May 4, 2000

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Revamped Award-Winning INS Web Site in High Demand,
Providing Fast, Accurate Information to INS Customers

WASHINGTON – A report on the award-winning Immigration and Naturalization (INS) Web site for the first six months of Fiscal Year 2000 confirms that the site is becoming one of the hottest in government. In March 2000, an average of more than 27,000 users each weekday stayed on the INS Web site an average of 18.5 minutes per visit—up from 13,400 per weekday just over one year ago.

The data shows that users–nearly 4 million in six months–found the recently overhauled Web site offers a wealth of immigration-related information. They also downloaded nearly 2.5 million INS forms.

INS Web site statistics for the first half of FY 2000 show the most frequently visited feature was Forms, Fees and Fingerprints (1,729,000). The next most popular destinations were those providing information on INS policies and procedures under Immigration Services and Benefits (983,000), and under "Field Offices" (801,000). More than 537,000 people visited the Laws Regulations and Guides section, while another 505,000 sought information at the Public Affairs site.

INS' objective is to make its site the first stop for people who need timely and accurate immigration information and forms. The new Web site–INS Online–provides information to help current or intending immigrants access INS services and benefits and to find out how and where to file their applications. It also has in-depth information about INS and its programs that help the public better understand the agency's mission, goals and accomplishments. In addition, special sections target the specific information needs of groups such as historians, genealogists, teachers, students, congressional staffers, the media, lawyers and immigration interest groups.

INS Online has received awards for design, content and several of its special features. The History, Genealogy and Education section won the Family Favorites Award from Ancestry.com, and was a featured Research Site of the Month on AOL’s Government Guide. In March, USA Today featured the INS Web site as a "Best Bet for Educators" and has recognized the site for its "exceptional graphics as well as unique and interesting content."

The Web site is featured as a link from many government guides, on resource portals for educators (especially in U.S. history, civics and social studies) and immigration specialists, and on lists of useful links for libraries and librarians.

Customers who consult the INS Web site first avoid time-consuming calls, letter writing or visits to INS offices for basic immigration information and forms, resulting in better, quicker service. Using the Web site also relieves delays on INS’ telephone lines and at local offices because of frequent overloading.

• • •

In March, more than 776,000 users visited various parts of the INS Web site. The most frequently visited areas were:

During the first half of FY 2000, 1.3 million visitors downloaded nearly 2.5 million forms. Forms downloaded and requested include:

• 212,000+ I-765s (Application for Employment Authorization)
• 211,000+ I-130s (Petition for Alien Relative)
• 186,000+ I-9s (Employment Eligibility Verification)
• 146,000+ I-129s (Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker)
• 146,000+ I-539s (Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status)
• 126,000+ I-131s (Application for Travel Document)
• 121,000+ I-134s (Affidavit of Support)

During the first half of FY 2000, more than 686,000 visits to individual INS field offices were recorded, including:

• 226,000+ to the four INS Service Centers
• 44,000+ to the Los Angeles District Office
• 39,000+ to the New York District Office
• 30,000+ to the San Francisco District Office
• 26,000+ to the Chicago District Office
• 23,000+ to the San Jose Sub Office
• 23,000+ to the Newark District Office
• 22,000+ to the Atlanta District Office
• 21,000+ to the Miami District Office