Statement by Senator Dianne Feinstein
- On Reports of a Major New INS Foul-up -
March 22, 2002

Editors, Please Note: The INS has now officially informed our office that none of the Pakistani nationals who have been reported missing are on a terrorist's watch list. The following is an updated statement based on this information.

"Sadly, once again the INS has failed to protect our borders. In this case, according to the reports my office has received, four Pakistani nationals were inappropriately allowed by the INS to take shore leave after a ship docked in the Norfolk, Virginia harbor earlier this month. They are now reported missing.

This is terrible, and it's the latest illustration of a department with no adequate control and accountability. Americans deserve better.

I have spoken with Senator Majority Leader Tom Daschle about the urgent need for the Senate to take up and pass the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform, which I have sponsored with Senators Kyl, Kennedy and Brownback. He has committed to have the Senate consider the bill as soon as possible. We cannot afford further delay.

According to the initial information my office had received, one of these individuals may have been on a terrorist's watch list. INS officials today informed my office that this individual is not on such a warning list."

###