Representative Alan Austerman Alaska State Legislature PO Box 2368, Kodiak, Alaska, 99615 (907) 486-5930 · Session: State Capitol, Juneau, Alaska 99801-2487

Full-Time INS Office Coming to Kodiak

For Immediate Release: July 24, 1998
Contact: Cliff Stone at (907)-486-8872.

Kodiak -- Senator Ted Stevens has informed my office that the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) will open a full-time office in Kodiak.

Under the U.S. Appropriations Funding Bill, just passed by the U.S. Senate, funding the Departments of Commerce, State and Justice, language has been inserted directing the INS to establish a local office in Kodiak.

"I am very pleased with this announcement," said Representative Alan Austerman (R- Kodiak). "My office made a formal request to Senator Stevens in January of this year. We have been working very closely with Senator Stevens’ staff to identify the exact needs of Kodiak. The INS office in Anchorage was very helpful in providing plenty of backup material to Washington, D.C."

A local INS office will provide the full spectrum of immigration services required for enforcement, naturalization and other adjustments to immigrant’s status.

Representative Austerman said; "Members of the Filipino Community have been making this request for a local INS office for years." He further stated; "I want to thank the members of the Fil-Am Association for their tenacity and support in this mission. The Kodiak Organization of Latin Americans, the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, the City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Island Borough are to be commended for their advocacy in this endeavor." Many individuals also sent letters supporting the concept of an INS office in Kodiak.

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