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January 6, 2003 - INS has again expanded its
special registration program to cover nationals or citizens
from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia holding nonimmigrant visa status,
and who also meet the following criteria:
- Is a male who was born on or before January 13, 1987;
- Was inspected and last admitted to the United States on
or before September 30, 2002;
- Will remain in the United States at least until February
21, 2003.
Individuals holding dual nationality or citizenship (e.g.,
individuals who are citizens or nationals of a designated
country and are also citizens of another non-designated country
such as Canada, Britain, France, etc.) are subject to the
expanded rule.
The first group of countries previously designated for special
registration were Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Syria:
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm#callgroup1
A second group of countries was later designated, comprising
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco,
North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates,
and Yemen:
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm#callgroup2
This most recent set of registration requirements now impacts
the so-called “third group”, comprised of certain
nonimmigrant visa holders from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia:
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm#callgroup3
Women (and children under 16 years of age) are not subject
to special registration requirements at this time. Individuals
who meet the “Group 3” criteria but who have received
asylum status, or who have applied for asylum prior to December
18, 2002, are also excluded from these requirements. Also
exempt are individuals with pending “adjustment of status”
applications who made entry to the United States before February
21, 2003 using a valid, unexpired “advance parole”
document.
The program goes into effect for above designated nationals
of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on January 13, 2003. Those who
meet the INS criteria described above must register in person
with the INS on or before February 21, 2003.
Please review carefully the INS website for “special
registration” procedures, so as to best understand what
the INS is expecting. Those subject to “call in”
special registration interviews should be prepared to present,
as a minimum, the following documents:
- Travel documents, including passport, Form I-94 issued
at admission, and any other forms of government-issued identification
(e.g., employment authorization card, advance parole document)
- Proof of residence (such as title to property or lease
or rental agreement)
- Proof of current registration at an educational institution
(if applicable)
- Proof of employment (if applicable, and working under
valid INS work authorization) (This will typically take
the form of a recent paystub, and brief (one page) letter
from your employer.
Individuals subject to the expanded rule are required to
report annually in person to INS; there is no 30 day reporting
requirement following initial registration as would apply
to newly arriving persons who are citizens or nationals of
the designated countries.
To view the complete INS notice, including (1) a list of
information to be supplied to INS at the time of registration,
and (2) a list of INS offices designated to receive individuals
for special registration, please click on the hyperlink below:
http://www.immigration..gov/graphics/lawenfor/specialreg/SRProcL.htm
and for information specific to certain nationals of Pakistan
and Saudi Arabia:
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm#callgroup3
Berry, Appleman & Leiden will continue to report updates
as they occur, and advises all individuals subject to the
expanded rule to comply as instructed. Clients of Berry, Appleman
and Leiden who have questions should contact Jeff Appleman
via e-mail at jeffl@usabal.com
or by phone at (415) 743-9605.
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