Borders, Customs, and Immigration

▶Agencies

Homeland Security Dept. (DHS), Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, MS 0180, 20528-0180; (202) 357-8100. Fax, (202) 357-0042. Michael Dougherty, Ombudsman. Toll-free, (855) 882-8100.

General email, cisombudsman@hq.dhs.gov

Web, www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman

Assists individuals and employers in resolving problems with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS); proposes changes in the administrative practices of USCIS in an effort to mitigate identified problems.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (Homeland Security Dept.), 20 Massachusetts Ave. N.W., 20529; (800) 375-5283. Kenneth (Ken) T. Cuccinelli, Director (Acting). Customer Service Center, (800) 375-5283. Press, (202) 272-1200. TTY, (800) 767-1833.

Web, www.uscis.gov and Twitter, @USCIS

Responsible for the delivery of immigration and citizenship services. Priorities include the promotion of national security and the implementation of measures to improve service delivery.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Homeland Security Dept.), 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., #4.4A, 20229; (202) 325-8000. Fax, (202) 344-1380. Mark Morgan, Commissioner (Acting). Press, (202) 344-1700. Toll-free, (877) 227-5511. TTY, (800) 877-8339.

Web, www.cbp.gov and Twitter, @cbp

Assesses and collects duties and taxes on imported merchandise; processes persons and baggage entering the United States; controls export carriers and goods to prevent fraud and smuggling. Library open to the public by appointment.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Homeland Security Dept.), Agricultural Program and Trade Liaison Office, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., #2.5B, 20229; (202) 344-3298. Fax, (202) 344-1442. Kevin Harriger, Executive Director.

Web, www.cbp.gov

Responsible for safeguarding the nation’s animal and natural resources from pests and disease through inspections at ports of entry and beyond.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (Homeland Security Dept.), Border Patrol, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W., #6.5E, 20229; (202) 344-2050. Fax, (202) 344-3140. Rodney S. Scott, Chief.

Web, www.cbp.gov/border-security/along-us-borders/overview

Mobile uniformed law enforcement arm of the Homeland Security Dept. Primary mission is to detect and prevent the illegal trafficking of people and contraband across U.S. borders.

[Page 643]U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) (Homeland Security Dept.), 500 12th St. S.W., 20536; (202) 732-3000. Fax, (202) 732-3080. Matthew Albence, Director (Acting). Hotline to report suspicious activity, (866) 347-2423. Press, (202) 732-4242. TTY, (802) 872-6196.

Web, www.ice.gov and Twitter, @ICEgov

Enforces immigration and customs laws within the United States. Focuses on the protection of specified federal buildings and on air and marine enforcement. Undertakes investigations and conducts interdictions.

▶Congress

For a listing of relevant congressional committees and subcommittees, please see pages 628–629 or the Appendix.