Summary

Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) new rule on affidavits of support on behalf of immigrants. GAO noted that the rule: (1) amends INS regulations by establishing that an individual who files an affidavit of support on behalf of an intending immigrant incurs an obligation that may be enforced by civil action; (2) specifies procedures that federal, state, and local agencies or private entities must follow to seek reimbursements from the sponsor for provision of means-tested public benefits; and (3) specifies procedures for imposing the civil penalty provided for if the sponsor fails to give notice of any change of address. GAO also noted that INS complied with applicable requirements in promulgating the rule.