“Calling for a new ‘vital line of defense’ against terrorists, Attorney General John Ashcroft proposed Justice Department regulations today [June 5, 2002] that would require 100,000 foreign students, tourists, researchers and other visitors to register with the federal government. Mr. Ashcroft said any foreigner who might pose ‘a national security concern,’ would be covered by the rules, which would take effect this fall after a public comment period.”
– Eric Schmitt, “Ashcroft Proposes Rules for Foreign Visitors,” The New York Times, June 6, 2002