DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE ANNOUNCES EXTENSION OF REGISTRATION PERIOD UNDER
NATIONAL SECURITY ENTRY EXIT REGISTRATION SYSTEM

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Department of Justice today announced an extension of the registration periods for certain temporary foreign visitors required to enroll under the National Security Entry Exit Registration System (NSEERS).

The Notice - to be published in the Federal Register on February 19, 2003 and in response to requests for more time from different individuals and entities - is an effort by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) to make the domestic enrollment process as convenient as possible. INS believes that these extensions are appropriate to assist certain temporary foreign visitors from these countries in completing the registration requirements. To ensure that domestic enrollments are conducted in a smooth, time-efficient manner, the INS has deployed and continues to deploy additional resources where needed.

Temporary foreign visitors who are males sixteen years of age or older, are nationals or citizens of Pakistan or Saudi Arabia, and were present in the United States before October 1, 2002, are being permitted an additional four weeks to register until March 21, 2003.

Temporary foreign visitors who are males sixteen years of age or older, are nationals or citizens of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan or Kuwait, and were present in the United States before October 1, 2002, are being permitted an additional four weeks to register. The registration period for this group will now be effective from February 24, 2003 until April 25, 2003.

Most individuals required to register are students, those present on extended business travel or visiting family members for a prolonged period. This requirement does not apply U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylum applicants, asylum grantees, and diplomats or others admitted under "A" or "G" visas.

Prosecutorial discretion will be considered if a registrant has a currently-filed request or application for a benefit, appears to be immediately and prima facie eligible for the benefit sought, and if no adverse or disqualifying information is developed through indices checks or other sources.

Embassy officials will be permitted to be present at INS offices to assist temporary foreign visitors who are required to enroll in NSEERS. Embassy officials will have access to registrants who are waiting to have their interviews, in order to consult with them.

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. Aliens may also call the INS Service Center at 800-375-5283.

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