New U.S. policy to affect international students

By Troy Simpson

Certain non-immigrant Middle Eastern aliens in the United States, including several Santa Clara students, are required to register with the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) before the end of March.

Some members of the university community say that the INS regulations are a reflection of a frightened and uninformed American culture.

"I think [the registration requirements] are a reflection of a culture that is scared of the unknown and is easily willing to persecute that unknown using whatever means available to build a sense of security," said Presidential Fellow David Thompson.

The INS defines Special Registration as a system that will assist the United States government in keeping track of non-immigrants that come into the country every year. The INS reported that approximately 35 million non-immigrants entering or already in the United States are required to register between Jan. 13 and Mar. 28.

In light of these requirements, President of the Muslim Students Association Thamer Rajapakse said that many foreigners now think twice about coming to the United States.

"You have to understand where the people are coming from," said Rajapakse. "A lot of them are coming from oppressive governments where you don't talk because people will come after you - people disappear in the middle of the night. Many come here with the expectation that they've gone away from all of that but, then all the sudden [they find] that the government is coming after them again."

Currently, certain citizens of Egypt, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Iraq and 18 others are required to register at a designated INS office.

The 25 countries are separated into four different "Call-In Groups," which were announced at different dates. Although each call-in group has a different set of required registration deadlines, requirements for citizens of each country are very similar.

Upon registration, non-immigrants are required to be photographed, fingerprinted and interviewed under oath at a designated INS office. Non-immigrants planning to stay in the United States for more than one year past the date of registration must register again no more than 10 days before the anniversary of their first registration. They are also required to notify the INS of any changes of address, employment or education.

The document released by the INS entitled "Special Call-In Registration Procedures for Certain Non-immigrants" says that if persons required to register fail to do so, they will be considered deportable, subject to arrest, detention and fines.

Counseling Center Director Larry Wolfe said that the INS regulations are an implication of reoccurring American fears intensified by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"I think it's probably an overreaction," said Wolfe. "If a student is here and they're registered, then those are probably not the people we need to worry about. The INS regulations are an implication of reoccurring American fears intensified by the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11.

"I think it's probably an overreaction," said Wolfe "If a student is here and they're registered, then those are probably not the people we need to worry about. The people who come over and register as students but never show up and are never heard from one the ones we should be more worried about."

Santa Clara junior and citizen of Jordan Mohammad Musa said that if the United States is attacked by a terrorist group again, the situation involving non-immigrants could become much more complicated.

"The only thing I'm afraid of now is another attack because I know that it would get really nasty," said Musa. "Maybe [the United States] wouldn't accept any more students, or there could be more strict regulations enforced on students. If I'm not able to be free here, I'd rather be free at home with my family."

Rajapakse said that the message sent by the United States via INS regulations affects not only the non-immigrants required to register, but also the worldwide perception of the United States.

"I could understand the need for wanting to protect ourselves, but I don't think this is the right way to go about doing it," said Rajapakse. "You have to understand how this is being played out in the Middle East. It's only contributing more to the negative perception of the United States."

Musa said that although the registration process itself was not planned or implemented well, some form of registration does have redeeming factors.

"Each country has the right to protect itself, and you've got to do what's necessary, said Musa. "In that case, I think it's reasonable. I would do the same in my country if I had to."

Santa Clara junior and citizen of Jordan Mohammad Musa said that if the United States is attacked by a terrorist group again, the situation involving non-immigrants could become much more complicated.

"The only thing I'm afraid of now is another attack because I know that it would get really nasty," said Musa. "Maybe [the United States] wouldn't accept any more students, or there could be more strict regulations enforced on students. If I'm not able to be free here, I'd rather be free at home with my family."

Rajapakse said that the message sent by the United States via INS regulations affects not only the non-immigrants required to register, but also the worldwide perception of the United States.

"I could understand the need for wanting to protect ourselves, but I don't think this is the right way to go about doing it," said Rajapakse. "You have to understand how this is being played out in the Middle East. It's only contributing more to the negative perception of the United States."

Musa said that although the registration process itself was not planned or implemented well, some form of registration does have redeeming factors.

"Each country has the right to protect itself, and you've got to do what's necessary," said Musa. "In that case, I think it's reasonable. I would do the same in my country if I had to."