Print Back to News Summary

Suspension of the 30-day and annual interview requirements from the special registration process for certain nonimmigrants


Effective December 2, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has suspended the National Security Entry/Exit Registration System (NSEERS) 30-day and one-year re-registration requirements for persons registered at ports of entry or in the call-in program under Special Registration. Instead, the regulation will authorize the DHS to require specific individuals or groups of individuals to re-register within 10 days of a mailed notice or a Federal Register publication.

Please note that port of entry registration will continue. Moreover, call-in registration can still be instituted at any time. Most importantly, the suspension does not change the general requirement that those subject to NSEERS registration - port of entry and call-in alike - must still comply with departure registration requirements. Persons who fail to register at departure are presumed inadmissible.

Keep in mind that the suspension does not change any of the penalties for aliens who failed to comply with special registration provisions, including aliens who failed before December 2, 2003 to appear for a required initial call-in registration, a 30-day re-registration interview, or an annual re-registration interview. The changes also do not excuse any future call-in notice or additional registration requirement. Finally, the suspension does not in any way alter the requirement to notify the USCIS of any change of address, employment and/or educational institution within 10 days of such change, on Form AR-11SR.

To read the interim rule, please go to https://egov.immigration.gov/graphics/cris/jsps/index.jsp?textFlag=N

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding these developments, please contact our office to discuss this suspension and how it may relate to your case.

POSTED: DECEMBER 2, 2003

Back to News Summary