U.S. Senate Tries to Stop Registration Funding
Posted Jan 31, 2003

The U.S. Senate is making efforts to stop the funding for the National Security Entry-Exit Registration System (NSEERS). This registration system has been highly controversial. The MurthyBulletin has followed the registration program from proposal through phase-in. Our most recent article on the topic from January 17, 2003, Special Registration: 5 More Countries & Deadlines Reopened, is available on MurthyDotCom. The Senate-passed provision amends the omnibus budget bill in order to suspend NSEERS funding. This is a proposal that has been passed by the Senate, but it is not a law.

If enacted into law, the Senate-approved amendment would provide funding for border security but prohibit the use of that funding for the NSEERS program. It would also require the Attorney General to document information regarding NSEERS in order to assess whether the program is working. Supporters of the amendment take the position that U.S. tax dollars should be focused on building an entry / exit system but not on the registration program.

The House version of this bill, which the U.S. House of Representatives has already approved, does not contain the same restriction on NSEERS funding. These differences will have to be negotiated and resolved before a final bill can be sent to the President for his signature. The Senate amendment does not change anything with respect to the registration program at this time. Those who are subject to the registration must comply by the posted deadlines. The INS WebSite contains detailed information regarding registration, which is updated generally within a few days of any changes. Several articles on this subject are also available on MurthyDotCom. We at The Law Office of Sheela Murthy will continue to monitor the registration program and will inform our readers through MurthyDotCom and the MurthyBulletin.