June 18, 2002

Department of Justice Releases Proposed Rule on Registration of Certain Nonimmigrants

The Department of Justice published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on June 13, 2002 concerning the registration of certain nonimmigrants. As reported by GT on June 5, individuals from designated countries as well as individuals fulfilling criteria developed by the Department of Justice will be required to undergo fingerprinting upon entering the United States and periodic check-in registrations with authorities while present in the country. The DOJ is basing its ability to require these additional steps upon existing law that requires registration and fingerprinting of certain aliens. Currently regulations require the registration and fingerprinting only of nationals from Iraq, Iran, Sudan and Libya. However, the it is expected the INS and State Department will expand this list of countries after they determine what nationals from other countries they think constitute an elevated national security risk. Written comments on the rule must be received on or by July 15, 2002.

  Federal Register: Registration and Monitoring of Certain Nonimmigrants (PDF/56 kb, 6 pages)