Important announcement on USDOJ registration of Pakistanis

The U.S. Department of Justice has announced today, December 17, 2002, that all Pakistanis who entered the United States on or before September 30, 2002 and who will remain in the United States after February 21, 2003, need to register at the nearest INS office. Registration would involve finger printing and additional documentation required by the INS.

The Pakistan Embassy and the Government is taking up the issue of inclusion of Pakistan in the list of countries whose nationals have been ordered to register. Demarches are being made to the Justice Department, the Immigration and Naturalization Service and the State Department. However, in the meanwhile, all Pakistanis residing in the United States are requested to follow the guidelines of the Department of Justice.

The registration guidelines do not apply to US nationals or green card holders of Pakistani origin.

The communication from the Justice Department is placed below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE AG
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2002 (202) 514-2008
WWW.USDOJ.GOV TDD (202) 514-1888

SECOND PHASE OF NATIONAL SECURITY
ENTRY-EXIT REGISTRATION SYSTEM ANNOUNCED

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 September 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 135 countries. INS officers have made every effort to minimize any delay or inconvenience to those individuals required to register under this program.

"The United States will always welcome visitors from foreign countries, but after the tragic events of September 11th, it is clear that we have to understand better who is entering and exiting our country," said Attorney General John Ashcroft. "The NSEERS program assists us in protecting the safety of the American people and the rights of those visitors coming to our country."

This second phase of the program will serve to enroll certain temporary foreign visitors who entered prior to NSEERS's 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 December 16, 1986; and,
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* are nationals or citizens of Pakistan or Saudi Arabia; and,
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* were inspected by the INS and were last admitted to the United States as a non-immigrant alien on or before September 30, 2002; and,
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* will remain in the United States at least until February 21, 2003.
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* The Attorney General announced that some non-immigrant aliens need not register, including:
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* diplomats or others individuals admitted under A or G visas;
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* lawful permanent residents and other immigrant aliens, such as refugees;
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* asylum applicants who filed before December 16, 2002; and,
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* asylum grantees.
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* 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 January 13, 2002 and February 21, 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.
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* For a list of local offices or sub-offices in respective states, please visit the INS website at http://www.ins.gov/graphics/fieldoffices/alphaa.htm. Aliens may also call the INS Service Center at 800-375-5283.

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