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AAI to Ashcroft: Extending INS Registration Deadline Benefits Fairness and Security

Posted on Monday December 9, 2002

Washington—Today Arab American Institute President Dr. James Zogby sent Attorney General John Ashcroft a letter requesting that the Department of Justice extend the special registration deadline for nonimmigrant alien males from specified Arab and Muslim countries. AAI believes that given language barriers, complicated registration procedures and the holiday season, extending the deadline to March 15 2003, would give the INS and community organizations more time to publicize this requirement and avoid further overwhelming critical law enforcement resources.

“We hope to work with the Justice Department, as we have been doing, to facilitate this process. But to do that, an extension of the deadline is necessary. An extension would empower Arab American organizations to better publicize the initiative, avoiding unnecessary arrests and deportations. An extension would free law enforcement officers from rounding up individuals whose only crime is failing to read the Federal Register in a timely fashion. It is in the interest of our national security to extend this deadline and I hope that the Attorney General will see the benefits of helping people comply with this order and helping them avoid a catch-22,” said Zogby.

Text of the letter:

“On November 22nd the Department of Justice announced that it is expanding its program requiring the special registration of men above the age of 16 from five countries to include 14 additional nations. While I understand the need for this program, I am concerned that the time restraints placed on these individuals are unrealistic and don’t take into account certain practical obstacles. In particular, I am concerned that the language barrier and the busy holiday season will make meeting the January 10th deadline for registration exceedingly difficult.

“The Department of Justice should consider modifying the registration rules to allow for more time, at least until March 15th, 2003. This would give the INS an opportunity to work with community leaders to undertake an effective outreach effort to those affected by the program expansion. This postponement and campaign to work with the community is in the best interests of all parties, and will make this process as fair and efficient as possible. Our goal is to minimize the possibility of wrongful deportation while at the same time increasing our national security. As in the past, AAI is prepared to work with the Department of Justice to ensure an effective and respectful program.

“Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.”

Founded in 1985, the Arab American Institute (AAI) is a nonprofit organization committed to the civic and political empowerment of Americans of Arab descent. AAI provides policy, research and public affairs services to support a broad range of community activities.