What agency is referred to by the acronym INS?

The correct answer is the Immigration and Naturalization Service, commonly abbreviated as INS. This agency was responsible for overseeing immigration and naturalization processes in the United States prior to its dissolution in 2003. Following its closure, the functions of the INS were transferred to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and divided among three new agencies: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).

The other options provided do not accurately represent the historical or functional context of the INS. The Immigration Network System, Immigration Notification Service, and Integrated National Service do not correspond to any recognized government agency or function related to immigration and naturalization operations in the United States. The use of "INS" has persisted in discussions surrounding U.S. immigration history, but it is important to contextualize it within the framework of the current DHS structure. Understanding the significance of INS in U.S. immigration history and policy helps reinforce the importance of accurate terminology in the fields of immigration and asylum.