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Department of Justice/Immigration and Naturalization Service: * INS has temporarily lowered its filing fees for certain petitions/applications. The fee change is due to a provision of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 requiring the elimination of a surcharge the INS previously attached in order to fund asylum and refugee services, fee exemptions and fee waivers. However, the fees are expected to revert to the old fee structure upon passage of the omnibus budget bill, which is expected to eliminate the prohibition against the surcharge. * DOJ has expanded its National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS) to include Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, and Kuwait. In general, males age 16 and over who last entered the U.S. as a non-immigrant (tourist, student, business visitor, work visa) on or before September 2002 and are citizens/nationals of listed countries may be subject to the Call-In Special Registration program. Under its “Call-In Special Registration” program, DOJ is requiring certain citizens/nationals of designated countries to appear at an INS district or sub-office to participate in special registration. The deadline by which an affected non-immigrant must register depends on his/her country of citizenship/nationality. * Citizens/nationals of Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, and Kuwait must register with the INS between 02/24/2003 and 03/28/2003. * DOJ announces a “grace period” for citizens/nationals of Iran Iraq, Libya, Sudan, and Syria who entered the U.S. on or before 09/11/2002 and who did not register with the INS before 12/16/2002. Those persons required to participate in the program who have not yet done so may register with the INS between 01/27/2003 and 02/07/2003. * The upcoming deadline for citizens/nationals of Pakistan and Saudi Arabia who must register with the INS is 02/21/2003. * Further information relating to the INS’ Special Registration program can be obtained by visiting the INS’ website at www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/specialreg/index.htm. Department of State: * Individuals seeking to obtain visas at the various U.S. Consulate and Embassy posts are urged to contact the appropriate post beforehand to determine if any procedures or requirements have changed, as various posts have amended and may continue to amend the visa application process. * The U.S. Consulate post in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico has been temporarily closed in order to allow the State Department to conduct a comprehensive examination of its visa operations. However, it is anticipated that the post should re-open shortly. * DOS recently issued travel warnings for Zimbabwe, Liberia, Tanzania, Israel, the West Bank, Gaza, Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The DOS has authorized the voluntary departure of family members of employees of the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Private American citizens currently in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait are urged to rigorously evaluate their own security situations and are to consider departing such countries. These travel warnings follow recent general advice to U.S. residents overseas.

 

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