Originally written on 10/18/00
Link source:http://www.usvisanews.com/memo1118.html
WASHINGTON -- Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) Commissioner Doris Meissner today announced her plans to depart the Service in mid-November to return to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She joined INS in October of 1993, after being nominated by President Clinton to serve as Commissioner of the INS.
"Commissioner Meissner has consistently upheld the principles that have allowed this country to continue welcoming immigrants into our society," President Clinton stated. "We are a nation of immigrants, and their contributions to America's diverse culture are invaluable. We are also a nation of laws. Commissioner Meissner's balanced approach to deterring illegal immigration while facilitating legal migration has enabled our nation to continue the great American tradition of welcoming immigrants to our shores."
When Commissioner Meissner joined INS, she took the helm of an agency that had been ignored for decades and was considered a backwater bureaucracy. In the last seven years, Commissioner Meissner has presided over a period of unprecedented growth in employees, resources and mandates for the agency. As Commissioner, she has managed this growth, providing guidance and leadership through a tumultuous period in which immigration has been on the social and political forefront of the nation's agenda as never before.
"I believe Commissioner Meissner has proven herself to be one of the most respected and accomplished Commissioners in INS' history," said Attorney General Janet Reno. "Her knowledge and expertise of immigration issues, coupled with her humanity, fairness, dedication and compassion, have enabled her to steer the agency towards a more balanced program of judicious enforcement and improved customer service. She has served the American people well."
Commissioner Meissner will return to the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace where she previously worked and was the founder of its distinguished International Migration Policy Program. Building on her government experience as an immigration policymaker, she will develop and direct a new project that examines the broader issues and challenges facing the United States as it implements global policy agendas.
Commissioner Meissner's seven-year tenure at the INS caps her distinguished career at the Department of Justice,...