NCJ Number
169186
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
The processes used by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) for naturalizing aliens and fingerprinting are discussed with respect to the problems involved and the changes INS has made, including the internal controls in the revised processes.
Abstract
INS received about 1.3 million naturalization applications between September 1995 and September 1996; almost 1.05 million aliens were naturalized. Some aliens with certain disqualifying criminal felony convictions were improperly naturalized, probably because INS adjudicators were not made aware of the results of the Federal Bureau of Investigation check of the aliens' criminal history records. In addition, both the Department of Justice's Inspector General and the General Accounting Office have identified problems with the fingerprinting component of the process, including the ability of individuals to have someone else complete the INS fingerprint card and then submit the prints as their own. In November 1996 the INS Commissioner announced changes designed to improve the process and ensure that people were using their own fingerprints. However, an April 1997 report by Peat Marwick revealed that INS had not ensured that its field units were following these instructions. Thus, questions remain about the extent to which INS can today assure itself and Congress that it is granting citizenship only to those applicants who deserve it.