‘Balance’ in INS Approach

Obviously, the writer of your editorial “INS Tactics Chasing Away Trust” (Oct. 11) needs to do more homework on the activity surrounding implementation of the new immigration reform act because he comes to conclusions that the facts will not support.

He writes that “Ezell’s defiant tactics” continue “to emphasize the enforcement powers of the INS rather than its service function.”

From the outset of immigration reform, I have publicly said over and over that we will take a “balanced approach,” assuring full implementation of the residency provisions of the law while taking action immediately when we find employers who are repeatedly in conflict with the law.

However, to a degree, our enforcement program has been largely overshadowed by our efforts to assure that every qualified alien receives guaranteed benefits of the new law.

This “service” effort has been just short of phenomenal when you look at the resources and manpower we have diverted to this mammoth program and at the results we have achieved.

We are right on target with our estimations--500,000 residency applications in the Western Region and just under one million nationwide so far. I might add that our recommended approval rate has been running 95% to 97% nationwide.

You imply that our enforcement programs have caused “fear” and mistrust among the alien community.

I think upon closer examination, you might find that the INS’s “image” has been considerably enhanced in the alien sector because of its dynamic and outgoing “service” program to aggressively implement the amnesty section of the new law.

As evidence, I offer this: approximately 90% of the applications filed nationwide have come from aliens going directly to INS for assistance.

You should also be aware that the U.S. Congress, by a wide margin, included employer sanctions in the new law, so the mandate for INS to aggressively enforce this provision is clear.

Since last June, the Los Angeles District Office has made 28,000 “courtesy” calls to area employers to assure that they understand what is required of them. This program continues.

How can The Times, or anyone else, ask us to do less?

HAROLD W. EZELL

Regional Commissioner,

Immigration and

Naturalization Service