FOREIGN NATIONALS Attorney criticizes registration policy

As an immigrant, Atty. Grace Y. Chan says she understands their problems.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- A township attorney specializing in immigration law doesn't believe new reporting requirements of some foreign nationals addresses all security issues.
"You can only track those willing to be tracked," says Atty. Grace Y. Chan, whose practice focuses on immigration, naturalization and international adoption.
Under the National Security Entry-Exit System, foreign nationals from 18 countries considered at high risk of terrorism must register with a Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization Service office by Monday.
The closest office to the Mahoning Valley is in Cleveland.
Need to register
The countries are Iraq, Iran, Libya, Sudan, Syria, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
Those who must register are males born on or before Nov. 15, 1986; are nationals or citizens of one of the 18 countries; came to this country on or before Sept. 10; and who will remain in the United States at least until Jan. 10, 2003.
The effort is part of a broader anti-terrorist program to screen visitors from countries when intelligence signals a higher-security risk since the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
Chan, who is originally from Hong Kong, said the program doesn't apply to women because they haven't been linked, thus far, to terrorist attacks.
The problem with the program developed by the Justice Department and administered by the INS is that it doesn't address those who enter the country illegally, she said.
"They are only addressing part of the issue," Chan said, pointing out that people in this country illegally won't register.
Since Sept. 11, Chan said she hasn't been treated any differently. She suspects it's because she's not from the Middle East nor a Muslim.
Right approach
Naturalization is still on the rise, Chan explained, including those from the Middle East, because "they won't be hassled."
"I think that's the right thing to do," Chan said, noting those who are naturalized can receive the country's benefits such as voting and public assistance if needed.
She pointed out that becoming a U.S. citizen or getting a green card isn't a difficult process. It can avoid immigrants' being detained while their status is checked.
Chan said she believes it's more difficult to enter the United States from poor or Third World countries.
"There is a presumption they are more inclined to stay [in the U.S.] illegally," Chan asserted.
The attorney said the issue isn't groundless because it's more difficult for them to receive a visa to visit this country, although they meet all the qualifications as those from other countries.
"I hope immigration bias will subside," Chan said.
Immigrants contribute to the social, economic and political stability of this country, she explained.
"I'm an immigrant," she said, noting that because of her status, she specialized in immigration law. "I understand these problems."
Chan received her bachelor's degree from Illinois State University and master's degree from the University of Illinois.
She passed the bar exam in 1993 after graduating from Cleveland State University.
yovich@vindy.com