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INS Agent
There are many forms of criminal justice services within the United States. Although police officers and even lawyers are what come to mind first, there are several agencies the federal government employes to perform specific tasks. There is the FBI, ATF, CIA and the INS. The INS is the immigration service used by the United States to protect the borders at immigration checkpoints and make sure illegal immigrants are not entering the country. An INS agent (short for Immigration and Naturalization Services) also works at customs in international airports, checking passports and making sure everyone entering the country is legally allowed to. However, you don’t just sign up to be an INS agent, as you do generally need schooling and a proper education to become such an individual, working for the federal government.
INS Agent Education
Before most individuals are able to become INS agents, they first must receive the proper education. This starts with a criminal justice degree program. There are dozens of different schools and universities that offer degrees in criminal justice (including most major public universities throughout the country). Once you receive the degree you don’t need to proceed with a law degree or attempt to enter a policy academy. Becoming an INS agent, like many other criminal based jobs, allows you to travel to different locations in the country, and there is always a need for more agents, especially in high profile check points (such as heavily trafficked international airport terminals). The United States has over 8,000 miles of land and water touching international borders, so from the Gulf of Mexico to the Northern Peninsula in Michigan, there really is a wide variety of locations you can end up with a criminal justice degree.
Becoming INS Agent
Once you have a criminal justice degree you are ready to apply to become an INS agent. When first starting out, you may be directed to a specific location as to where you need to work. It is best to be free to move wherever they want you to, as you are more likely to receive a job from them. Most likely it is at an international border somewhere in the country, although there are some airports in the middle of the country that do have some customs services, so you may end up at these facilities also. You just need to be extremely open to wherever they want to place you. Once there, you receive additional training on the specific location, such as what to look for and what to check when bringing people into the country. If you are part of the actual border control, you are in charge of protecting the border. There are different responsibilities here, but you do receive specific training again. After serving for an extended time for the INS, you do have more options for moving up, and you are more likely to be able to choose your desired destination to work in.
If you want to become and INS agent, make sure that you get your education first. Find an online college that will help you with your goal. You will be pleased with your investment.
