List of Immigration-Related Acronyms
IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE
GLOSSARY AND ACRONYMS
ACB
-- Administrative Center Burlington
ACD -- Administrative Center Dallas
ACE -- Accelerated Citizen
Examination
ACL -- Administrative Center Laguna
Niguel
ACPA -- Assistant Chief Patrol Agent
ACT -- Administrative Center Twin
Cities
ADD -- Assistant District Director
ADDE -- Assistant District Director,
Examinations
ADDI -- Assistant District Director,
Investigations
ADDM -- Assistant District Director,
Management
ADIT -- Alien Documentation,
Identification and Telecommunication System
ADP-- Automated Data Processing
AFACS -- A-Files Accountability and
Control System
A File -- Basic Alien File (contains
Alien #)
AILA -- American Immigration Lawyers
Association
AM -- Administrative Manual
AMIO -- Alien Migration Interdiction
Operation
AMIS -- Asset Management Information
System
ANI -- Automatic Number Identifier
AO -- Administrative Officer
AO -- Asylum Officer
AOC -- Asylum Officer Corps
AOIC -- Assistant Officer-in-Charge
APHIS -- Animal and Plant Health
Inspection Services
APIS -- Advance Passenger Information
System
APO -- Administrative Center Property
Officer
APP -- Annual Performance Plan or
Automated Permit Port
ARC -- Alien Registration Card (Green
Card)
ASC -- Application Support Center
(Naturalization)
ASIS -- Anti-Smuggling Information
System
ASU -- Anti-Smuggling Unit
ASVI -- Alien Status Verification
Index
AUO -- Administratively
Uncontrollable Overtime
AVLOS -- Automated Visa Lookout
System
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B
BACS
-- Bond Accounting System
BAS -- Balanced Adjudications System
BCC -- Border Crossing Card (Mexico)
BCI -- Border Coordination Initiative
BCIC -- Border Crossing
Identification Card (I-586)
BHRHA -- Bureau of Human Rights and
Humanitarian Affairs
BIA -- Board of Immigration Appeals
BMIS -- Bond Management Information
System
BOP -- Bureau of Prisons
BORTAC -- Border Patrol Tactical Unit
(HQ at Biggs Army Airfield, TX)
BP -- Border Patrol
BPA -- Border Patrol Academy/Border
Patrol Agent
BPR -- Border Process Re-Engineering
Project
BPSH -- Border Patrol Sector
Headquarters
BRP -- Backlog Reduction Plan
(Naturalization)
BSC -- Baltimore Service Center
(telephones)
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C
CADRE
-- Computer Assisted Detection and Reports Enhancement System
CAO -- Center Adjudications Officer
CAP -- Citizens Advisory Panel
CAP -- Contracting and Procurement
CAP -- Cuban Adjustment Program
CATI -- Computer Assisted Telephone
Interviewing
CATS -- Consolidate Asset Tracking
System
CAWG -- Control Authorities Working
Group
CBOs -- Community-Based Organizations
CBIC -- Canadian Border Intelligence
Center
CBT -- Computer-Based Training
CCATTS -- Correspondence Control and
Task Tracking System
CFOA -- Chief Financial Officers Act
CFR -- Code of Federal Regulations
CI -- Criminal Investigator;
Cooperating Individual; Confidential Informant
CIC -- Crime Information Center
CIJ -- Chief Immigration Judge
CIMT -- Crimes Involving Moral
Turpitude
CIPRIS -- Coordinated Interagency
Partnership Regulating International Students, now SEVP
CIPS -- Combined Immigration and
Public Health Inspection Procedure
CIR -- Commission on Immigration
Reform
CIRP -- Computer Incident Response
Program
CIS -- Central Index System
CLAIMS -- Computer Linked Application
Information Management Systems
COLA -- Cost of living allowance
COTR -- Contracting Officer Technical
Representative
COTS -- jail management, hotel and
airline reservation software
CPA -- Chief Patrol Agent
CPS -- Current Population Survey
(Census)
CR -- Contact Representative
CRO -- Central Region Office (Dallas)
CSC -- California Service Center
(Laguna Niguel)
CSPM -- Computer Security Program
Manager
CSR -- Customer Service
Representative (IRM - Computer)
CSSO -- Computer Systems Security
Officer
CTRS -- Critical Transaction
Reporting System
CUSA -- Citizenship U.S.A.
C&TS -- Computer &
Telecommunications System
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D
D&D
-- Detention and Deportation
DACS -- Deportable Alien Control
System
DAO -- District Adjudication Officer;
or Deputy Adjudications Officer
DAS -- Duty Assignment Sheet (Border
Patrol)
DBM -- Distributed Budget Module
DCL -- Dedicated Commuter Lane
DCM -- Deputy Chief of Mission
DCOS -- Debt Collection System
DCPA -- Deputy Chief Patrol Agent
DD -- District Director
DDD -- Deputy District Director
DDOS -- Detention and Deportation
Optimization System
DDP -- Detention and Deportation
Program
DED -- Deferred Enforced Departure
DEO -- Detention Enforcement Officer
DFS -- Designated Fingerprint Service
DIAS -- Directives and Instructions
Access System
DMS -- Detention Management System
DO -- District Office; or Deportation
Officer
DOE -- Date of Entry
DOL -- Department of Labor
DOS -- Department of State
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E
EAC
-- Executive Associate Commissioner
EAD -- Employment Authorization
Document
EFOIA -- Electronic Freedom of
Information Act initiative
ELR -- Employee Labor Relations
ENFORCE -- Enforcement Case Tracking
System
EOD -- Entrance On Duty
EOIR – Executive Office for
Immigration Review
EPIC – El Paso Intelligence Center
ER -- Expedited Removal
ERO -- Eastern Region Office
(Burlington, VT)
ETC -- Eastern Telephone Center
EVD -- Extended Voluntary Departure
EVP -- Employment Verification Pilot
EVRP -- Encrypted Voice Radio Program
EWI -- Entry Without Inspection
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F
FAAS
-- Foreign Affairs Administrative Support System
FACS -- Financial Accounting and
Control System
FARES -- Fees and Applications
Receipt and Entry System
FCC -- Fingerprint Clearance
Coordination Center
FCO -- Files Control Office
FD-258 -- Fingerprint Card
FDL -- Forensic Document Laboratory
FEHBP -- Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program
FEPA -- Federal Employee Pay Act
FEPCA -- Federal Employee Pay
Comparability Act, 1990
FEGLI -- Federal Employees Group Life
Insurance
FFMS -- Federal Financial Management
System (will replace FACS)
FIPS -- FOIA/PA Information
Processing System
FLIR -- Forward-Looking Infrared
FLETC -- Federal Law Enforcement
Training Center
FLRA -- Fair Labor Relation Authority
FLSA -- Fair Labor Standard Act
FOIA/PA -- Freedom of Information
Act/ Privacy Act
FOS/HM -- Field Operations Support
& Hardware Maintenance
FRC -- Federal Records Centers
FSIP -- Federal Service Impasse Panel
FTE -- Full-Time Equivalent
FTP -- File Transfer Protocol
FTRs -- File Transfer Requests
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G
GEMS
-- General Counsel Management System
GMRA -- Government Management and
Reform Act
GPRA -- Government Performance and
Results Act
GREEN CARD -- Alien Registration
Receipt Card (Form I-151 or I-551)
GUI -- Graphical User Interface
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H
HMIO
-- Haitian Migration Interdiction Operation
HPO -- HQ Property Officer
HQFFM -- HQ Office of Files and Forms
Management
HQIAO -- HQ International Affairs
HQINS -- HQ Office of Inspections
HQIRM -- HQ Information Resource
Management
HQISD -- HQ Immigration Services
Division
HQMGM -- HQ Office of Management
HQOCR -- HQ Office of Congressional
Relations
HQOIA -- HQ Internal Audit
HQONO -- HQ Office of Naturalization
Operations
HQOPA -- HQ Office of Public Affairs
HQOPP -- HQ Office of Policy &
Planning
HQOPS -- HQ Office of Field
Operations
HQOCR -- HQ Office of Congressional
Relations
HQPRG -- HQ Office of Programs
HQREC -- HQ Office of Records
HQSEC -- HQ Office of Security
HQCSP -- HQ Career Sustainment
Program
HRO -- Human Resource Office
HTTP -- Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(server)
HW -- Hardware
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I
IA
-- Immigration Agent; or Investigative Assistant
IAO -- Office of International
Affairs
IATA -- International Air Transport
Association
IBIS -- Interagency Border Inspection
System
ICAD -- Integrated Computer Aided
Detection
ICAO -- International Civil Aviation
Organization
ICF -- Immigration Card Facility
(Arlington, TX)
ICMS -- Investigations Case
Management System
ICPS -- Integrated Card Production
System
IDENT -- Automated Fingerprint
Identification System
IDP -- In District Processing
IDO -- Immigration Detention Officer
IE -- Immigration Examiner
IFM -- Inspector’s Field Manual
IHP -- Institutional Hearing Program
II -- Immigration Inspector
IIE -- Integrated Interior
Enforcement
IIO -- Immigration Information
Officer
IIRIRA -- Illegal Immigration Reform
and Immigrant Responsibility Act
IJ -- Immigration Judge
INA -- Immigration and Nationalty Act
INAB -- Inspections National Advisory
Board
INSERTS -- INS Easy Research &
Transmittal System
INSPASS -- INS Passenger Accelerated
Service System
INSpect -- INS Program for Excellence
and Comprehensive Tracking
INTEX -- Inspections Travelers
Examination
INV -- Investigations
IO -- Immigration Officer
IOA -- Immigration Officer Academy
IOBTC -- Immigration Officer Basic
Training Course
IRC -- Internet Relay Chat (server)
IRCA -- Immigration Reform and
Control Act of 1986
IRM -- Information Resources
Management
IRP -- Institutional Removal Program
ISA -- Information System
Architecture
ISIS -- Integrated Surveillance
Information System
ISP -- Internet Service Provider
IT -- Information Technology
IV -- Immigration Visa
IVR -- Interactive Voice Response
IV&V -- Independent Validation
and Verification
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J
JABS
-- Joint Automated Booking System
JEVP -- Joint Employment Verification
Pilot Program (SSA/INS)
JMD -- Justice Management Division
JPATS -- Justice Prisoner and Alien
Transportation Service
JTTF -- Joint Terrorism Task Force
JVA -- Joint Voluntary Agency
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L
LAN
-- Local Area Network
LAPR -- Lawfully Admitted for
Permanent Residence
LAPS -- Legalization Application
Processing System
LAW -- Legally Authorized (or
Admitted) Worker
LDC -- Leadership Development Center
(Dallas, TX.)
LEA -- Law Enforcement Agency
LEAA -- Law Enforcement Availability
Act of 1994
LEADS -- Law Enforcement Analytical
Data System
LEO -- Law Enforcement Officer
LESC -- Law Enforcement Support
Center
LPR -- Lawful Permanent Resident
LULAC -- League of United Latin
American Citizens
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M
MFAS – Marriage Fraud Amendment System
MDC
-- Modified Departure Control
MIRP -- Mexican Interior Repatriation
Program
MOBIS -- Management, Organizational
and Business Improvement Services
MRD -- Machine Readable Document
MS&D Bond – Maintenance of
Status and Departure bond
MTBF
– Mean Time Between Failures (for hardware components)
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N
NACARA
-- Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act
NACS -- Naturalization Automated
Casework System
NAILS -- National Automated
Immigration Lookout System
NARA -- National Archives and Records
Administration
NATZ -- Naturalization
NBPC -- National Border Patrol
Council (One of two collective bargaining units)
NCIC – National Crime Information
Center
NFC -- National Finance Center
NFS -- Network File System
NFTS
– National File Tracking System
NGOs -- Non-Governmental
Organizations
NIF -- Notice of Intent to Fine
NIIS -- Non-Immigrant Information
System
NINSC -- National INS Council (One of
two collective bargaining units)
NIV – Non Immigrant Visa
NNTP -- Network News Transfer
Protocol
NQP -- Naturalization Quality
Procedures
NRC -- National Records Center
NRTP
– National Records Training Program
NSC -- Nebraska Service Center
(Lincoln)
NSI -- National Security Information
NTA -- Notice to Appear
NVC -- National Visa Center (Dept. of
State)
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O
OA
-- Office Automation
OARS -- Outlying Area Reporting
System
OASIS -- Operational Activities
Special Information Systems
OBTS – Offender Base Tracking
System
OCDETF – Organized Crime Drug
Enforcement Task Force
OCR -- Office of Congressional
Relations (HQOCR or ROOCR)
OI -- Operating Instructions
OIA -- Office of Internal Audit
OIA/IRB -- Office of Internal
Audit/Internal Review Branch
OIC – Officer-in-Charge
OIL – Office of Immigration
Litigation
OIRM -- Office of Information
Resources Management
ONO -- Office of Naturalization
Operations
OPSEC -- Operations Security
OSC -- Order to Show Cause
OTM – Other than Mexican
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P
PA
-- (Border) Patrol Agent
PAIC -- Patrol Agent in Charge
PAL -- Passenger Acceleration Lane
(in San Clemente – See SENTRI)
PAMS
– Private Attorney Maintenance System
PAO -- Public Affairs Officer
PAS -- Performance Management System
PCO -- Property Control Officer
PHS -- Public Health Services
PICS -- Password Issuance and Control
System
PIMS -- Performance Indicator
Management System
PIO -- Public Information Officer
PMFA -- Permanent Full-time
Authorized Position
PMPT -- Permanent Part-time Position
POE -- Port-of-Entry
POMS -- Port-of-Entry Management
System
POP -- Post Office Protocol
POSTS -- Personnel Office Systems
Tracking System
PPE -- Personal Protective Equipment
PRC -- Permanent Resident Card
PQIC -- Port Quality Improvement
Committees
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Q
QASP – Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan
R
RAFACS
--
Receipt and Alien File Accountability and Control System
RAPID -- Records and Processes
Improvement Design
RAPS -- Refugees, Asylum and Parole
System
RAW -- Replenishment Agricultural
Worker
RD -- Regional Director
ROOCR -- Regional Office of
Congressional Relations
RPFS -- Responsible Party Filing
System
RRU -- Rapid Response Unit
(Headquarters)
RTD – Refugee Travel Document
RTP - National Records Transition
Project
RVI - Remote Video Inspection
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S
SA
-- Special Agent
SAVE -- Systematic Alien Verification
for Entitlement
SAW -- Special Agricultural Workers
SBPA -- Supervisory Border Patrol
Agent
SC
– Service Center
SCAAP -- State Criminal Alien
Assistance Program
SCD -- Service Computation Date
SDEO -- Supervisory Detention
Enforcement Officer
SDO -- Supervisory Detention Officer
SENTRI -- Secure Electronic Network
for Travelers’ Rapid Inspection
SEVIS - Student and Exchange Visitor
Information System
SEVP - Student and Exchange Visitor
Program
SHRO -- Servicing Human Resources
Office
SIE -- Supervisory Immigration
Examiner
SII -- Supervisory Immigration
Inspector
SIO -- Supervisory Immigration
Officer
SIO -- Special Inquiry Officer
(Immigration Judge)
SITD -- Strategic Information and
Technology Development
SLOB -- Service Lookout Book
SME -- Subject Matter Expert
SMTP -- Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
SNMP -- Simple Network Management
Protocol
SOI -- Supervisory Operations
Inspector
SPC -- Service Processing Center
SPPB -- Systems Policy & Planning
Branch
SSA -- Supervisory Special Agent
SW -- Southwest; Software
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T
TAPS
-- Telephone Application Processing System
TECS -- Treasury Enforcement
Communications System
TFTP -- Trivial File Transfer
Protocol (server)
TIC -- The Interdiction Committee
TIP -- Technology Infrastructure
Project
TPCR -- Transition Period Custody
Rules
TPFT-- Temporary Full-Time Employee
TPPT -- Temporary Part-Time Employee
TPS -- Temporary Protected Status
TSC -- Texas Service Center (Irving)
TRWOV -- Transit Without Visa
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U
UNHCR
-- United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
USC -- U.S. Citizen
USCS -- United States Customs Service
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V
VARS
--
Vehicle Accounting and Reporting System
VCRP -- Violent Crimes Reduction
Programs
VD -- Voluntary Departure
VOLAG -- Voluntary Agency
VR -- Voluntary Return
VSC -- Vermont Service Center (St.
Albans)
VTC -- Video Teleconferencing
VWPP -- Visa Waiver Pilot Program
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W
WAN
-- Wide Area Network
WORM -- Write-Once, Read Many
WRO -- Western Region Office (Laguna
Niguel, CA)
WTC -- Western Telephone Center
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INS FACILITIES(ALPHABETICAL
BY FCO/CCO DESIGNATION)
|
ALB |
CCO |
ALBANY, NY
SUB-OFFICE |
|
? |
N/A |
DES MOINES |
|
? |
N/A |
CEDAR
RAPIDS |
|
AAO |
CCO |
ADMINISTRATIVE
APPEALS OFFICE |
|
AGA |
FCO |
AGANA
SUB-OFFICE |
|
ANC |
FCO |
ANCHORAGE
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
ATH |
|
ATHENS
SUB-OFFICE |
|
ATL |
FCO |
ATLANTA
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
BAL |
FCO |
BALTIMORE
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
BKK |
|
BANGKOK
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
BOS |
FOC |
BOSTON
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
BTV |
CCO |
BATAVIA
DETENTION FACILITY |
|
BUF |
FCO |
BUFFALO
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
CHA |
FCO |
CHARLOTTE
AMALIE SUB OFFICE |
|
CHI |
FCO |
CHICAGO
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
CIN |
FCO |
CINCINNATI
SUB OFFICE |
|
CLE |
FCO |
CLEVELAND
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
CLT |
FCO |
CHARLOTTE
SUB OFFICE |
|
CNR |
CCO |
CHARLESTON
NATZ. REVIEW OFFICE |
|
COW |
FCO |
HEADQUARTERS |
|
DAL |
FCO |
DALLAS
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
DEN |
FCO |
DENVER
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
DET |
FCO |
DETROIT
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
EAZ |
CCO |
ELOY
DETENTION CENTER |
|
ELP |
FCO |
EL PASO
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
ESC |
FCO |
EASTERN
SERVICE CENTER (VERMONT) |
|
FKG |
|
FRANKFURT
SUB OFFICE |
|
FLO |
CCO |
FLORENCE
DETENTION CENTER |
|
HAR |
FCO |
HARTFORD
SUB OFFICE |
|
HBG |
CCO |
HARRISONBURG
RFMF |
|
HEL |
FCO |
HELENA
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
HHW |
FCO |
HONOLULU
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
HKC |
|
HONG KONG
SUB OFFICE |
|
HLG |
FCO |
HARLINGEN
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
HNT |
CCO |
HUNTSVILLE
IHP |
|
HOU |
FCO |
HOUSTON
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
INP |
CCO |
INDIANAPOLIS
SUB OFFICE |
|
JAC |
CCO |
JACKSONVILLE
SUB OFFICE |
|
KAN |
FCO |
KANSAS
CITY DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
LOS |
FCO |
LOS
ANGELES DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
LSC |
CCO |
LAW
ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT CENTER |
|
LVG |
FCO |
LAS VEGAS
SUB OFFICE |
|
MEM |
FCO |
MEMPHIS
SUB OFFICE |
|
MEX |
|
MEXICO
CITY DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
MIA |
FCO |
MIAMI
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
MIL |
FCO |
MILWAUKEE
SUB OFFICE |
|
MPH |
|
MANILA SUB
OFFICE |
|
NBO |
|
NAIROBI
SUB OFFICE |
|
NDI |
|
NEW DELHI
SUB OFFICE |
|
NEW |
FCO |
NEWARK
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
NOL |
FCO |
NEW
ORLEANS DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
NOR |
FCO |
NORFOLK
SUB OFFICE |
|
NSC |
FCO |
NORTHERN
SERVICE CENTER (NEBRASKA) |
|
NYC |
FCO |
NEW YORK
CITY DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
OAK |
CCO |
OAKDALE
DETENTION FACILITY |
|
OKC |
FCO |
OKLAHOMA
CITY SUB OFFICE |
|
OMA |
FCO |
OMAHA
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
PHI |
FCO |
PHILADELPHIA
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
PHO |
FCO |
PHOENIX
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
PIT |
FCO |
PITTSBURGH
SUB OFFICE |
|
POM |
FCO |
PORTLAND,
ME DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
POO |
FCO |
PORTLAND,
OR DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
PRO |
CCO |
PROVIDENCE
SUB OFFICE |
|
REN |
FCO |
RENO SUB
OFFICE |
|
RIT |
|
ROME
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SAJ |
FCO |
SAN JUAN
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SEA |
FCO |
SEATTLE
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SEK |
|
SEOUL SUB
OFFICE |
|
SFR |
FCO |
SAN
FRANCISCO DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SLC |
CCO |
SALT LAKE
CITY SUB OFFICE |
|
SNA |
FCO |
SAN
ANTONIO DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SND |
FCO |
SAN DIEGO
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SNP |
|
SINGAPORE
SUB OFFICE |
|
SPM |
FCO |
ST.
PAUL/MINNEAPOLIS DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
SPO |
CCO |
SPOKANE
SUB OFFICE |
|
SSC |
FCO |
SOUTHERN
SERVICE CENTER (TEXAS) |
|
STA |
FCO |
ST. ALBANS
SUB OFFICE |
|
STL |
FCO |
ST. LOUIS
SUB OFFICE |
|
TAM |
FCO |
TAMPA SUB
OFFICE |
|
TUC |
CCO |
TUCSON SUB
OFFICE |
|
VNA |
|
VIENNA SUB
OFFICE |
|
WAS |
FCO |
WASHINGTON
DISTRICT OFFICE |
|
WCF |
CCO |
WESTERN
CRIMINAL A-FILE CENTER |
|
WPC |
CCO |
WASHINGTON
PROCESSING CENTER |
|
WSC |
FCO |
WESTERN
SERVICE CENTER (CALIFORNIA) |
|
YAK |
CCO |
YAKIMA SUB
OFFICE |
|
ZAR |
FCO |
ARLINGTON
ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZCH |
FCO |
CHICAGO
ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZHN |
FCO |
HOUSTON
ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZLA |
FCO |
LOS
ANGELES ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZMI |
FCO |
MIAMI
ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZNK |
FCO |
NEWARK
ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZNY |
FCO |
NEW YORK
ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
ZSF |
FCO |
SAN
FRANCISCO ASYLUM OFFICE |
|
|
|
|