Throughout the 20th century, immigration responsibilities changed as America faced new challenges: world wars, post-war humanitarian needs, labor demands, illegal immigration, global migration, and modern international travel.
After September 11, 2001, the Homeland Security Act of 2002 reorganized the former Immigration and Naturalization Service mission into three agencies under the Department of Homeland Security: CBP, ICE, and USCIS (which was known as the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services from 2003 until it was renamed USCIS in 2004).
The mission adapted, but the principle remained the same: immigration benefits must be administered lawfully, carefully, and in the best interest of the United States. USCIS carries forward a legacy built on law, integrity, public trust, and service.