Review of INS Policy on Releasing Illegal Aliens Pending Deportation

The hearing will examine how the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) processes persons arrested for illegal entry into the United States outside ports of entry, as well as the difference between procedures used at ports of entry and procedures used outside ports of entry for persons seeking or obtaining illegal entry into the United States. One issue of particular importance is the fact that many persons arrested for illegal entry outside ports of entry are released on bond or their own recognizance pending a deportation hearing. Another issue is the extent to which adequate background checks are conducted prior to any such release. The hearing will ask the question whether current procedures makes sense in light of the September 11th terrorist attack and our ongoing effort to defeat terrorism.