Subject: ICIRR Alert: INS to Begin Enforcement of Old Alien Registration Law

7/24/02 ILLINOIS COALITION FOR IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE RIGHTS 36 S. Wabash, suite 1425 · Chicago, IL 60603 · 312.332.7360 voice · 312.332.7044 fax · www.icirr.org

INS to Begin Enforcement of Old Alien Registration Law On July 18, 2002, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) issued a press release stating that it would start enforcing a 50 year old law, INA § 265(a), that requires all aliens to register changes of address with the INS within 10 days of moving. A possible consequence of wilfull failure to register under this law is deportation (INA § 237(a)(3)(A)).

According to the press release (not currently available on the DOJ website), the DOJ intends to publish proposed regulations amending criteria for registration. DOJ is using this law to better track the location of noncitizens, and to initiate and complete deportation of immigration violators. While these new regulations have not been published, INS has recently used the old law to initiate removal proceedings against a lawful permanent resident stopped for going 4mph over the speed limit in Georgia.

What should I tell my clients? Lawful permanent residents and other aliens should not wait for the new regulations to be issued. If they have changed address since becoming lawful permanent residents, they should get, complete and return the AR-11 form and comply with the law as it currently exists.

People who are not sure whether they should comply should contact an immigration service provider. ICIRR has a list of non-profit service providers in Illinois on its website, www.icirr.org, as well as a recorded message in English and Spanish listing the same providers at (312) 332-7360 x37.

To get a copy of the form - * Order over the phone from the INS forms line: (800) 870-3676. Press 1 for English, press 2 for Spanish * Download it off the INS website at http://www.ins.gov/graphics/formsfee/forms/ar-11.htm. Visitors will need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available for free from www.adobe.com (which is linked from the INS website). They can print and use this version.

Before mailing the form - Make sure that clients make photocopies of their completed AR-11 forms AND send them in by certified mail and keep the certified mail stub and return receipt together with the photocopy as proof of compliance.

You may refer clients to a quick message in English and Spanish explaining this requirement, how to comply and where to get the form can be heard by calling (312) 332-7360 x36. This message will also reference the list of non-profit service providers mentioned above and direct callers to that extension for additional information.

Please note again that INS will issue proposed regulations in the near future regarding changes to the registration system. ICIRR intends to file comments on the proposed regulations once they are published and we will announce the deadline for comments.

For more information call (312) 332-7360, or visit our website at www.icirr.org