Career with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS)
Agents for the immigration and naturalization services can work nationwide, although the majority of the jobs exist in states that share borders with other countries, such as Mexico and Canada, or states where immigrants tend to enter in high numbers, such as New York and Florida. Agents for the INS work in tandem with other government agencies to ensure immigration laws are enforced and to safeguard and protect the rights of all Americans and legal immigrants.
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Job Duties
The job duties of an INS agent are varied. Some agents help facilitate the transition of immigrants to America. This may involve working with immigrants who lawfully enter the country in order to help them through entering and through the immigration and citizenship process.
Some agents also enforce immigration laws by preventing illegal immigrants from entering. This can include patrolling borders and checking for identification and authorized entry papers.
Still other agents find and arrest illegal immigrants who have made their way into the country without following the proper immigration procedures. These agents may work undercover, or may be in dangerous situations in which they go in the field and arrest immigrants for deportation. Such agents may also have to appear in deportation hearings in court in order to testify.
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Education
Those interested in working for the immigration and naturalization services must be US citizens with a valid drivers license. They must have either three years of work experience in a related field, or a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or a combination of academics and experiences. Degrees can be in any field that demonstrates strong organizational and analytical skills, but degrees in criminal justice are preferred.
Agents must also pass a background check and a medical and drug test. After meeting the minimum hiring criteria and undergoing these exams, successful applicants attend a seventeen-week training program at the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center in Glynco, Ga. During this program, individuals learn all aspects of working as an INS agent and become familiar with the duties they will need to fulfill.
Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Job Prospects
Jobs are available for part time work, seasonal work, intermittent work and full time work. Obtaining jobs with the INS can be competitive, so you may want to consider starting with seasonal or part time work and working your way up to a full time position.
Those who are full time agents with the INS generally have a starting salary of $20,000 to $25,000 per year and can move up with experience and seniority.
