Serving Our Visitors, Securing Our Borders

On March 1, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) became responsible for securing our nation's borders and managing the immigration process. In the past, these two missions were bundled together within one agency - the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Under DHS, however, immigration services and border enforcement functions will be divided into separate agencies.

The newly created Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services will focus exclusively on providing services such as efficiently processing applications for U.S. citizenship, administering the Visa program, administering work authorizations and other permits, and providing services for new residents and citizens.

Border security and the enforcement of immigration laws will be handled by the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security. BTS will absorb the INS's Border Patrol agents and investigators who will join with agents from the U.S. Customs Service, Transportation Security Administration and other enforcement personnel to protect the nation's borders. This mission includes not only managing illegal immigration, but also securing the borders against illicit drugs, unlawful commerce and - as the Department's main priority - the entry of terrorists and the instruments of terrorism.