41.   But he said his efforts were either ignored or actively opposed by high-ranking officials in the federal immigration service.

42.   But even in those suburbs, local officials are skeptical that the immigration service can keep deported criminals from returning.

43.   But in the last several months, employees of the immigration service have complained that the system was badly flawed.

44.   But late on Thursday night, the immigration service said the report had apparently been based on a case of mistaken identity.

45.   But Russ Bergeron, a spokesman for the immigration service in Washington, suggested that the plight of the women as described by their advocates might be exaggerated.

46.   But since the terror attacks, the political pendulum has swung toward greater caution, and the immigration service is trying to shift course.

47.   But somehow they seem unwilling, or unable, to infuse the immigration service with the quality of mercy, not to mention respect for the Constitution.

48.   But the hastily drafted manual left adjudicators more confused than before, and the immigration service rescinded it eight days after it was issued.

49.   But the immigration service and the Justice Department are gearing up to fight the proposal.

50.   But the immigration service kept swearing in new citizens, unaware that it was granting citizenship to dozens of unqualified people.