Fact Sheet: Are You Required To Undergo Special Registration?
Courtesy of AILA
Are You Required to Register With the INS?
The Department of Justice is requiring that certain citizens and nationals of 20 different countries appear at an INS office to register for something it calls the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). It also is referred to as "Call-In Special Registration". According to the Justice Department, failure to register under this program can result in misdemeanor criminal charges and removal (deportation) from the United States.
In general, if you are male, aged 16 or over, last entered as a "nonimmigrant" (for example, as a tourist, business visitor, or under a temporary working visa) prior to the date noted below, and you are a citizen or national of one of the following countries, you are required to appear at an INS office by the date noted to be registered:
Group I Countries:Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, Syria
Last entered on or before: September 10, 2002
Deadline for Registration: December 16, 2002 - Registration Period Extended from January 27 to February 7, 2003
Group II Countries:Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen
Last entered on or before: September 30, 2002
Deadline for Registration: January 10, 2003 - Registration Period Extended from January 27 to February 7, 2003
Group III Countries:Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
Last entered on or before: September 30, 2002
Deadline for Registration: February 21, 2003*
*This group is not to begin registering until January 13, 2003.
Group IV Countries:Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan & Kuwait
Last entered on or before: September 30, 2002
Deadline for Registration: March 28, 2003**
**This group is not to begin registering until February 24, 2003.
