Bureau of Consular Affairs

The mission of the Bureau of Consular Affairs (CA) is to administer laws, formulate regulations and implement policies relating to the broad range of consular services and immigration. As of 2005, the bureau is headed by the Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs, Maura Harty.

Visas and immigration

Following regulations established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), consular officers overseas, under the guidance of the Bureau's Office of Visa Services, are responsible for issuing all non-immigrant and immigrant visas. (Over 5.7 million non-immigrant visas and approximately 390,000 immigrant visas were issued in fiscal year 2002.)

Related Topics:
Congress - Immigration and Nationality Act

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The Bureau of Consular Affairs also administers the provisions of the INA as they relate to the Department of State in coordination with the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services in the Department of Homeland Security.

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