In 1995. this program. along with the efforts of DSS agents throughout Latin America. helped to bring about the downfall of the Cali drug kingpins of Colombia. apprehending eight high ranking members of that organization. The DSS is currently playing a very key role in attempting to apprehend suspects involved in the Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia. the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie Scotland. as well as Mexican drug trafficking. The DSS also plays an important role in ensuring the security of our borders through investigations of falsified U.S. passports and U.S. visas. In the U.S.. work in this area complements the work of state and local authorities as well as other federal agencies. This role enables the DSS to utilize versatile charges that enable it to apprehend fugitives and return them to various jurisdictions throughout the United States. In my own state of California. DSS agents were instrumental in establishing a verification system involving possession of U.S. visas. whereby many illegal immigrants have been identified who were previously. and fraudulently. claiming and receiving medical and welfare benefits from the state of California. The California Department of Health Services estimates that this system saved California taxpayers over $2 million in 1997 alone. Additionally. the DSS has conducted extensive training programs for foreign police officials. both in the U.S. and abroad. which over the last decade have resulted in over 18.000 foreign police officers receiving training in antiterrorism and anticrime skills.
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illegal immigrants visas