**DHS eases some Special Registration requirements, effective December 2, 2003**

On December 2, 2003, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a rule that amends several requirements associated with the Special Registration program. The primary purpose of this message is to clarify that although the Special Registration program has been modified by the new rule, it has not been eliminated.

Under the new rule, individuals subject to Special Registration are still subject to departure controls that require them to use only designated ports of departure when departing the U.S., but they are no longer required to report to DHS offices in between entry and departure (the so-called 30-day and annual re-registrations). The rule also provides that F, M, and J non-immigrants who report changes in address and educational institution as required through SEVIS are not required to also report those changes using Form AR-11SR, although changes to F, M, or J employment must still be reported on the AR-11SR.

The changes to Special Registration are effective immediately. [69 Fed. Reg. 67578 (December 2, 2003)].

Jay P Horn

Assistant Director

International Office

University of Texas at Arlington

817-272-2355