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January 17, 2003 - INS has recently published
another formal Notice expanding the scope of its special registration
requirements to cover nationals or citizens from the aforementioned
countries who meet the following criteria:
- Is a male who was born on or before February 24, 1987;
- Was inspected and last admitted to the United States in
nonimmigrant status on or before September 30, 2002;
- Will remain in the United States at least until March
28, 2003.
The expanded coverage includes males 16 years of age and
older who are citizens or nationals of any of the above mentioned
countries, who are not U.S. lawful permanent residents, and
who are presently in the United States, and expect to remain
in the U.S. beyond March 28, 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.) remain potentially
subject to the expanded rule.
The first countries previously designated for special registration
were Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Syria. 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. A third
group subsequently included Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. This
most recently announced fourth group includes Bangladesh,
Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, & Kuwait.
Women (and children under 16 years of age) are not subject
to special registration requirements at this time. Individuals
who meet these criteria but who have received asylum status,
or who have applied for asylum prior to January 16, 2003,
are also excluded from these requirements.
Those who last entered the United States using an approved
"Advance Parole" document (INS Form I-512), pursuant
to a pending application for "adjustment of status",
are also exempt from special registration.
The program goes into effect for above designated nationals
of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia on February 24, 2003. Those individuals
who meet the criteria described above must register in person
with the INS on or before March 28, 2003.
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.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/SRProcL.htm
and for information specific to certain nationals of the
"Group Four" countries, comprised of Bangladesh,
Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, & Kuwait:
http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm#callgroup4
Berry, Appleman & Leiden will continue to report updates
as they occur, and advises all individuals subject to the
expanded rule to comply as instructed.
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