On December 19, thousands demonstrated at the federal building in Los Angeles to protest the roundup of an estimated 500–700 Iranians and other Middle Eastern immigrants who were arrested when they came to register at the INS offices (see accompanying article).

Attorney General John Aschroft issued an federal order in November requiring male noncitizens over the age of 16 who come from a list of 20 countries--mostly from the Middle East and South Asia--to be interrogated, photographed, and fingerprinted by INS agents.

The December 16 deadline was for immigrants from Iran, Iraq, Sudan, Syria, and Libya. Those from 15 other targeted countries are required to register by January 10. These are Afghanistan, Pakistan, Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Oman, Somalia, Eritrea, and north Korea.

Armenia, originally on the list, was dropped without explanation after an outburst of protests from Armenian-American organizations.

Ashcroft established the registration program--dubbed the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System--on the basis of the 1952 Immigration and Nationality Act, which gives the government a broad authority to exclude or deport noncitizens and to set up an "alien address report system." The government says it has the power to extend the registration requirements to "any class of aliens" except permanent residents or those granted political asylum.

The first stage of the program began September 11 last year when the INS began registering visa holders as they entered the country. Now the INS is registering male visitors over the age of 16 who entered the country before September 30 and "who may pose a national security concern" as defined by their countries of origin.

Foreign visitors staying in the country for more than one month are required to register with the INS as they enter the country. Subsequently they will have to register every year or face fines, imprisonment, or deportation. They also have to inform the INS when leaving the country.

Under the new program the government expects to have files by 2005 on 35 million visitors who come to the United States each year, including tourists, business travelers, students, and temporary workers from the 20 countries.

In the weeks leading up to the registration deadline, the INS ran announcements on local Farsi-language and other radio stations encouraging those required to register to go to the INS offices, assuring them a routine procedure.

Once there, they found out a different picture. They were asked to provide proof of residence, e-mail addresses, additional forms of identification other than their passports and immigration documents, information about their parents, and any contacts or friends in the United States. Many have been asked questions such as how frequently they go to the mosque, according to spokespeople of the Council of American Islamic Relations. Some have been denied the request to have their lawyer present during the interrogations.

A background check was run on the spot against various criminal and INS databases. Those showing a criminal record or a violation of immigration laws--including many who have pending applications for permanent residence or asylum--were arrested and subjected to deportation proceedings. The Los Angeles Times reports that up to one fourth of those who showed up at the Los Angeles INS office were arrested.

Ashcroft has said that state and local police are now being asked to arrest immigrants accused of criminal or immigration violations, using data poured into the FBI’s national database.
 
 
Related articles:
Thousands in Los Angeles protest mass arrests by INS
Demand release of Iranians, others jailed as they lined up to register  
 
 
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