NEWS RELEASE

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Immigration and Naturalization Service Commissioner Ziglar Announces Personnel Changes

March 15, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Commissioner James Ziglar announced personnel changes to address immediate needs in immigration procedures, services and enforcement following the recent mailings of letters certifying the student visa status of September 11th hijackers.

"The breakdown in communication, highlighted by this week’s events, at INS is unacceptable and will not be allowed," said Ziglar.  "Our mission is to enforce our immigration laws fairly and deliberately. These changes begin the process of accountability as we move forward with the restructuring of INS by separating its service and enforcement functions.  Our pledge is to improve the efficiency and effectivenes of the nation’s immigration system."

The following personnel have been named to the listed positions: 

• Renee Harris has been named the Acting Director for International Affairs.  Harris has been serving as the Acting Deputy Chief for the United States Border Patrol.
• Johnny Williams has been named Executive Associate Commissioner for Field Operations.  Williams has been serving as the INS Regional Director for Western region.
• Janis Sposato has been named the Assistant Deputy Executive Associate Commissioner for Immigration Services. Sposato has been serving as the Special Counsel to the Commissioner.
• Michael Cronin has been named the Assistant Commissioner for Inspections.  Cronin has been serving as the Acting Executive Associate Commissioner for the Office of Programs.

– INS –