Evaluate procedures for monitoring temporary visitors to the U.S.

Overview: A controversial program intended to keep terrorists out of the United States is facing criticism. The program called Special Registration is a system that aims to help the government keep track of nonimmigrants that come to the U.S. every year. Certain nonimmigrants will be required to register with Immigration and Naturalization services and will be monitored by special procedures. Critics say the policy violates civil liberties.

RESOURCES • ACLU: Immigrant Rights  • Special Registration  • Immigration and Naturalization Service

1. Who is Mohammad Abouel-Nasr? Why is he required to visit an immigration and naturalization service (INS) office? What did he experience at the INS office? What is "Special Registration"? Who does this program target initially? Who will be included in this program after January 10, 2003? In what law does this program have its roots? What have been the results of the program thus far?

2. In what ways do you think this program has become, as officials claim, a "crucial part of the War on Terror"? How do Department of Justice officials justify the program? Why do some immigration lawyers question the program's effectiveness? Do you think that this policy violates the civil rights of those it targets? Why or why not? Some critics believe that this policy could lead to U.S. citizens facing the same requirements. How would you feel if you or your family members were forced to go through the same process as Mohammad Abouel-Nasr? Explain.

3. Inform students that generally, a citizen of a foreign country who wishes to enter the United States must first obtain a document called a visa, either a nonimmigrant visa for temporary stay, or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Ask students to consider why someone might come to the United States for a temporary stay. Answers might include as a visitor for business, pleasure, or medical treatment, or for a different purpose such as for school, journalism, temporary work, etc. Explain to students that the Special Registration program applies to nonimmigrants, or noncitizens coming to the United States temporarily. Refer students to the Web sites below to learn more about the Special Registration program that monitors certain nonimmigrants. Organize students into small groups and have each group use the Web sites below to help them list the arguments for and against this program. They should also list alternate methods for helping to insure against potential terrorists coming to and living in the United States. Challenge groups to weigh the various options and make recommendations to the Department of Justice for how they should monitor people coming to the United States to help insure against another terrorist attack. Wrap up group presentations with a class discussion about the challenges that face the INS and the Department of Justice as they try to prevent another terrorist attack.