Effective March 1, 2003, the Immigration & Naturalization Service (INS) has become a part of the Department of Homeland Security.  The newly formed Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS)  now  handles  all of the INS’ benefits services.   The services provided by the BCIS include: the adjudication of family and employment-based petitions; issuance of employment authorization documents, asylum and refugee processing; naturalization; and implementation of special status programs such as Temporary Protected Status.

Officials are assuring the immigrant community that the entire transition is expected to be transparent and will ultimately provide better service.   

 “Yes, the INS technically ceases to exist at the end of this month, but we are committed to making this transition as seamless and smooth as possible for those we serve,” said Acting INS Commissioner Michael Garcia.

• Existing INS phone numbers and addresses remain valid and there are no expected immediate changes.  
• All local INS offices are expected to remain open and will function in essentially the same manner. 
• None of the forms currently used in processing will materially change; they will continue to be accepted by the BCIS. 
• The INS' Service Centers have retained jurisdiction over the same functions. 
• The new web address is www.immigration.gov.

All of the INS' other major functions, including enforcement are being housed in two agencies,  which are also reporting to the Department of Homeland Security:

Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement - (BICE)

The BICE is intended to enhance the Federal government’s ability to carry out an effective, comprehensive interior enforcement strategy.

Bureau of Customs and Border Protection - (BCBP)