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2002


  • INS Will No Longer Admit Part-Time Commuter Students After 5/22/02(52 KB - 5/30/2002)
    An INS notice from the Buffalo District Office states that, effective 5/22/02, INS will no longer admit students residing in contiguous territory to enter the U.S. to attend school on a part-time basis, unless the student had already been attending classes prior to such date. AILA Doc. No. 02053031.
    AILA Doc. No. 02053031.
  • INS Reminds Certain Nonimmigrants of Registration Requirement (12/6/2002)
    The INS has issued a reminder to certain nonimmigrant males aged 16 or older who are nationals of one of 18 designated countries that they must register with their local INS office as part of the NSEERS program. The press release adds: “This is not an exclusive list…visitors from other countries will be asked to register in the coming months.”
    AILA Doc. No. 02120640.
  • Increase in Administrative Appeal Fee Recommended (11/25/2002)
    A review by the INS Budget Office and the consulting firm BearingPoint has resulted in a recommendation that the fee for administrative appeals and motions to reopen/reconsider be increased to $383 from its current level of $110. The fee was last increased in 1989.
    AILA Doc. No. 02112542.
  • INS Responds to Reports of a Moratorium on Adjudications (11/22/2002)
    The INS has issued a statement in response to reports of a halt in adjudications, stressing that there is no moratorium in place. However, final determinations on adjustment and naturalization cases may be delayed by new security check procedures.
    AILA Doc. No. 02112245.
  • INS Commissioner Lauds Passage of Homeland Security Act (11/20/2002)
    The INS Commissioner has issued a statement lauding the passage of the Homeland Security Act of 2002.
    AILA Doc. No. 02112044.
  • INS Advisory on Travel While Adjustment of Status Application Is Pending (11/18/2002)
    INS advises of the potential consequences of traveling outside the U.S. while an adjustment of status application is pending. The need for advance parole and the potential impact on on the 3/10 year bars are cited.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111842.
  • INS Amends AR-11 / Changes Filing Address (11/12/2002)
    INS has issued a new version of Form AR-11, Change of Address, and now asks that the forms be filed at an address in London, Kentucky.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111245.
  • INS Checklist for School Certification (11/12/2002)
    Copy of the checklist provided by INS to its contractors for review of schools for certification for participation in SEVIS.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111243.
  • INS Update on SEVIS Implementation (11/12/2002)
    INS describes the milestones for implementation of SEVIS and provides data regarding timelines and schools approved to use SEVIS.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111242.
  • Materials Provided to Nonimmigrants Subjected to Special Registration (11/12/2002)
    INS information sheet given to nonimmigrants entering the U.S. who are subjected to Special Registration.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111249.
  • INS Expands Expedited Removal to Cover Aliens Arriving by Sea (11/12/2002)
    The INS has designated a new class of aliens subject to expedited removal. Upon publication of a notice in the Fed. Reg. (expected shortly), “certain aliens who arrive in the U.S. by sea, either by boat or other means, who are not admitted or paroled,” will be subject to expedited removal and will be detained during the course of any proceedings.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111201.
  • INS Special Registration Information for Persons Already Present in U.S. (11/12/2002)
    INS Fact Sheet and other information for persons already present in the U.S. who must comply with Special Registration. This AR-11 has a different filing address from the one provided on the INS website for general AR-11 filing.
    AILA Doc. No. 02111251.
  • INS Reminds Eligible Salvadorans to Re-register for TPS by 11/12/02 (11/7/2002)
    The INS reminds eligible Salvadorans that completed re-registration applications for the temporary protected status (TPS) program must be mailed to the appropriate INS Service Center and postmarked by 11/12/02.
    AILA Doc. No. 02110770.
  • INS Announces First Major Structural Changes in Restructuring (4/18/2002)
    INS announced several first steps toward restructuring the agency, including the establishment of stronger, more direct chains of command for the Border Patrol and agency-owned detention facilities, and the establishment of the Office of Juvenile Affairs that will report directly to the Commissioner
    AILA Doc. No. 02041831.
  • Fact Sheets on the DOJ’s OIG and OIA Complaint Processes (11/6/2002)
    Staff members of the ABA Commission on Immigration Policy, Practice and Pro Bono recently met with the DOJ’s Office of Inspector General and Office of Internal Audit regarding their complaint processes for INS detainees. Attached are two fact sheets derived from these meetings, courtesy of Chris Nugent at the ABA.
    AILA Doc. No. 02110632.
  • Attorney General Issues Statement on Haitian Migrant Situation in Miami (10/31/2002)
    Attorney General Ashcroft issues a statement on the recent Haitian refugee situation in Miami.
    AILA Doc. No. 02103173.
  • INS Announces Implementation of Case Status Online (10/29/2002)

    The INS, on October 28, announced the successful implementation of Case Status Online. Individuals who have a receipt number for an application or petition filed at an INS Service Center can now check the status of their pending case online through the INS website at: http://www.immigration.gov.


    AILA Doc. No. 02102931.
  • INS Warns of Imposter Websites (10/24/2002)
    The INS reminds the public that only websites ending with the “.gov” suffix are official government websites.
    AILA Doc. No. 02102444.
  • Commissioner Ziglar Urges Undocumented Aliens to Assist in Sniper Investigation (10/23/2002)
    INS Commissioner Ziglar released a statement on 10/23 urging undocumented aliens who may have information regarding the sniper attacks in the Washington, D.C. metro region to contact authorities without fear of the INS seeking their immigration status information.
    AILA Doc. No. 02102342.
  • INS Clarifies Requirement of Special Registration Interviews (10/16/2002)
    In light of reports that many foreign students have been erroneously informed that they must report to the INS for a special registration interview, the agency clarified that special registration pertains only to those nonimmigrants who were registered upon arrival into the U.S. and notified at that time to appear for a subsequent interview.
    AILA Doc. No. 02101640.
  • INS Website Usage Report for September 2002 and FY 2002 (10/10/2002)
    The INS has released a statistical report on INS website usage for the month of September 2002. The report also contains statistics on INS website usage for the entire fiscal year 2002.
    AILA Doc. No. 02101047.
  • INS Launches On-Line Case Status System (9/25/2002)
    The INS has launched a system for checking the status of a case pending at a Service Center via the internet. The information provided is the same as can be obtained by calling the “INS Direct” inquiry lines at the Service Centers, but this system provides an alternative means to make an inquiry without worrying about busy signals.
    AILA Doc. No. 02092540.
  • INS Paroles 9 Cuban Nationals Pending Status Review (9/19/2002)
    On 9/18/02, the INS paroled into the U.S. nine Cuban nationals who had been detained in Buffalo, NY since presenting themselves at a port of entry in August. The individuals were members of a Cuban delegation attending a Catholic conference with the Pope in Toronto.
    AILA Doc. No. 02091943.
  • New Biometric BCCs Required Beginning October 1, 2002 (9/17/2002)
    In a 9/16/02 News Release, the INS reminds Mexican border crossers that beginning on 10/1/02, holders of the old non-biometric Mexican Border Crossing Card (BCC) will be required to present the new biometric BCC at all U.S. ports of entry along the U.S./Mexico border.
    AILA Doc. No. 02091742.
  • Border Patrol Apprehensions Down 28 Percent (9/16/2002)
    The Border Patrol, on 9/16/02, announced that, during the first 10 months of FY 2002, apprehensions of undocumented immigrants were down 28 percent from the FY 2001 apprehensions for the same period. The News Release also includes figures for drug seizures during the same time frame.
    AILA Doc. No. 02091631.
  • Cambodia Adoption Review to Expand (9/12/2002)
    The INS, on 9/11/02, announced that it will expand its review and clearance of certain Cambodian adoptions that were begun prior to the agency's December 2001 suspension of such cases. The initiative will now include those prospective adoptive parents who filed the I-600A by 12/31/01.
    AILA Doc. No. 02091232.
  • INS Website Contains a New Section on Special Registration (9/11/2002)
    The INS has updated its website with detailed information on how and where to comply with the new Special Registration requirements, which a 9/6/02 Federal Register notice made applicable to nationals of 5 countries.
    AILA Doc. No. 02091132.
  • United States - Canada Nexus Program (9/10/2002)
    A White House News Release dated 9/9/02 provides information on the NEXUS alternative inspection programs that allows prescreened, low-risk travelers to cross the U.S.-Canada border in a dedicated lane, upon presentation of their NEXUS ID card.
    AILA Doc. No. 02091040.
  • INS Issues News Release, Fact Sheets on TPS Re-registration for Salvadoran Nationals (9/9/2002)
    The INS has issued a News Release and two Fact Sheets concerning TPS re-registration for nationals of El Salvador. The re-registration period closes on 11/12/02. One Fact Sheet reminds employers that the validity of existing TPS-related employment authorization documents for eligible Salvadorans has been extended through 3/9/03.
    AILA Doc. No. 02090942.
  • Somalia TPS Extended Until 9/17/03 (9/4/2002)
    Effective 9/17/02, INS extended Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for nationals of Somalia until 9/17/03. Additional information on the registration requirements (forms required, who is eligible, etc.) are provided.
    AILA Doc. No. 02090442.
  • INS News Release on TPS Extension for Nationals of Sudan (9/3/2002)
    The DOJ granted a 12-month extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Sudan. This TPS extension, which covers approximately 552 registrants from Sudan, is effective 11/2/02 and remains in effect until 11/2/03. The 60-day re-registration period runs from 8/30/02 through 10/29/02.
    AILA Doc. No. 02090343.
  • INS News Release on TPS Extension for Nationals of Burundi (9/3/2002)
    The DOJ granted a 12-month extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Burundi. This TPS extension, which covers approximately 13 registrants from Burundi, is effective 11/2/02 and remains in effect until 11/2/03. The 60-day re-registration period runs from 8/30/02 through 10/29/02.
    AILA Doc. No. 02090342.
  • INS Announces Legal Immigration Figures for FY 2001 (9/3/2002)
    The INS announced that a total of 1,064,318 persons legally immigrated to the U.S. in FY 2001. Of that figure, 411,059 obtained their visas abroad and 653,259 adjusted their status in the U.S.
    AILA Doc. No. 02090341.
  • First Genocide Case Brought by INS (8/30/2002)
    An INS News Release dated 8/29/02 states that, for the first time, the agency has denied admission to a foreign national based on the commission of genocide.
    AILA Doc. No. 02083041.
  • INS News Release on New Commuter Student Rule (8/28/2002)
    INS news release on the new interim rule allowing Mexican and Canadian commuter students to study on a part-time basis, within the F-1 or M-1 NIV category, at schools located within 75 miles of the U.S. border.
    AILA Doc. No. 02082843.
  • INS Fact Sheet on New Commuter Student Rule (8/28/2002)
    INS fact sheet on the new interim rule allowing Mexican and Canadian commuter students to study on a part-time basis, within the F-1 or M-1 NIV category, at schools located within 75 miles of the U.S. border.
    AILA Doc. No. 02082842.
  • INS Announces New Rule to Assist Part-time Commuter Students (8/26/2002)
    An INS News Release dated 8/26/02 announces the imminent issuance of a new rule to allow Mexican and Canadian commuter students to study on a part-time basis, within the F-1 or M-1 NIV category, at schools located within 75 miles of the U.S. border. The rule will be published on 8/27/02.
    AILA Doc. No. 02082643.
  • INS Breaks Up Child Smuggling Ring (8/23/2002)
    An INS News Release dated 8/12/02 announces the break up of a child smuggling ring that transported children out of El Salvador and into the U.S.
    AILA Doc. No. 02082342.
  • INS Issues Statistical Report on H-1B Workers (8/14/2002)
    The INS has issued a report entitled “Characteristics of Specialty Occupation Workers (H-1B): October 1999 to September 2000." The report, dated April 2002, was mandated by § 416(c) of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 (ACWIA).
    AILA Doc. No. 02081445.
  • Certain Asylees Should Provide INS with Current Address (5/20/2002)
    The INS has instructed all asylees who filed adjustment of status applications on or before 6/9/98, and who have not yet received a decision on their adjustment applications, to contact the INS with their current address. AILA Doc. No. 02052040.
    AILA Doc. No. 02052040.
  • AG Announces Partial Implementation of Special Alien Registration Program (8/13/2002)
    Attorney General Ashcroft announced that the first phase of the Special Alien Registration Program will be implemented at selected ports of entry beginning September 11, 2002. Nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Syria will be affected.
    AILA Doc. No. 02081370.
  • Fact Sheet on the INS’s Office of Juvenile Affairs (8/12/2002)
    An INS Fact Sheet dated 8/1/02 provides an overview of the INS’s recently established Office of Juvenile Affairs.
    AILA Doc. No. 02081241.
  • INS Announces H-1B Usage (8/12/2002)
    INS announces that, during the first three quarters of the current fiscal year 60,500 H-1B numbers subject to the cap were used. This compares to 130,700 cap-subject cases approved during the same time frame last fiscal year.
    AILA Doc. No. 02081251.
  • INS News Release on TPS Extension for Nationals of Montserrat (7/22/2002)
    The DOJ granted a 12-month extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for eligible nationals of Montserrat. This TPS extension, which covers approximately 323 registrants from Montserrat, is effective 8/27/02 and remains in effect until 8/27/03. The 60-day re-registration period runs from 7/17/02 through 9/16/02.
    AILA Doc. No. 02072206.
  • INS Release Announces Old Mexican BCCs Valid Until 10/1/02 (7/18/2002)
    INS Release dated 5/17 announces that older, non-biometric Mexican Border Crossing Cards (BCCs) are valid again until 10/1/02.
    AILA Doc. No. 02071873.
  • INS Commissioner Statement on President's Announcement of Department of Homeland Security (7/18/2002)
    In a statement dated 6/7/02, INS Commissioner Ziglar addresses INS employees regarding the President's Announcement of the formation of the Department of Homeland Security.
    AILA Doc. No. 02071872.
  • INS Releases on TPS Extension for Salvadorans (7/17/2002)
    DOJ granted a 12-month extension of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for eligible El Salvadorans. This TPS extension, which covers more than 260,000 Salvadoran registrants, is effective 9/9/02 and remains in effect until 9/9/03. The validity of relevant EADs has been extended until 3/9/03.
    AILA Doc. No. 02071743.
  • INS Releases on SEVIS Preliminary Enrollment (7/17/2002)
    INS announced the start of INS approved schools' preliminary enrollment period, using the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS), to accept foreign students. The preliminary enrollment period will remain open until at least 8/16/02. The INS Fact Sheet describes the preliminary enrollment process step-by-step.
    AILA Doc. No. 02071742.
  • White House Proposal for Homeland Security Department (6/25/2002)
    White House Proposal for Homeland Security Department.
    AILA Doc. No. 02062547.
  • New Government Department of Homeland Security Created (6/6/2002)
    The Bush Administration announced today that it will be creating a new government Department of Homeland Security.
    AILA Doc. No. 02060647.
  • INS Detention Facilities Home Pages Going Online (5/20/2002)
    INS provides a list of Detention Facilities, as well as a link to home pages going online. Focus is on the San Juan District Office.
    AILA Doc. No. 02052041.
  • Fact Sheet - Mandatory Surrender Proposed for Persons With Final Removal Orders(43 KB - 4/8/2002)
    INS has announced the imminent publication of 3 new rules in the Federal Register. An interim rule would prohibit nonimmigrants admitted in B visitor status from pursuing a course of study prior to obtaining approval of a change to student status.
    AILA Doc. No. 02040931.
  • INS Discusses Allegations Regarding Cambodian Orphans (4/26/2002)
    An April 23 INS Press Statement discusses the accuracy of allegations concerning the health of Cambodian children being considered for adoption by U.S. families, and also reports on the work of a U.S./Cambodian joint task force currently reviewing pending orphan petition cases in that country.
    AILA Doc. No. 02042631.
  • INS Issues Rule Governing Release of Detainee Information (4/19/2002)
    Personal information regarding INS detainees will be handled in a uniform manner, under an interim rule submitted for publication in the Federal Register. The rule, which took effect April 17, 2002, ensures that all detainee information will be handled in accordance with Federal law, regardless of whether the detainee is housed at a Federal, state, or local facility.
  • Canadian Border Boat Landing Program to Resume (4/11/2002)
    The INS plans to resume the Canadian Border Boat Landing Program with additional security enhancements. The agency suspended the program after the September 11 terrorist attacks. See the INS’s News Release for additional details.
    AILA Doc. No. 02041134.
  • Buffalo District Office Discontinues Routine Parole of USC Spouses at POEs (4/9/2002)
    The Buffalo District Office (BDO) will no longer allow routine parole of US citizen spouses at ports of entry. The current options for entry of spouses of US citizens are now (1) apply for the K-3 visa or (2) meet the statutory criteria for parole set forth in 8 CFR 212.5a. Click here for text of message.
    AILA Doc. No. 02040936.
  • INS to Transfer Tanzanian Boys to Foster Care (4/3/2002)
    INS announced the transfer of 4 Tanzanian boys from a juvenile shelter care facility in PA to a foster home in the Midwest, where they will remain during the pendency of their immigration proceedings.
    AILA Doc. No. 02040339.
  • INS Commissioner Ziglar Announces Personnel Changes (3/15/2002)
    Commissioner James Ziglar announced personnel changes to address immediate needs in immigration procedures, services and enforcement following the recent mailings of letters certifying the student visa status of September 11th hijackers.
    AILA Doc. No. 02031574.
  • INS Reports on First Quarter FY 2002 H-1B Processing (3/6/2002)
    The INS reports that during the first quarter of FY 2002, the agency approved approximately 28,000 H-1B petitions against the 195,000 limit for the year, and has an additional 18,000 petitions pending which may be counted against the cap.
    AILA Doc. No. 02030633.
  • Information on the INS's DMIA Task Force (3/4/2002)
    The INS has provided information about its Data Management Improvement Act of 2000 (DMIA) Task Force, including membership information. As background, the DMIA amended § 110 of the IIRAIRA to require the development of an integrated entry and exit data system, and called for a task force to study the issues involved.
    AILA Doc. No. 02030433.
  • INS Commissioner at Nat'l Immigration Forum Conference (2/13/2002)
    At the National Immigration Forum’s conference on 2/1/02, INS Commissioner James W. Ziglar spoke on current immigration policy and the INS's expanded role in the aftermath of the September 11th events. He also pledged better treatment for immigrant children.
    AILA Doc. No. 02021371.
  • INS Proposes Changes to Rules Governing Visitors and Students(131 KB - 4/9/2002)
    INS fact sheets on new proposed student/visitor rules and mandatory surrender rule. AILA Doc. No. 02040931.
    AILA Doc. No. 02040931.
  • INS Suspends Cambodian Adoptions (1/17/2002)
    In a 12/21/01 news release, the INS announced the immediate suspension of the processing of adoption petitions in Cambodia and a review of the adoption process in Vietnam.
    AILA Doc. No. 02011736.
  • National Guard to Assist with Border Patrol (3/4/2002)
    INS announced that, through a cooperative arrangement between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Department of Defense (DOD), the National Guard will assist the INS on the northern and southern borders for up to six months. Details provided.
    AILA Doc. No. 02030432.
  • Joint Statement: The Smart Border Declaration (1/17/2002)
    The terrorist actions of September 11 were an attack on our common commitment to democracy, the rule of law and a free and open economy. They require our governments to develop new approaches to meet these challenges. This declaration commits our governments to work together to address these threats to our people, our institutions and our prosperity.
    AILA Doc. No. 02011740.
  • Canada and the United States Sign 'Smart Border Declaration' (1/17/2002)
    John Manley, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Public Security and Anti-Terrorism, and Governor Tom Ridge, Director of the Office of Homeland Security in the United States, today signed a declaration for the creation of a Smart Border for the 21st century between the United States and Canada.
    AILA Doc. No. 02011740.
  • U.S./Canada Sign ‘Smart Border Declaration’ (1/17/2002)
    Canada and the United States sign new border declaration to identify and address security risks, while facilitating the secure flow of people and goods.
    AILA Doc. No. 02011733.
  • INS Announces Legal Immigration Figures for 1999 and 2000 (1/22/2002)
    The INS, on January 18, 2001, announced the number of persons who legally immigrated to the U.S. in FYs 1999 and 2000. Totals include new arrivals to the U.S. who obtained immigrant visas abroad, and persons who were already living in the U.S. who became permanent residents by applying for adjustment of status.
    AILA Doc. No. 02012231.
  • Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act 2000 (1/17/2002)
    On 11/28/01, the filing deadline for benefits under the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000 (Pub. L. No. 107-77) was extended by 18 months. The new filing deadline for qualified veterans and their spouses is 5/26/03. The deadline for qualified widows of such veterans is 11/1/03.
    AILA Doc. No. 02011737.