House chair readies bill to split INS

House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., plans Tuesday to unveil a bill designed to restructure the Immigration and Naturalization Service, a committee spokesman said Friday.

As envisioned, the measure would effectively split the agency in two parts, separated by its enforcement and administrative functions. Moreover, the bill would establish a "new chain of command" within the agency, said the spokesman.

The two branches of the agency would report to a newly created associate attorney general for immigration affairs provided for by the bill. The new structure is designed to enhance the agency's accountability and effectiveness, the spokesman said.

Separately, Rep. Tom Tancredo, R-Colo., said the Congressional Immigration Reform Caucus, which he heads, has seen its membership soar since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Tancredo said 15 new members joined this week alone, raising the total membership to 50 legislators representing 26 different states.

Included among the new recruits are Reps. Henry Hyde, R-Ill., and Steve Largent, R-Okla. The caucus, formed last year by Tancredo, has focused on reforming U.S. immigration laws and securing America's borders.

Last month, the caucus released a 14-point proposal for immigration reform, and this week reiterated its call for the creation of a new Border Security Agency to take over the INS' enforcement responsibilities.