The author explains that since the terrorist attacks in 2001, the roles and responsibilities of the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) have become more well known among the general public. The article provides a description of the responsibilities of the INS and the dangers INS personnel encounter in their jobs. The INS is responsible for determining the eligibility of persons seeking entrance to the United States; enforcing immigration laws and pursuing criminal sanctions against those conspiring to enter illegally; and deterring future illegal entries. The author describes the organizational structure of the INS and the responsibilities of INS inspectors. Duties include the processing of immigration visas, issuing permits, questioning aliens, and inspecting those seeking entry. The author goes on to describe the technological resources the INS uses to conduct its business. Most notably, INS personnel use a computer database, called the Automated Biometric Fingerprint Identification System (IDENT), to identify wanted suspects who are attempting to enter the United States. Finally, the author describes the criminal element that INS agents face. Human and drug smugglers often place themselves and INS agents in physical danger by brandishing weapons or ingesting illegal drugs in order to smuggle them into the country. Document fraud is another crime frequently encountered by INS agents. Generally, documents are either counterfeit or altered, with the level of quality varying greatly. In conclusion, the author points out that INS personnel provide a vital service to the United States in these times of frequent terrorist threats.