FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2002 WWW.USDOJ.GOV AG (202) 514-2008 TDD (202) 514-1888 WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Attorney General today announced the inclusion of foreign visitors from additional countries in the second phase of the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). The Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) is required by Congress to implement a comprehensive entry-exit program to be in place by 2005.
On Sept. 11, 2002, the U.S. began NSEERS enrollment at U.S. ports of entry. Under this program, temporary foreign visitors (non-immigrant aliens) coming from certain countries or who meet a combination of intelligence-based criteria are identified as presenting elevated national security concerns. As a result, they are required to be fingerprinted and photographed at the port of entry, as well as to provide detailed information about their background and the purpose of their visit to the United States. Such individuals are also required to verify periodically their location and activities, as well as to confirm their departure from the United States.
The process has operated effectively with participation of temporary foreign visitors from 112 countries. INS officers have made every effort to minimize any delay or inconvenience to those individuals required to register under this program.
America is an open and generous society that welcomes visitors from foreign countries, but we recognize after September 11 that we must have a better understanding of who is entering and exiting our country, said Attorney General John Ashcroft. The NSEERS program will help us to do that while protecting both the rights of individuals coming here and the safety of the American people. This second phase of the program will serve to enroll certain temporary foreign visitors who entered prior to NSEERSs establishment at ports of entry. INS officials are reaching out to communities across the country to assist relevant aliens in understanding the requirements and registration process under NSEERS. INS community relations personnel are providing information to relevant community publications and organizations nationwide.
The Notice published in the Federal Register provides that the individuals who meet all of the following requirements must provide additional information. This group includes: * males born on or before Dec. 2, 1986; and, * are nationals or citizens of Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, or Yemen; and, * were inspected by the INS and were last admitted to the United States as a non-immigrant alien on or before Sept. 30, 2002; and, * will remain in the United States at least until Jan. 10, 2003.
The Attorney General announced that some non-immigrant aliens need not register, including: * diplomats or others individuals admitted under A or G visas; * lawful permanent residents and other immigrant aliens, such as refugees; * asylum applicants who filed before Nov. 22, 2002; and, * asylum grantees.
The Attorney General advised that those temporary foreign visitors who are required to register, should do so at the nearest INS District Office or Sub-office, between Dec. 2, 2002 and Jan. 10, 2003. Failure to do so constitutes a failure to maintain nonimmigrant status and is a criminal violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This Federal Register Notice is the second of several Notices to protect the national security of the United States by enrolling additional temporary foreign visitors in NSEERS.
For a list of local offices or sub-offices in respective states, please visit the INS website at www.ins.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/alphaa.htm
Source: US Department of Justice
