Getting correct answers to questions about America's complex laws and regulations dealing with immigration and benefits for immigrants is made much easier by the Immigration and Naturalization Service’s (INS) telephone assistance program, according to a new Justice Department report.

A December report from the Justice Department’s inspector general's office applauds the INS telephone assistance program for providing callers with accurate information in a fast and friendly manner. The inspector general's office tested INS customer service representatives by calling with 250 questions on immigration laws, processes and benefits. Representatives answered 200 of the questions correctly and provided service rated as "excellent" to "good" according to the report.

Test callers were connected to INS representatives in an average of 69 seconds and representatives "frequently provided information above and beyond that requested," said the inspector general's office.

Established in 1999, the INS toll-free information system provides nationwide assistance by telephone to customers calling from within the United States about immigration services and benefits. Service is available in English and Spanish. The phone service, which receives up to 50,000 calls a day, features an automated menu and 550 employee representatives who are available to field calls Monday through Friday.

In order to further improve what the inspector general's office called "an already high-quality program," INS representatives will be receiving specific training in regulations and procedures involving verification of employment eligibility and employment authorization.

The telephone assistance program is just one element of the INS National Customer Service Center, "a true one-stop information resource," according to the inspector general's office.

INS phone numbers to call for help
You can call the INS toll-free for automated information and live assistance concerning immigration services and benefits within the U.S., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. If you are outside these areas, please contact the closest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. The numbers are:

Toll-Free: 1-800-375-5283 
TTY Only: 1-800-767-1833

More help from the INS Web site

Finding the Status of a Pending Immigration Case
Visit this INS Web site for finding the status of pending N-400 Applications for Naturalization or any other immigration-related matters, including requests for asylum, change of address and applications filed at local INS offices.

Another great source of immigration information

About Immigration Issues
About Guides Jennifer and Peter Wipf offer one of the most comprehensive collection of immigration-related information and news on the Web today. Jennifer and Peter are also happy to offer personalized assistance via email or telephone in several languages.