These searched among their ancestral registration, but they could not be located; therefore they were considered unclean and excluded from the priesthood.Apparently, some of those returning claimed to be Levites, and were ready to be priests in God's new Temple. But their claims could not be confirmed by the records that survived. It's not clear whether they had come falsely, or been taught that they were Levites when they weren't, or if they were honest but the records were incomplete. Whichever the reason, the returning Jews decided to err on the side of caution.
There were times in Judah's history when this would not have been a problem. Many times occurred when wicked kings did not follow the laws God had set for the priesthood, and anybody could be a priest if they wanted. But here, the Jews are rebuilding what was lost, and they decide that they must be sure the work is done purely, with proper holiness. So those who could not be confirmed to be of the priestly line could not participate, even if they actually were pure. If in doubt that something is a sin, don't do it.
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