The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) failed to issue A-numbers, or alien registration numbers to some migrants. A-numbers are used to track the immigration process for each individual. The OIG audit found that 107 of the 384 observed individuals were not provided with their A-number. The OIG further reported that the Border Patrol agents stated they focused on expediting processing to reduce overcapacity and as a result, failed to issue the number.

The audit was initiated to determine the level of screening Border Patrol agents completed with migrants, as a rise in arrivals is being seen. Additional screening processes include a physical search, gathering biometric and biographic information, and completing real-time background checks. All of this information is tracked using the A-number. Further, the A-number is used to record each individual’s interaction with CBP, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

Of the immigrants who did not receive an A-number, most were paroled or told to report to ICE within a specific time frame. CBP issues heads of households A-numbers for those who are paroled, but not all members of the household. Further, OIG found that the files for the issued A-numbers were not maintained appropriately.

If you have questions about your A-number, your processing upon arrival to the U.S., or any other immigration-related issue, contact us at ILBSG.

A-number CBP U.S. Customs and Border Protection