Security check backlog prompts concern

WASHINGTON, June 10 (UPI) -- A report by the U.S. Office of the Inspector General raised concerns about the backlog of the FBI's immigration security check procedures.

According to the OIG review of the FBI's immigration applications and petitions security check procedures, the backlog in the National Name Check Program prompted concern. FBI Assistant Director John Miller says the backlog stemmed from an agreement to re-run 2.7 million names prompted by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, the FBI reported.

Miller says the FBI's NNCP did not have the capacity to handle the increased workload but that in addressing the problem, corrective actions have been taken and NNCP's backlog has been greatly reduced.

"We appreciate the IG's efforts to enhance the FBI's security check procedures, and we stand committed to further increasing the progress we have made in minimizing the name check backlog and improving the NNCP and Integrated Automated Fingerprint Identification System," Miller said in a statement.

"We will continue to work with the Department of Justice to improve these programs in furtherance of national security and public safety."