The theoretical framework used in the study focused on the processes encountered by participants in social interaction and treated norms as rules-in-use. The INS is a dual mandate agency that administers service to the public and implements a control function, a situation that results in problems of status and morale among INS investigators. Problems also arise in organizational relations and notions about professionalism that affect recruitment, retention, training and worker expectations. Other factors affecting worker morale include liaison with other law enforcement agencies, and the role of the media in defining the illegal alien problem. This is primarily a participant observation study, but also includes analysis of official statistics and focused interviews with criminal investigators assigned to the New York District office. The interviews included verbal cues covering investigative tasks, goals, policy directives, training, morale and promotion. Figures, tables, notes, index