Bush seeks to split INS into two agencies

Bush seeks to split INS into two agencies

klunney@govexec.com

Republican presidential contender George W. Bush proposed to split the Immigration and Naturalization Service into two agencies in a speech Monday, according to an Associated Press report.

Addressing the League of United Latin American Citizens, Bush said the the two missions of the INS-enforcing the border and welcoming new immigrants into the country-are at odds with one another.

Monday kicked off a week of Bush speeches to Hispanic and black audiences in an effort to convince voters that he is "a different kind of Republican."

Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, introduced the idea of dividing the INS into two in March, pushing the proposal through his subcomittee on immigration and claims.