The government was more interested in generating customs duties from these goods than in the control and regulation of the arrival and stay of foreigners.

This was mainly to respond to the arrival of Chinese nationals who owned and operated trade houses stores and restaurants in the country.

When the Pacific War broke out in December 1941, the Bureau, then under the Department of Justice, moved to the Bilibid Prison on Azcarraga Street (now Claro M. Recto Avenue).

Immediately after the war, the bureau was transferred near the Gate 1 of the South Harbor in Manila, then moved to Building No.

On September 21, 1972, then President Ferdinand E. Marcos proclaimed martial law,[4] ordered and decreed the adoption and implementation of the Integrated Reorganization Plan.

However, it continues to perform all the powers and functions it had while still a commission, and its head of office still remains to be called "Commissioner" as provided under the DOJ.