Morocco, United Arab Emirates, among 13 countries added to list of countries whose male nationals must register with U.S. government
Regional-USA, Politics, 11/25/2002

US Attorney general, John Ashcroft, announced on Friday a new list of 13 countries (Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen) whose male citizens must register with the government.

The new requirements concern male visitors who entered the United States on or before Sept. 30. The new rules affect males born on or before Dec. 2, 1986 and who intend to stay in the United States at least until Jan. 10, 2003.

The first list released earlier this month included Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan and Syria.

Affected men will have to visit their local Immigration and Naturalization Service office to be fingerprinted and photographed and to provide detailed information about their backgrounds and the purpose of their visit to the United States.

The move is part of a broader anti-terrorism program that began on Sept. 11, 2002.

The affected population numbers in the thousands and includes students, people with long-term travel visas, family members and others, Justice Department, officials said.

The requirements do not apply to permanent residents -- those with INS "green cards" -- or to naturalized citizens from those countries. Diplomats are also excluded, as well as those who are seeking or were granted political asylum in the United States.

Previous Stories:
  Washington gives 11 Arab states one month to define their position concerning attacking Iraq   (11/22/2002)
  Al-Lewa: American citizens leave the Middle east   (11/16/2002)
  Washington calls on its citizens in the Middle East to be cautious   (11/5/2002)

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