Semiannual Report to Congress: April 1, 2003

Semiannual Report to Congress

April 1, 2003–September 30, 2003
Office of the Inspector General

CONGRESSIONAL TESTIMONY

During this reporting period, the IG testified twice before congressional oversight committees and once before a congressionally chartered commission. He also submitted a written statement in connection with another congressional hearing.

Treatment of Aliens Held on Immigration Charges in Connection With the Investigation of the September 11 Attacks: The IG testified on June 25, 2003, at a hearing called by the Senate Judiciary Committee to discuss the OIG's report that examined the Department's treatment of September 11 detainees. The IG summarized the major findings and 21 recommendations from the OIG's 198-page report released earlier that month (described in detail earlier in this semiannual report).
Follow-Up Review of Implementation of the Foreign Student Tracking Program: During an April 2, 2003, hearing before the House Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, the IG discussed the OIG's follow-up review that examined the INS's progress in implementing its foreign student tracking system called SEVIS. The OIG review found that while the INS had made significant progress implementing SEVIS, including requiring previously approved schools to reapply for certification and requiring non-accredited vocational, language, and flight schools to undergo on-site reviews, SEVIS was not yet fully implemented and significant deficiencies remain in its implementation.
Border Security Issues Post-September 11: On April 1, 2003, the IG testified before the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States at its initial public hearing in New York City. The IG's testimony focused on OIG reviews involving border security, immigration, and other national security issues relevant to the Commission's work.
Reducing Waste, Fraud, and Abuse in Government Programs: The IG submitted written testimony in connection with a July 9, 2003, oversight hearing before the House Committee on the Budget. The testimony described the results of OIG reviews that examined issues related to waste, fraud, and abuse, including Department procurement, grant management, and information technology systems planning and implementation activities.