Apparently the file room manager at the INS processing facility in LA decided to rid herself of a 90K document backlog not by processing them faster, or hiring more workers, but by SHREDDING them. We’re talking about passports, visa and residency applications, requests for important life-altering stuff here. And she and her supervisor decide the best way to deal with this is to shred it all.
Suppose in Authoritaria a mean old hag who runs the local bureaucracy is so overworked that she goes insane and shreds all the government records she can find.
Two years ago, my wife and I LIVED in California. Those could have been our passports/immigration documents/applications that were shredded. I honestly thought that I couldn’t despise the INS any more than I already do. But clearly I have underestimated the depth of the vast chasm of their incompetence.
(Of course, the voice of reason in my head…stupid bastard…is pointing out that they’ve only been charged. Perhaps I should save the swearing until they’re convicted. Nah.)
Oh, and Lib? Way to not make a point there. Very well not done.
What is probably sad here is that the manager probably was screaming for help about the backlog and was rebuffed. He/she finally cracked. Too bad he/she couldn’t quit…but where could a 24 year old with minimal experience get a job that paid as much as he/she made as a manger with INS and all those benefits…
Minor clarification here: the INS contracted the operation of these centers through a company in Maryland, which in turn subcontracted through two others. So they’re contractors, technically. (As a current fed, the distinction is noteworthy to me at least).
It’s still a stunning display of arrogance and abuse of the rules. I’d love to see what defense she puts up.