The Embassy has been working on the following lines regarding the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS).

- The Ambassador met the Deputy National Security Advisor, Mr. Steven Hadley, Assistant Secretary of State, Ms. Christina Rocca and Senior Legal Advisor the Justice Department, Mr. Harry Marshall to strongly convey Pakistan's concerns. The Ambassador is also scheduled to meet other high level officials of the US Administration in a couple of days.

- Senior officials of the US Administration have promised to make the registration of Pakistan nationals as easy and convenient as possible. The Embassy will be issuing detailed guidelines to the Pakistani community before January 13, 2003 in this regard.

- Embassy officers have been in touch with leading immigration lawyers dealing with Pakistani community immigration cases. On the basis of discussions held with them, the Embassy has decided to take up cases of those Pakistanis who have applied for amnesty/change of status under the following section of the Immigration Law, with the US authorities.

a) 245(i), which relates to amnesty granted to all immigrants present in the United States if they got themselves sponsored before 30th April 2001.

b) INA Section 212(a)(5)(A); 8 U.S.C. Section 1182(a)(5)(A), which relate to those Pakistani nationals who have applied for labour certification.

c) Sections 203(a) INA and 204-1, 8 CFR, which relate to those Pakistani nationals who have applied for change of status on basis of family ties.

- It will be the endeavour of the Embassy that Pakistani nationals falling under the above categories are not harassed and allowed to stay in the United States till the final settlement of their cases.

- The Embassy is also exploring options of requesting the presence of Embassy/Consulate officers/lawyers at selected INS offices at the time of registration of Pakistani nationals on certain dates, which would be announced through the media and also put on the Embassy's website. If put into practice, these teams would act as a deterrent and also assist community members in going through the registration process.

- The Ambassador held a press conference on 24th December, 2002 on this issue.

- The community leaders are being consulted on the steps that could be taken to provide assistance to Pakistani nationals.

- Community members are being requested to register their concerns by fax and e-mail to the White House, Congress and the Attorney General's office.

Date/Time Last Modified: 1/2/2003 11:23:07 AM

© 2004, Human Development Foundation. All rights reserved.
1350 Remington Road, Suite W, Schaumburg, Il. 60173
Toll Free: (800) 705-1310 | Email: info@yespakistan.com | Privacy Policy