Immigration and Naturalization Service Restructuring Act of 1998
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (11 Aug 1998): Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.
What this bill does
H.R. 4363, the Immigration and Naturalization Service Restructuring Act of 1998, would have reorganized the INS's internal management structure. The bill would replace the agency's existing organization with three main components under a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner: an Office of Immigrant Services, an Office of Enforcement Operations, and an Office of Shared Services, each headed by an Executive Associate Commissioner. It also creates a Chief Financial Officer position and a strategic planning unit at headquarters. The stated goal was to separate immigration benefits/services functions from enforcement functions (border patrol, inspections, investigations, removals, and detention) into distinct chains of command, while consolidating administrative support (technology, records, personnel, facilities) in a shared services office.
The bill primarily affects the internal operations of the INS itself—its leadership structure, staff organization, and administrative processes—rather than directly changing immigration law or eligibility rules. It includes savings provisions ensuring pending legal proceedings, licenses, and court cases are unaffected by the reorganization, and it makes conforming technical amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act replacing references to INS "districts" with "designated offices." It also sets the Commissioner's future pay at Executive Schedule Level III. The changes would have taken effect October 1, 2000.
The bill was introduced on July 30, 1998, by Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC), with Rep. Howard Berman as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It received no further action, no committee vote, and was not enacted before the 105th Congress ended.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
TABLE OF CONTENTS: Title I: Agency Organization Title II: Conforming Amendments Immigration and Naturalization Service Restructuring Act of 1998 - Title I: Agency Organization - Provides for the restructuring of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) along enforcement and service functions. States that INS shall be lead by a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner and be composed of an: (1) Office of Immigrant Services (service and benefit activities); (2) Office of Enforcement Operations (border and interior enforcement activities); and (3) Office of Shared Services (enforcement and service support activities). Establishes an office of Chief Financial Officer and an office to direct strategic planning and statistical measures. Title II: Conforming Amendments - Makes conforming amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Timeline
11 Aug 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4363 do?
- H.R. 4363, the Immigration and Naturalization Service Restructuring Act of 1998, would have reorganized the INS's internal management structure. The bill would replace the agency's existing organization with three main components under a Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner: an Office of Immigrant Services, an Office of Enforcement Operations, and an Office of Shared Services, each headed by an Executive Associate Commissioner. It also creates a Chief Financial Officer position and a strategic planning unit at headquarters. The stated goal was to separate immigration benefits/services functions from enforcement functions (border patrol, inspections, investigations, removals, and detention) into distinct chains of command, while consolidating administrative support (technology, records, personnel, facilities) in a shared services office. The bill primarily affects the internal operations of the INS itself—its leadership structure, staff organization, and administrative processes—rather than directly changing immigration law or eligibility rules. It includes savings provisions ensuring pending legal proceedings, licenses, and court cases are unaffected by the reorganization, and it makes conforming technical amendments to the Immigration and Nationality Act replacing references to INS "districts" with "designated offices." It also sets the Commissioner's future pay at Executive Schedule Level III. The changes would have taken effect October 1, 2000. The bill was introduced on July 30, 1998, by Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC), with Rep. Howard Berman as a cosponsor, and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. It received no further action, no committee vote, and was not enacted before the 105th Congress ended.
- Has H.R. 4363 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4363. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4363?
- H.R. 4363 was sponsored by Rep. Watt, Melvin L. [D-NC-12] (D-NC), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4363?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration and Claims. (11 Aug 1998).
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