Special Registration

The National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS, INS Special Registration) is a system for registration of certain non-citizens within the United States, initiated in September 2002 as part of the War on Terrorism. This system has two separate portions: port-of-entry registration and domestic registration. In each case, the registree is required to be fingerprinted, photographed, and interrogated. In addition, they are required to provide detailed information about their plans and updates to the US Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) in case of changes in plans.

Port-of-entry registration

Port-of-entry registration is required for nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Syria; any other non-citizen, non-permanent residents determined in advance by the United States Department of State or the INS, or as they enter the country by INS inspectors. This system began on September 10, 2002.

Domestic registration

Certain non-citizens who were in the United States prior to September 10 (and thus were not required to be fingerprinted or photographed when they entered the US) have been required to come to register in person at INS offices. This procedure is required of males over the age of sixteen who do not have permanent resident[?] status (i.e. a "green card"), from certain countries. Four groups of countries have been announced:

• Group 1: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan or Syria
• Group 2: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen
• Group 3: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia
• Group 4: Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Kuwait

The initial announced deadlines for registration were December 16, 2002 (Group 1), January 10, 2003 (Group 2), February 21, 2003 (Group 3), March 28, 2003 (Group 4). The deadlines for Group 1 and 2 registration were later extended until February 7, 2003.

External Links

• Special Registration homepage (http://www.immigration.gov/graphics/shared/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm)