under certain conditions, nonimmigrants in the United States may apply to INS to have their status changed to that of immigrant. Aliens enter illegally by evading INS inspections. They might enter at a port of entry and present fraudulent documents or cross the U.S. border between ports of entry. This testimony draws on prior reports and focuses mainly on INS' processes for denying aliens entry at land and airports of entry, including the expedited removal and credible fear processes.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 13, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA396511
Entities
People
- Richard M. Stana
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office