[The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions] [Department of Homeland Security Semiannual Regulatory Agenda] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IXDepartment of Homeland Security ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 72922]] DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of the Secretary 6 CFR Chs. I and II [DHS Docket No. OGC-RP-03-001] Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DHS. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This notice is given pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, September 19, 1980) and Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (September 30, 1993), which require the publication of a semiannual agenda of regulations by the Department of Homeland Security (Department or DHS). The regulatory agenda is a semiannual summary of all current and projected rulemakings, and completed actions of the Department. This is the Department's second semiannual agenda and first regulatory plan. Under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-295 (Homeland Security Act), 22 preexisting agencies or components transferred to DHS. Although DHS is new, many of its components had active regulatory agendas, such as the legacy Immigration and Nationalization Service (INS), which has been divided into the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection. Together, the latter components alone comprise half of the DHS regulatory agenda. The legacy INS rulemakings primarily set forth application or other process standards for obtaining benefits, privileges, or other attributes afforded to visa or citizen holders. Other DHS components, such as the U.S. Coast Guard and Transportation Security Administration, have regulatory functions rooted in promulgating safety or security standards. The new Department, considered the most significant transformation of the U.S. Government in over a half-century, continues to transform and realign the current confusing patchwork of Government activities into a single department. Its' greatest regulatory challenge is melding the variant regulatory practices into one centralized regulatory agency embracing the ``best practices'' of each of its components. The DHS agenda provides the public with information about the Department's regulatory practices. It is expected that this information will enable the public to more effectively participate in the Department's regulatory activities. The public is also invited to submit comments on any aspect of this agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: General - You should direct all comments and inquiries on the agenda in general to Laticia Argenti, Deputy Associate General Counsel for Regulations, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528. Specific - You should direct all comments and inquiries on the particular items in the agenda to the individual listed for the regulation or the general rulemaking contact person for the DHS components. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The semiannual agenda of the Department conforms to the Unified Agenda format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center. This edition of the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions includes The Regulatory Plan, which appears in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. DHS' Statement of Regulatory Priorities is included in part II. Dated: October 29, 2003. Laticia Argenti, Deputy Associate General Counsel for Regulations. Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1180 Procedures for Handling Critical Infrastructure Information......................... 1601-AA14 1181 Supplemental Standards of Conduct for Employees of the Department of Homeland 1601-AA17 Security............................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1182 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Procedures............................... 1601-AA00 1183 Production or Disclosure of Official Information in Connection With Legal 1601-AA01 Proceedings......................................................................... 1184 Regulations Implementing the Support Antiterrorism by Fostering Effective 1601-AA15 Technologies Act of 2002............................................................ 1185 Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR)..................................... 1601-AA16 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72923]] Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1186 Classified National Security Information............................................ 1601-AA02 1187 Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Department of 1601-AA03 Homeland Security Programs or Activities............................................ 1188 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving 1601-AA04 Federal Financial Assistance........................................................ 1189 Regulations Regarding Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National 1601-AA05 Origin in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance............. 1190 Authority of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Delegations of 1601-AA06 Authority; Immigration Laws......................................................... 1191 Procedures Relating to Awards Under the Equal Access to Justice Act................. 1601-AA07 1192 Collection of Non-Tax Debts Owed to the Department of Homeland Security............. 1601-AA08 1193 Right to Financial Privacy.......................................................... 1601-AA09 1194 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 1601-AA10 Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace................................................ 1195 Program Fraud Civil Remedies........................................................ 1601-AA11 1196 Regulations Imposing Restrictions Upon Lobbying..................................... 1601-AA12 1197 National Environmental Policy Act Procedures........................................ 1601-AA13 1198 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Agreements with Institutions of 1601-AA18 Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations...................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1199 Revised Grounds of Inadmissibility; Exceptions and Waivers for Immigrants and 1615-AA00 Nonimmigrants....................................................................... 1200 International Matchmaking Organizations............................................. 1615-AA11 1201 Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions................................................ 1615-AA15 1202 Immigrant and Nonimmigrant; Religious Workers....................................... 1615-AA16 1203 Dismissal of Asylum Application for Unexcused Failure To Appear and Affect on 1615-AA18 Eligibility for Employment Authorization............................................ 1204 Special Immigrant Status for Certain NATO Civilian Employees........................ 1615-AA21 1205 Adjustment of Status Under the 1966 Cuban Adjustment Act............................ 1615-AA23 1206 Inadmissibility To Enter the United States for Former U.S. Citizens Who Renounced 1615-AA32 Citizenship To Avoid Taxation....................................................... 1207 Implementation of the Numerical Limit on Asylum Grants and Refugee Admissions Based 1615-AA37 on Resistance to Coercive Population Control Measures............................... 1208 Intercountry Adoptions.............................................................. 1615-AA43 1209 Waiver of Fees...................................................................... 1615-AA48 1210 Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(k)........................................... 1615-AA54 1211 Implementation of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 1615-AA55 (ACWIA), the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21), and Other Related Bills..................................................... 1212 Construction Work and the B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification........................ 1615-AA58 1213 Removal and Adjustment Procedures for Victims of Trafficking and Certain Criminal 1615-AA60 Activities.......................................................................... 1214 Consent To Reapply for Admission After Removal...................................... 1615-AA61 1215 Waivers of the Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement for Certain Exchange Visitors. 1615-AA62 1216 Removal of Limitations on Validity Period for Employment Authorization Documents.... 1615-AA63 1217 Illegal Entries, Unlawful Presence, and Automatic Voiding of Nonimmigrant Visas..... 1615-AA64 1218 Medical Examination Requirements and Designation of Civil Surgeons.................. 1615-AA65 1219 Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility and Waivers...................................... 1615-AA66 1220 New Classification for Victims of Certain Criminal Activity; Eligibility for the U 1615-AA67 Nonimmigrant Status................................................................. 1221 Judicial Review of Decisions of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security 1615-AA71 1222 Termination of Lawful Permanant Resident Status Through Abandonment................. 1615-AA76 1223 Limiting the Use of Duration of Status for Certain F, J, and I Nonimmigrants........ 1615-AA80 1224 Petitions for Aliens To Perform Temporary Nonagricultural Services or Labor (H-2B).. 1615-AA82 1225 Adjustment of the Immigration Benefit Application Fee Schedule To Recover Costs 1615-AA84 Associated With Additional Security Checks.......................................... 1226 Adjustment of the Appeal and Motion Fee To Recover Full Costs....................... 1615-AA88 1227 Changes to Employment Authorization Eligibility for Certain Applicants and to 1615-AA89 Standards for Determining a Frivolous Asylum Application............................ [[Page 72924]] 1228 Implementation of the Agreement Between the Government of Canada and the Government 1615-AA91 of the United States Regarding Asylum Claims Made at Land Border Ports-of-Entry and Applicability of Other Asylum Ba.................................................... 1229 Waiver of Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility for Immigrants........................ 1615-AA94 1230 Procedures for Checking Juvenile Criminal Records and Submitting Fingerprints of 1615-AB01 That Additional Class of Aliens Ineligible for Family Unity......................... 1231 Removal of Standardized Request for Evidence Processing Timeframe................... 1615-AB13 1232 Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility, Exceptions and Waivers for Immigrants and 1615-AB15 Nonimmigrants, Refugees and Asylees................................................. 1233 Establishment of Fee for Processing Genealogical Research Requests.................. 1615-AB19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1234 Adjustment of Status to That of Person Admitted for Permanent Residence: Conditional 1615-AA02 Residents and Fiance(e)s............................................................ 1235 Petition To Classify Alien as Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen or as a 1615-AA03 Preference Immigrant; Self-Petitioning for Certain Battered or Abused Alien Spouses and Children........................................................................ 1236 Definition of the Term ``Lawfully Present'' for Purposes of Eligibility for Public 1615-AA05 Benefits............................................................................ 1237 Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants........................................ 1615-AA06 1238 Implementation of Hernandez v. Reno Settlement Agreement; Certain Aliens Eligible 1615-AA09 for Family Unity Benefits After Sponsoring Family Member's Naturalization........... 1239 Adjustment of Status, Continued Validity of Nonimmigrant Status, and Unexpired 1615-AA12 Employment Authorization for Applicants Maintaining Nonimmigrant H or L Status...... 1240 Verification of Eligibility for Public Benefits..................................... 1615-AA13 1241 Fingerprinting Applicants and Petitioners for Immigration Benefits; Establishing a 1615-AA14 Fee for Fingerprinting by the Department of Homeland Security....................... 1242 Suspension of Deportation and Special Rule Cancellation of Removal for Certain 1615-AA17 Nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Former Soviet Bloc Countries............... 1243 Regulations Concerning the Convention Against Torture............................... 1615-AA19 1244 Inadmissibility and Deportability on Public Charge Grounds.......................... 1615-AA22 1245 Application for Refugee Status; Acceptable Sponsorship Agreement Guaranty of 1615-AA24 Transportation...................................................................... 1246 Battered and Abused Conditional Residents; Termination of Marriage by Conditional 1615-AA29 Residents........................................................................... 1247 Revoking Grants of Naturalization................................................... 1615-AA30 1248 Entry Requirements for Citizens of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the 1615-AA31 Federated States of Micronesia, and Palau........................................... 1249 Registration and Fingerprinting of Aliens in the United States: Control of 1615-AA33 Employment of Aliens................................................................ 1250 National Interest Waivers for Second Preference Employment-Based Immigrant 1615-AA34 Physicians Serving in Medically Underserved Areas or at Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities.................................................................. 1251 Petitioning Requirements for the H-1C Nonimmigrant Classification Under Public Law 1615-AA35 106-95.............................................................................. 1252 Waiving the Fingerprinting Requirement for Certain Disabled Naturalization 1615-AA36 Applicants.......................................................................... 1253 Adding Actuaries and Plant Pathologists to the North American Free Trade Agreement.. 1615-AA38 1254 Employment Authorization for Certificate of Citizenship Applicants.................. 1615-AA39 1255 Adjustment of Status to That of Person Admitted for Permanent Residence; Temporary 1615-AA40 Removal of Certain Restrictions of Eligibility...................................... 1256 Asylum and Withholding Definitions.................................................. 1615-AA41 1257 Petition To Classify Alien as Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen or Preference 1615-AA42 Immigrant; Adjustment of Status to That of a Person Admitted for Permanent Residence 1258 Academic Honorarium for B Nonimmigrant Aliens....................................... 1615-AA44 1259 Children Born Outside the United States; Applications for Certificate of Citizenship 1615-AA45 1260 Allowing for the Filing of Form I-140 Visa Petition Concurrently With a Form I-485 1615-AA46 Application in Certain Circumstances................................................ 1261 Special Immigrant Visa for Fourth Preference Employment-Based Broadcasters.......... 1615-AA47 1262 Establishing Premium Processing Service for Employment-Based Petitions and 1615-AA49 Applications........................................................................ 1263 Adjustment of Status for Certain Nationals of Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti............ 1615-AA51 1264 Adjustment to Lawful Resident Status of Certain Class Action Participants Who 1615-AA52 Entered Before January 1, 1982, Under the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act (LIFE Act).......................................................................... 1265 Nonimmigrant Classes; Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents; V 1615-AA53 Classification...................................................................... [[Page 72925]] 1266 Adjustment of Status for Certain Syrian Nationals Granted Asylum in the United 1615-AA57 States.............................................................................. 1267 New Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons Eligible 1615-AA59 for the T Nonimmigrant Status....................................................... 1268 Limiting the Period of Admission for B Nonimmigrant Aliens.......................... 1615-AA68 1269 Documentary Requirements for Certain Temporary Residents............................ 1615-AA69 1270 Change in Business Practices; Acceptance of Payments of Fees By Credit Card and 1615-AA70 Other Electronic Means Where Possible............................................... 1271 Adding and Removing Institutions To and From the List of Recognized American 1615-AA72 Institutions of Research............................................................ 1272 Requiring Change of Status From B to F-1 or M-1 Nonimmigrant Prior To Pursuing a 1615-AA73 Course of Study..................................................................... 1273 Restructuring the Nonimmigrant Regulations.......................................... 1615-AA74 1274 Waivers for Nonimmigrants Under Section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Immigration and 1615-AA75 Nationality Act..................................................................... 1275 Registration Requirements and Work Authorization Eligibility for Aliens in the 1615-AA78 United States....................................................................... 1276 Procedures for Conducting Examinations and Waiving the Oath of Allegiance for 1615-AA81 Naturalization Applicants With Disabilities......................................... 1277 Electronic Signature on Applications and Petitions for Immigration and 1615-AA83 Naturalization Benefits............................................................. 1278 Withholding of Adjudication......................................................... 1615-AA86 1279 Validity Period of Approved Form I-600A, Application for Advanced Processing of 1615-AA87 Orphan Petition..................................................................... 1280 Implementation of Amendments Affecting Petitions for Employment Creation Aliens..... 1615-AA90 1281 Certain Benefits Available to Aliens Under the Provisions of the Child Status 1615-AA93 Protection Act...................................................................... 1282 Implementation of the Age Out Protections Afforded Under the Child Status Protection 1615-AA95 Act................................................................................. 1283 Eliminating the Numerical Cap on Mexican TN Nonimmigrants........................... 1615-AA96 1284 Filing of Proposals for Designation as a Regional Center Approved To Participate in 1615-AB00 the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program................................................ 1285 Application for Naturalization by Alternative Application if Citizen Parent has Died 1615-AB08 1286 Sunset of Additional $1,000 Filing Fee and Return to 65,000 Annual Limit on H-1B 1615-AB10 Nonimmigrant Petition Approvals..................................................... 1287 Implementation of the Border Commuter Student Act of 2002........................... 1615-AB11 1288 Requiring Completion of Security Checks Before Issuance of Evidence of Alien 1615-AB12 Registration........................................................................ 1289 Classification of Certain Scientists of the Commonwealth of Independent States of 1615-AB14 the Former Soviet Union and the Baltic States as Employment based Immigrants........ 1290 Petitioning Requirements for the O and P Nonimmigrant Classifications............... 1615-AB17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1291 Reduction of the Number of Acceptable Documents and Other Changes to Employment 1615-AA01 Verification Requirements (Section 610 Review)...................................... 1292 Temporary Protected Status Notices.................................................. 1615-AA04 1293 Employment Verification by Employers That Are Members of a Multi-Employer 1615-AA07 Association......................................................................... 1294 Limiting Liability for Certain Technical and Procedural Violations of Paperwork 1615-AA08 Requirements........................................................................ 1295 Interim Designation of Acceptable Receipts for Employment Eligibility Verification.. 1615-AA20 1296 Adoption of Siblings, Adopted Alien Children Less Than 18 Years of Age Considered a 1615-AA50 ``Child''........................................................................... 1297 K Nonimmigrant Classification; Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE)........... 1615-AA56 1298 Availability of Material Under Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act........... 1615-AB18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1299 Certification of Certain Health Care Workers........................................ 1615-AA10 1300 Nonimmigrant Classes: Q-2 Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Visitor. 1615-AA25 1301 Clarification of Parole Authority................................................... 1615-AA26 1302 Extending the Period of Duration of Status for Certain F and J Nonimmigrant Aliens.. 1615-AA27 1303 Requiring Recertification of All Service-Approved Schools for Enrollment in the 1615-AA77 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)............................. [[Page 72926]] 1304 Reduced Course Load for Certain F and M Nonimmigrant Students at Border Communities. 1615-AA79 1305 Denial and Revocation for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Students 1615-AA85 1306 Readjustment of Immigration Benefit Application Fees................................ 1615-AA97 1307 Conditions on Nonimmigrant Status; Disclosure of Information........................ 1615-AA98 1308 Authorizing Suspension of Employment Authorization Requirements on the Basis of 1615-AA99 Severe Economic Hardship for F-1 Students and Emergent Circumstances................ 1309 Temporary Protected Status (TPS) Notices............................................ 1615-AB06 1310 Extension of Validity Period of Approved Form I-600A, Application for Advance 1615-AB07 Processing of Orphan Petitions...................................................... 1311 Extension of the Designation of Burundi Under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 1615-AB16 Program............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1312 Claims Procedures Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (CGD 91-035).................. 1625-AA03 1313 Post Casualty Drug and Alcohol Testing (USCG-2001-8773)............................. 1625-AA27 1314 Standards for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters 1625-AA32 (USCG-2001-10486)................................................................... 1315 Marine Events: Permit Procedures (USCG-2001-10713).................................. 1625-AA35 1316 Traffic Separation Schemes: In the Strait of Juan De Fuca and Its Approaches; In 1625-AA48 Puget Sound and Its Approaches; In Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and in the Strait of Georgia (USCG-2002-12702)........................................................... 1317 Protection for Whistleblowers in the Coast Guard (USCG-2002-13016).................. 1625-AA50 1318 Vessel Documentation: Lease Financing for Vessels Engaged in the Coastwise Trade; 1625-AA63 Second Rulemaking (USCG-2003-14472)................................................. 1319 Administrative Changes To Numbering of Vessels and Reporting of Casualties (USCG- 1625-AA70 2003-14963)......................................................................... 1320 Terms Imposed by States on Numbering of Vessels (USCG-2003-15708)................... 1625-AA75 1321 Safety Zone for Outer Continental Shelf Facility in the Gulf of Mexico (CDG08-03- 1625-AA76 028)................................................................................ 1322 Commercial Fishing-Industry Vessels (USCG-2003-16158)............................... 1625-AA77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1323 Safety and Security Zone Regulations................................................ 1625-AA00 1324 Special Anchorage Areas/Anchorage Grounds Regulations............................... 1625-AA01 1325 Reporting Marine Casualties (USCG-2000-6927)........................................ 1625-AA04 1326 State Access to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (CGD 92-014)..................... 1625-AA06 1327 Handling of Explosives or Other Dangerous Cargoes Within or Contiguous to Waterfront 1625-AA07 Facilities (USCG-1998-4302)......................................................... 1328 Regatta and Marine Parade Regulations............................................... 1625-AA08 1329 Drawbridge Regulations.............................................................. 1625-AA09 1330 Limited Service Domestic Voyage Load Lines for River Barges on Lake Michigan (USCG- 1625-AA17 1998-4623).......................................................................... 1331 Outer Continental Shelf Activities (USCG-1998-3868)................................. 1625-AA18 1332 Deepwater Ports (USCG-1998-3884).................................................... 1625-AA20 1333 Anchorage Ground; Safety Zone; Speed Limit; Tongass Narrows and Ketchikan, Alaska 1625-AA23 (CGD-1799-002)...................................................................... 1334 Vessel and Facility Response Plans for Oil: 2003 Removal Equipment Requirements and 1625-AA26 Alternative Technology Revisions (USCG-2001-8661)................................... 1335 Vessel Documentation: Lease Financing for Vessels Engaged in the Coastwise Trade 1625-AA28 (USCG-2001-8825).................................................................... 1336 Update of Rules on Aids to Navigation Affecting Buoys, Sound Signals, International 1625-AA34 Rules at Sea, Communications Procedures, and Large Navigational Buoys (USCG-2001- 10714).............................................................................. 1337 Rates for Pilotage on the Great Lakes (USCG-2002-11288)............................. 1625-AA38 1338 Notifications of Arrival and Departure in Ports or Places in the United States (USCG- 1625-AA41 2001-11865)......................................................................... 1339 Penalties for Nonsubmission of Ballast Water Management Reports (USCG-2002-13147)... 1625-AA51 1340 Mandatory Ballast Water Management Program for U.S. Waters (USCG-2003-14273)........ 1625-AA52 1341 Country of Origin Codes and Revision of Regulations on Hull Identification Numbers 1625-AA53 (USCG-2003-14272)................................................................... [[Page 72927]] 1342 Allowing Alternatives To Incandescent Lights, and Establishing Standards for New 1625-AA55 Lights, in Private Aids To Navigation (USCG-2000-7466).............................. 1343 Alternate Hull Examination Program for Certain Passenger Vessels, and Underwater 1625-AA57 Surveys for Passenger, Nautical School, and Sailing School Vessels (USCG-2000-6858). 1344 Rules of Practice, Procedure, and Evidence for Administrative Proceedings of the 1625-AA59 Coast Guard (USCG 1998-3472)........................................................ 1345 Fire-Suppression Systems and Voyage Planning for Towing Vessels (USCG 2000-6931).... 1625-AA60 1346 Approval for Experimental Shipboard Installations of Ballast Water Treatment Systems 1625-AA66 (USCG-2001-9267).................................................................... 1347 Civil Monetary Penalties-Adjustments for Inflation (USCG-2003-15486)................ 1625-AA73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1348 Discharge-Removal Equipment for Vessels Carrying Oil (CGD 90-068)................... 1625-AA02 1349 Escort Vessels for Certain Tankers (CGD 91-202)..................................... 1625-AA05 1350 Escort Vessels in Certain U.S. Waters (CGD 91-202a)................................. 1625-AA10 1351 Regulated Navigation Areas.......................................................... 1625-AA11 1352 Marine Transportation-Related Facility Response Plans for Hazardous Substances (USCG- 1625-AA12 1999-5705).......................................................................... 1353 Tank Vessel Response Plans for Hazardous Substances (USCG-1998-4354)................ 1625-AA13 1354 Numbering of Undocumented Barges (USCG-1998-3798)................................... 1625-AA14 1355 Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards 1625-AA16 of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978 (CGD 95-062) 1356 Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements; Vessel Response Plans for Oil (USCG- 1625-AA19 1998-3417).......................................................................... 1357 Commercial Diving Operations (USCG-1998-3786)....................................... 1625-AA21 1358 Improvements to Maritime Safety in Puget Sound-Area Waters (USCG-1998-4501)......... 1625-AA22 1359 Training and Qualifications for Personnel on Passenger Ships (USCG 1999-5610)....... 1625-AA24 1360 Cargo Securing on Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters (USCG-2000-7080)................. 1625-AA25 1361 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) (USCG-2001-8826)............ 1625-AA29 1362 Federal Requirements for Propeller Injury Avoidance Measures (USCG 2001-10163)...... 1625-AA31 1363 Drawbridge Operations Regulations; Revisions (USCG-2001-10881)...................... 1625-AA36 1364 Alternate Tonnage Convention: Small Passenger Vessels............................... 1625-AA37 1365 Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices by Persons Operating or Riding on Personal 1625-AA40 Watercraft or Being Towed Behind Recreational Vessels (USCG-2002-11421)............. 1366 Identification Credentials for Maritime Security.................................... 1625-AA47 1367 Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (USCG-1998-4399)..................... 1625-AA58 1368 Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) by Certain Children Aboard Recreational 1625-AA62 Vessels (USCG-2000-8589)............................................................ 1369 Escort Vessels for Certain Tankers-Crash Stop Criteria (USCG-2003-14734)............ 1625-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1370 Licensing and Manning for Officers of Towing Vessels (USCG 1999-6224)............... 1625-AA15 1371 Territorial Seas, Navigable Waters, and Jurisdiction (USCG-2001-9044)............... 1625-AA30 1372 Area Maritime Security (USCG-2003-14733)............................................ 1625-AA42 1373 Facility Security (USCG-2003-14732)................................................. 1625-AA43 1374 Vessel Security (USCG-2003-14749)................................................... 1625-AA46 1375 Safety Zone for Outer Continental Shelf Facility in the Gulf of Mexico in Viasca 1625-AA54 Knoll 915 (CGD08-02-045)............................................................ 1376 Automatic Identification System; Vessel Carriage Requirement (USCG-2003-14757)...... 1625-AA67 1377 Outer Continental Shelf Facility Security (USCG-2003-14759)......................... 1625-AA68 1378 Implementation of National Maritime Security Initiatives (USCG-2003-14792).......... 1625-AA69 1379 Right To Appeal; Director, Great Lakes Pilotage (USCG-2003-15137)................... 1625-AA71 1380 Safety Zone for Outer Continental Shelf Facility in the Gulf of Mexico in 1625-AA72 Mississippi Canyon 243.............................................................. [[Page 72928]] 1381 Basic Rates and Charges on Lake Erie and the Navigable Waters From Southwest Shoal 1625-AA74 to Port Huron, MI (USCG-2002-12840)................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1382 Inspection of Persons Applying for Admission; International-to-International User 1651-AA03 Fee................................................................................. 1383 Documentary Requirements for Returning Residents.................................... 1651-AA09 1384 Contracts With Transportation Lines................................................. 1651-AA10 1385 Imposition of Fines for Violations of the Immigration and Nationality Act........... 1651-AA12 1386 Adjustment of Fees for Dedicated Commuter Lanes and Secure Electronic Network for 1651-AA16 Travelers' Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) Programs at Land Border Ports of Entry......... 1387 Visa Waiver Program: Guam Visa Waiver Program....................................... 1651-AA17 1388 Examination of In-Transit Mail Shipments............................................ 1651-AA34 1389 Advance Notice Requirements for Aircraft Landings and Arrivals; Revisions to the 1651-AA41 Private Aircraft Overflight Program................................................. 1390 Prior Disclosure and Lost Duty or Revenue Demands When Penalty Claim Not Issued..... 1651-AA42 1391 Manifest Discrepancy Reports........................................................ 1651-AA45 1392 Publication of Administrative Forfeiture Notices.................................... 1651-AA48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1393 Fees for Participation in Dedicated Commuter Lanes at Selected Ports of Entry; 1651-AA01 Collection of Fees Under the Dedicated Commuter Lane Program........................ 1394 Suspension of Privilege To Transport Aliens to the United States.................... 1651-AA05 1395 Establishment of Preinspected Automated Lane (PAL) Program.......................... 1651-AA06 1396 Amendment of the Regulatory Definition of Arriving Alien............................ 1651-AA07 1397 Elimination of Immigration and Naturalization Service-Issued Mexican and Canadian 1651-AA08 Border Crossing Cards............................................................... 1398 Extension of 25-Mile Limit at Select Arizona Ports-of-Entry......................... 1651-AA11 1399 Expansion of Dedicated Commuter Lanes; Clarification of Driver's License Requirement 1651-AA13 for Applicants to Dedicated Commuter Lanes and Automated Permit Port Programs....... 1400 Update of List of Countries Whose Citizens or Nationals Are Ineligible for Transit 1651-AA14 Without Visa (TWOV) Privileges to the United States Under the TWOV Program.......... 1401 Adding Colombia to the List of Countries Whose Citizens or Nationals Are Ineligible 1651-AA15 for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Privileges to the United States Under the TWOV Program............................................................................. 1402 Removing Russia From the List of Countries Whose Citizens or Nationals Are 1651-AA18 Ineligible for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Privileges to the United States Under the TWOV Program........................................................................ 1403 Removal of Visa and Passport Waiver for Certain Permanent Residents of Canada and 1651-AA23 Bermuda............................................................................. 1404 Posting of Security Guard at Gangway of Vessel for Detaining Alien Crewman.......... 1651-AA24 1405 Electronic Arrival-Departure Manifest for Visa Waiver Program....................... 1651-AA25 1406 Removing Indonesia and Malaysia from the Guam Visa Waiver Program................... 1651-AA26 1407 Automated Inspection Services-Extension of Enrollment Period........................ 1651-AA27 1408 Nonimmigrant Visa Exemption for Nationals of the British Virgin Islands Entering the 1651-AA29 United States Through St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands............................... 1409 Patent Surveys...................................................................... 1651-AA36 1410 Passenger and Crew Manifests For Arriving and Departing Vessels and Aircraft........ 1651-AA37 1411 Access to Customs Security Areas at Airports........................................ 1651-AA38 1412 Conditional Release Period and Customs Bond Obligations For Food, Drugs, Devices, 1651-AA39 and Cosmetics....................................................................... 1413 Passenger Name Record Information Required For Passengers on Flights in Foreign Air 1651-AA40 Transportation to or From the United States......................................... 1414 Customs Broker License Examination Dates............................................ 1651-AA46 1415 Confidentiality of Commercial Information........................................... 1651-AA47 [[Page 72929]] 1416 Required Advance Electronic Presentation of Cargo Information....................... 1651-AA49 1417 Suspension of Immediate and Continuous Transit Agreements........................... 1651-AA50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1418 Visa Waiver Program................................................................. 1651-AA00 1419 Establishing Criteria for Determining Countries Whose Citizens Are Ineligible for 1651-AA02 the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Program............................................. 1420 Inspection and Expedited Removal of Aliens; Detention and Removal of Aliens; Conduct 1651-AA04 of Removal Proceedings.............................................................. 1421 Restricting Citizens of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka From 1651-AA19 Participation in the International-to-International (ITI) Program................... 1422 Allowing Citizens and Nationals of the People's Republic of China Limited Transit 1651-AA20 Without Visa (TWOV) Privileges at TWOV-Designated Alaska International Airports..... 1423 Limiting the Number of Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Stops in the United States to One 1651-AA22 1424 Adding Georgia to the List of Countries Whose Citizens or Nationals are Ineligible 1651-AA28 for Transit Without Visa (TWOV) Privileges to the U.S. Under the TWOV Program....... 1425 Designated Land Border Crossing Locations for Certain Conveyances................... 1651-AA32 1426 Simplification of In-Transit Truck Shipments Between Canada and the United States... 1651-AA33 1427 Procedures Governing the Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) 1651-AA35 Program............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1428 Carrier Arrival and Departure Electronic Manifest Requirements...................... 1651-AA21 1429 Implementation of the Agreement Between the Government of the United States of 1651-AA31 America and the Government of Canada Regarding Asylum Claims Made at Land Border Ports of Entry...................................................................... 1430 Performance of Customs Business by Parent and Subsidiary Corporations............... 1651-AA43 1431 Confidentiality Protection for Vessel Cargo Manifest Information.................... 1651-AA44 1432 Delegations of Authority: Signature of Customs and Border Protection Regulations 1651-AA52 Published in the Federal Register................................................... 1433 Tonnage Duties-Revised Amounts...................................................... 1651-AA53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1434 Background Checks for Airport Workers............................................... 1652-AA06 1435 Investigative and Enforcement Procedures............................................ 1652-AA07 1436 General Rulemaking Procedures....................................................... 1652-AA18 1437 Administrative Claims Under the Federal Tort Claims Act............................. 1652-AA19 1438 Marine Vessel Security Standards--Prohibited Items.................................. 1652-AA22 1439 Aviation Security-All-Cargo Security Rules.......................................... 1652-AA23 1440 Federal Flight Deck Officer Program................................................. 1652-AA24 1441 Vulnerability Self-Assessments...................................................... 1652-AA30 1442 Container Security for Maritime and Intermodal Shipments............................ 1652-AA31 1443 CAPPS II-Access to Passenger Reservation Information................................ 1652-AA32 1444 Fees for Security Threat Assessments on Hazmat Drivers.............................. 1652-AA33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72930]] Transportation Security Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1445 Imposition and Collection of Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fees......... 1652-AA00 1446 Aviation Security Infrastructure Fees............................................... 1652-AA01 1447 Civil Aviation Security Rules....................................................... 1652-AA02 1448 Security Programs for Aircraft Weighing 12,500 Pounds or More....................... 1652-AA03 1449 Protection of Sensitive Security Information........................................ 1652-AA08 1450 Security Compliance Program for Aircraft Operators.................................. 1652-AA09 1451 Security Compliance Program for Airports............................................ 1652-AA10 1452 Criminal History Records Checks..................................................... 1652-AA11 1453 Threat Assessments Regarding Citizens of the United States Who Hold or Apply for FAA 1652-AA12 Certificates........................................................................ 1454 Threat Assessments Regarding Alien Holders of, and Applicants for, FAA Certificates. 1652-AA15 1455 Transportation of Explosives From Canada to the United States via Commercial Motor 1652-AA16 Vehicle and Railroad Carrier........................................................ 1456 Security Threat Assessment for Individuals Applying for a Hazardous Materials 1652-AA17 Endorsement for a Commercial Drivers License........................................ 1457 Maritime and Land Security Directives and Information Circulars..................... 1652-AA26 1458 Maritime Transportation Security Act: Background Checks for Maritime Workers........ 1652-AA27 1459 Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemption.................................... 1652-AA28 1460 Temporary Suspension of the September 11th Security Fee and the Aviation Security 1652-AA29 Infrastructure Fee.................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1461 Private Charter Security Rules...................................................... 1652-AA04 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1462 Transportation Security Administration Transition to Department of Homeland 1652-AA20 Security; Technical Amendments Reflecting Organizational Changes.................... 1463 Security Threat Assessments for Individuals Who Handle Hazardous Materials in Rail 1652-AA21 Transportation...................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1464 Nonimmigrant Classes; S Classification; Law Enforcement Initiatives; Alien Witnesses 1653-AA00 1465 Use of Parole for Humanitarian Reasons or Significant Public Benefit................ 1653-AA04 1466 Strengthening Control Over Immigration Surety Bonds................................. 1653-AA16 1467 Interest Payments on Cancelled Cash Bonds........................................... 1653-AA20 1468 Denial and Revocation for Approval of School for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Students 1653-AA33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1469 Agreement Promising Non-Deportation or Other Immigration Benefits................... 1653-AA02 1470 Requiring Aliens Ordered Removed From the United States To Surrender to the 1653-AA05 Department of Homeland Security for Removal......................................... 1471 Early Release for Removal of Criminal Aliens in State Custody for Nonviolent 1653-AA06 Offenses............................................................................ [[Page 72931]] 1472 Power of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to Terminate Deportation 1653-AA08 Proceedings and Initiate Removal Proceedings........................................ 1473 Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking................................ 1653-AA09 1474 Detention of Aliens Subject to Final Orders of Removal.............................. 1653-AA13 1475 Custody Procedures.................................................................. 1653-AA14 1476 Address Notification To Be Filed With Designated Applications....................... 1653-AA15 1477 Abbreviation or Waiver of Training for State or Local Law Enforcement Officers 1653-AA18 Authorized to Enforce Immigration Law During a Mass Influx of Aliens................ 1478 Processing, Detention, and Release of Juveniles..................................... 1653-AA22 1479 Authorizing Collection of Fee Levied on F, J, and M Nonimmigrant Classifications 1653-AA23 Under Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA).......... 1480 Revision of the Regulations Concerning F, J, and M Nonimmigrant Classifications..... 1653-AA24 1481 Extending the Period of Duration of Status for Certain F and J Nonimmigrant Aliens.. 1653-AA30 1482 Requiring Recertification of All Service-Approved Schools for Enrollment in the 1653-AA31 Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)............................. 1483 Reduced Course Load for Certain F and M Nonimmigrant Students at Border Communities. 1653-AA32 1484 Authorizing Suspension of Employment Authorization Requirements on the Basis of 1653-AA34 Severe Economic Hardship for F-1 Students and Emergent Circumstances................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1485 Employer Sanctions Modifications.................................................... 1653-AA01 1486 Increasing the Number of Officers Authorized To Issue Notices To Appear and Arrest 1653-AA10 Warrants for Immigration Violations................................................. 1487 Procedures for Detainee Hunger Strikes.............................................. 1653-AA12 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1488 Filing Factual Statements About Alien Prostitutes................................... 1653-AA03 1489 Expansion of Expedited Removal of Certain Criminal Aliens Held in Federal, State, 1653-AA07 and Local Jails..................................................................... 1490 Definitions of ``Notice To Appear'' and ``Arrest Warrant''.......................... 1653-AA11 1491 Establishing San Bernardino, Santa Ana, and Ventura Suboffices Under the 1653-AA17 Jurisdiction of the Los Angeles District Office..................................... 1492 Authority of the Secretary of Homeland Security; Parole Authority................... 1653-AA25 1493 Powers and Authority of Officers and Employees and Revisions to the Internal Review 1653-AA26 Process for Alleged Violations of the Standards for Enforcement Activities.......... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate for Emergency Preparedness and Response--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1494 Disaster Assistance; Fire Management Assistance Grant Program....................... 1660-AA26 1495 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); State Renewal of Group Flood Insurance 1660-AA27 Policy (GFIP)....................................................................... 1496 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA28 Insurers............................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 72932]] Directorate for Emergency Preparedness and Response--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1497 National Urban Search and Rescue Response System.................................... 1660-AA07 1498 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement)............................ 1660-AA13 1499 Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program...................... 1660-AA17 1500 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP)........ 1660-AA22 1501 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA29 Insurers; Extension of Term of Arrangement.......................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate for Emergency Preparedness and Response--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1502 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program................................................. 1660-AA00 1503 Criminal and Civil Penalties Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 1660-AA01 Emergency Assistance Act............................................................ 1504 Disaster Assistance; Hazard Mitigation Grant Program................................ 1660-AA02 1505 Debt Collection..................................................................... 1660-AA05 1506 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Insurance Coverage and Rates............... 1660-AA09 1507 Organizational Units, Functions, and Delegations of Authority....................... 1660-AA10 1508 Disaster Assistance; Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households............... 1660-AA18 1509 Disaster Assistance Definitions; Statutory Change................................... 1660-AA19 1510 Management Costs.................................................................... 1660-AA21 1511 Disaster Assistance; Crisis Counseling Regular Program; Amendment to Regulation..... 1660-AA23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate for Emergency Preparedness and Response--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1512 Administration of Grants: Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit 1660-AA08 Organizations....................................................................... 1513 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, National Origin, Handicap, and Age in 1660-AA12 Programs and Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance...................... 1514 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Inspection of Insured Structures by 1660-AA14 Communities......................................................................... 1515 Disaster Assistance; Public Assistance Program and Community Disaster Loan Program 1660-AA15 Statutory Changes................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Undersecretary for Management--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1516 Availability of Material Under Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act........... 1680-AA00 1517 Establishment of Fee for Processing Genealogical Research Requests.................. 1680-AA01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1180. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC ch 1, sec 301 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 29 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This notice of proposed rulemaking establishes the procedures necessary to fulfill the provisions of section 214(e) of the Critical Infrastructure Information (CII) Act of 2002. This regulation establishes uniform procedures for the receipt, care, and storage of CII voluntarily submitted to the Federal Government. These procedures apply to all Federal agencies that receive, care for, or store CII voluntarily submitted to the Federal Government pursuant to the CII Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 214). In addition, these procedures apply to United States [[Page 72933]] Government contractors, to foreign, State, and local governments, and Government authorities, pursuant to their express agreements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/15/03 68 FR 18524 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/03 Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Janice Pesyna, Attorney, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 772-4496 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1181. [bull] SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 CFR 2625.105 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will focus on establishing Departmental rules for employees wishing to pursue outside employment or participate as an officer or director of non-Governmental organizations. This regulation will replace the existing regulations of agencies that were incorporated into DHS that have continued to apply to those employees whose duties and organizational structure have remained largely unchanged after their incorporation, as well as to establish any other necessary rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert E. Coyle, (Acting) Legal Advisor for Ethics, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4248 Fax: 202 772-9728 RIN: 1601-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1182. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes procedures for the Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, necessary to implement the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) (Privacy Act). Except to the extent a Department component has adopted separate guidance under FOIA or the Privacy Act, the provisions of this subpart shall apply to each component of the Department. FOIA provides for the full disclosure of agency records and information to the public unless that information is exempted under clearly delineated statutory language. The Privacy Act serves to safeguard public interest in informational privacy by delineating the duties and responsibilities of Federal agencies that collect, store, and disseminate personal information about individuals. The procedures established here ensure that the Department fully satisfies its responsibility to the public to disclose departmental information while simultaneously safeguarding individual privacy. The Privacy Act serves to balance the Government's need to maintain information about individuals with the rights of individuals to be protected against unwarranted invasions of their privacy stemming from Federal agencies' collection, maintenance, use, and disclosure of personal information about them. Agencies are required to issue regulations outlining the agency's rules and procedures for implementation of the Privacy Act and its provisions in the agency. This includes procedures on how individuals may request access to information about themselves, request amendment or correction of those records, and request an accounting of disclosures of their records by the Department. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/27/03 68 FR 4056 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/28/03 Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Elizabeth Withnell, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 772-5015 Fax: 202 772-5036 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1183. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes procedures governing the disclosure of information in connection with litigation and certain other types of proceedings. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/27/03 68 FR 4070 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/28/03 Modification of Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 [[Page 72934]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Laticia Argenti, Deputy Assistant/Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4244 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1184. [bull] REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE SUPPORT ANTITERRORISM BY FOSTERING EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 6 CFR 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would implement subtitle G of title VIII of the Homeland Security Act of 2002-the Support of Antiterrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies Act of 2002 (the SAFETY Act). As discussed in the SAFETY Act, through regulations promulgated by the Department of Homeland Security (the Department), will provide critical incentives for the development and deployment of antiterrorism technologies by providing liability protections for Sellers of ``qualified antiterrorism technologies'' and others. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/11/03 68 FR 41419 NPRM Comment Period End 08/11/03 Interim Final Rule 10/16/03 68 FR 59683 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/15/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Wendy Howe, Directorate of Science and Technology, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 772-9887 RIN: 1601-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1185. [bull] HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 41 USC 418b (a) and (b) CFR Citation: 48 CFR chapter 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: DHS is proposing to issue the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 418b. The HSAR is intended as regulatory guidance. This interim rule provides basic policies and general information about the Department of Homeland Security acquisition regulation system and its sub-organizations, including applicability, codification, deviations, contracting authority, and a Board of Contract Appeals designation for DHS. The HSAR reflects recent changes to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and it establishes and encourages participation in the DHS Mentor--Prot[eacute]g[eacute] Programs. This rulemaking implements uniform policy and contract clauses for agency-specific procurement authorities established by the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kathy Strouss, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief of Procurement, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-0141 RIN: 1601-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Long-Term Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1186. CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; EO 12958; EO 13142; 3 CFR ch 1 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 7 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule establishes initial procedures necessary for DHS to fulfill its obligations under Executive Order 12958, as amended, regarding classified national security information. Executive Order 12958, as amended, was issued to update and revise the standards and processes for classifying, safeguarding, and declassifying classified national security information. The rule delegates to the Undersecretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection responsibility for developing the vast majority of information and internal operating instructions on classified information. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/27/03 68 FR 4073 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/28/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Janice Pesyna, Attorney, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 772-4496 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA02 [[Page 72935]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1187. ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 29 USC 794 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule establishes for the Department of Homeland Security the necessary procedures for the enforcement of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap, as it applies to programs or activities conducted by the Department. It sets forth standards for what constitutes discrimination on the basis of mental or physical handicap, provides a definition for individual with handicaps and qualified individual with handicaps, and establishes a complaint mechanism for resolving allegations of discrimination. Although this is a policy rule, the Department will examine any impact upon individuals that this policy may create. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10886 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/06/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA03 _______________________________________________________________________ 1188. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 20 USC 1681 to 1683; 20 USC 1685 to 1688 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 17 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes for the Department of Homeland Security the necessary procedures for effectuating title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (except sections 904 and 906 of those Amendments), which is designed to eliminate (with certain exceptions) discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, whether or not such program or activity is offered or sponsored by an educational institution as defined in these title IX regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10892 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/06/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA04 _______________________________________________________________________ 1189. REGULATIONS REGARDING NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 310; 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-7 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 21 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action effectuates the provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10904 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/06/03 Modification of Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 1190. AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY; IMMIGRATION LAWS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 8 CFR ch 1, sec 1; 8 CFR ch 1, sec 2; 8 CFR ch 1, sec 103; 8 CFR ch 1, sec 239 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action amends certain regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of the immigration laws to reflect the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to address delegation of that authority within the Department, as a result of the March 1, 2003, transfer of the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice to DHS. [[Page 72936]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10922 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/06/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Daniel Brown, Attorney, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4239 Fax: 202 772-9731 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA06 _______________________________________________________________________ 1191. PROCEDURES RELATING TO AWARDS UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 504(c)(1) CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 13 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements the provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act, which provides for the award of attorney fees and other expenses to eligible individuals, and entities who are parties to certain administrative proceedings before agencies of the Federal Government, including Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The purpose of these rules is to establish procedures for the submission and consideration of applications for awards before DHS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA07 _______________________________________________________________________ 1192. COLLECTION OF NON-TAX DEBTS OWED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 5514; 26 USC 6402; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3711; 31 USC 3716 to 3718; 31 USC 3720A; 31 USC 3720B; 31 USC 3720D CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 23 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule implements the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) debt collection regulations to conform to the Debt Collection Act of 1982, Public Law 97-365, 96 Stat. 1749 (October 25, 1982), as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), Public Law 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (April 26, 1996), the Federal Claims Collection Standards, 31 CFR chapter IX (parts 900 through 904), and other laws applicable to the collection of non-tax debt owed to the Government. This regulation provides procedures for the collection of non-tax debts owed to DHS entities. DHS adopts the Governmentwide debt collection standards promulgated by the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, known as the Federal Claims Collection Standards (FCCS), as revised on November 22, 2000 (65 FR 70390), and supplements the FCCS by prescribing procedures consistent with the FCCS, as necessary and appropriate for DHS operations. DHS entities may, but are not required to, promulgate additional policies and procedures consistent with this regulation, the FCCS, and other applicable Federal laws, policies, and procedures. This regulation also provides the procedures for the collection of debts owed to other Federal agencies when a request for offset is received by DHS. This regulation does not apply to the collection of tax debts, which is governed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.), and regulations, policies, and procedures issued by the Internal Revenue Service or other Federal agency collecting tax debts. Nothing in this regulation precludes the use of collection remedies not contained in this regulation. For example, DHS entities may collect unused travel advances through setoff of an employee's pay under 5 U.S.C. 5705. DHS entities and other Federal agencies may simultaneously use multiple collection remedies to collect a debt, except as prohibited by law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA08 _______________________________________________________________________ 1193. RIGHT TO FINANCIAL PRIVACY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 3012 USC 3401 et seq, Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation establishes procedures for requesting information under the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (12 U.S.C. 3401 et seq.). The Act provides for the protection of financial records and information from disclosure by financial institutions. Under certain limited circumstances and procedures, the Act permits law enforcement agencies to request financial records from the holding financial institution. These proposed provisions will authorize Departmental units to request such information under the formal request procedure established by section 1108 of the Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 [[Page 72937]] Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 1194. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; PL 100-690; 41 USC 701 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 27 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes new procedures under Executive Order 12549, signed February 18, 1986, and Executive Order 12689, signed August 16, 1989. This regulation is similar to rules of other Federal agencies as part of a uniform system of nonprocurement debarment and suspension. The rules are intended to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, in Federal nonprocurement transactions. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA10 _______________________________________________________________________ 1195. PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 31 USC 3801 to 3812 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 19 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986, which is codified at 31 U.S.C. 3801-3812. This Act imposes through administrative adjudication, civil penalties, and assessments against certain persons making false claims or statements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1196. REGULATIONS IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS UPON LOBBYING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 31 USC 1352, PL 101-121 CFR Citation: 6 CFR ch 1, sec 9 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule establishes those procedures necessary to fulfill departmental obligations to impose restrictions upon lobbying. Except to the extent a Department component has adopted separate guidance under 31 U.S.C. 1352, the provisions of this subpart shall apply to each component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This regulation establishes procedures concerning general prohibitions on lobbying, and the use of certain appropriated funds and the appropriate penalties for violations of those prohibitions. The purpose of the procedures is to ensure that neither the recipients of appropriated funds nor the employees of DHS inappropriately solicit for action by the Congress. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10912 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/06/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert E. Coyle, (Acting) Legal Advisor for Ethics, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4248 Fax: 202 772-9728 RIN: 1601-AA12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1197. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296; 5 USC 301; 42 USC 4321 et seq; 40 CFR 1500 to 1508; EO 12114; EO 12898 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 1, 2003, Final. Abstract: The purpose of this action is to establish the procedures that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shall use to comply with section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)); the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500-1508); Executive Order 12114, ``Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions,'' dated January 4, 1979; and Executive Order 12898, ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,`` dated February 11, 1994. This publication is to be used in conjunction with the CEQ regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Cathy Mitrano, Office of Civil Rights/General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4247 Fax: 202 772-9728 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA13 [[Page 72938]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1198. [bull] UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 31 USC 503; 31 USC 1111; 41 USC 405; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970; EO 11541 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security is proposing to issue regulations in compliance with requirements and responsibilities of Federal agencies as stipulated under OMB Circular A-110. Federal agencies responsible for awarding and administering grants and other agreements to institutions of higher education, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations shall adopt the language in the Circular, unless different provisions are required by Federal statute or codified program regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Van Pace, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-3608 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA18 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1199. REVISED GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY; EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND NONIMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1158 to 1160; 8 USC 1182 to 1184; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1102; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1157 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 207; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 210; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 240; 8 CFR 241; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 245a; 8 CFR 249; 8 CFR 274a; 8 CFR 299; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking covers several grounds of inadmissibility applicable to those aliens seeking admission to the United States temporarily or permanently-criminal, security, labor certification, licensure requirements for foreign medical graduates and health care workers, failure to attend a removal proceeding, fraud, improperly issued immigrant visa, permanent ineligibility for U.S. citizenship and miscellaneous grounds. It implements several pieces of legislation. The most significant is the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), signed on September 30, 1996, which substantially revised most grounds of inadmissibility under section 212 of the Act and the waivers available to both immigrants and nonimmigrants. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1413-92 Transferred from RIN 1115-AB45 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1200. INTERNATIONAL MATCHMAKING ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1375; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 207; 28 CFR 68 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule requires international matchmaking organizations doing business in the United States to provide certain immigration information to any person recruited for matchmaking through these entities. This provision implements section 652 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Public Law 104-208. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM (CIS No. 1838-97) 07/16/97 62 FR 38041 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/15/97 NPRM (CIS No. 1838-97) 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1838-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE77 Agency Contact: Laura M. Dawkins, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1201. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT JUVENILE PETITIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department proposes to amend its regulations to add eligibility and consent requirements for approvals of special immigrant juvenile petitions (Form I-360, Petition for Amerasian, Widow(er), or Special Immigrant). The proposed rule would require petitioners [[Page 72939]] for special immigrant juvenile classification to demonstrate that a dependency order relating to the juvenile beneficiary (juvenile) was granted on account of abuse, neglect, or abandonment and establish that a court has determined that the juvenile should not be returned to the home country. The proposed rule would also provide that a dependency order may not serve as a precondition to the approval of the petition unless the Attorney General gives his express consent. These changes are necessary to conform the regulations to the statutory eligibility changes made by the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 1998. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1948-98 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF11 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Steven Heller, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7435 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1202. IMMIGRANT AND NONIMMIGRANT; RELIGIOUS WORKERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On June 8, 1995, at 60 FR 29751, the Department published a final rule that provided that all persons, other than ministers, immigrating to the U.S. as religious workers must immigrate or adjust status to permanent residence before October 1, 1997. By statute this special immigrant category for religious workers expired on October 1, 2000. Congress extended the category again for an additional three years, until October 1, 2003. This regulation will implement the extension of this category and modify qualifying employment experience requirements for those persons affected by this provision of immigration regulations. In order to maintain consistency in the adjudication of nonimmigrant and special immigrant religious worker classifications, the nonimmigrant religious workers classification will, where appropriate, reflect the special immigration religious worker changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1436-94) 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1436-94 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF12 Agency Contact: Irene Hoffman, Adjudications Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-3365 RIN: 1615-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ 1203. DISMISSAL OF ASYLUM APPLICATION FOR UNEXCUSED FAILURE TO APPEAR AND AFFECT ON ELIGIBILITY FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282; 8 CFR 2; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1329a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 6, 2000, the Department published a final rule to implement the asylum provisions of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). This rule proposes to amend the current rule to clarify that dismissal of an asylum application will result in ineligibility for asylum-based employment authorization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2011-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF38 Agency Contact: Joanna Ruppel, Supervisor for Asylum Operations, International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2663 RIN: 1615-AA18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1204. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT STATUS FOR CERTAIN NATO CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 274 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations by establishing procedures for certain North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) civilian employees and their family members to receive special immigrant status in the United States and become lawful permanent residents of this country. This rule also offers nonimmigrant status to any parent or child of a NATO civilian employee who has been granted special immigrant status. This rule is intended to ensure the qualifying NATO employees and their family members are aware of their opportunity to acquire special [[Page 72940]] immigrant status and adjustment of status or otherwise obtain corresponding nonimmigrant status. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1984-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF44 Agency Contact: Donna Crump, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ 1205. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS UNDER THE 1966 CUBAN ADJUSTMENT ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1255; PL 105-100, sec 202; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule specifies what effect an alien's arrival in the United States at a place other than an open port of entry will have on the alien's ability to obtain permanent residence under section 1 of the Cuban Adjustment Act of 1966, as amended. This rule is necessary to establish uniform rules relating to both the alien's eligibility for this relief and to the proper exercise of the discretion to grant or deny this relief. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AF48 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA23 _______________________________________________________________________ 1206. INADMISSIBILITY TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES FOR FORMER U.S. CITIZENS WHO RENOUNCED CITIZENSHIP TO AVOID TAXATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(a)(10); PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations by establishing procedures to be followed by DHS personnel and Department of State personnel in determining whether or not an expatriate alien is inadmissible to the United States under section 212(a)(10)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This ground of inadmissibility relates to former U.S. citizens who renounced U.S. citizenship on or after September 30, 1996, and the Secretary has determined that such renunciation was done for the purpose of avoiding taxation by the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2039-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF69 Agency Contact: Mark Rouse, Assistant Director, Office of Adjudications, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA32 _______________________________________________________________________ 1207. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NUMERICAL LIMIT ON ASYLUM GRANTS AND REFUGEE ADMISSIONS BASED ON RESISTANCE TO COERCIVE POPULATION CONTROL MEASURES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1157; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 601(b) of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) provides that, for any fiscal year, not more than a total of 1,000 refugees may be admitted or granted asylum based solely on resistance to coercive population control measures. This rule authorizes the Department of Homeland Security and the Executive Office for Immigration Review to make conditional grants of asylum in those cases in which an applicant is found to merit asylum solely on the basis of resistance to coercive population control measures and establishes a mechanism for converting no more than 1,000 conditional grants per fiscal year to final asylum grants. The rule also establishes procedures for administering a waiting list in those years that the number of conditional grants exceeds the statutory limit for final grants, reserves a certain number of authorization numbers for purposes of refugee admission, and addresses procedures for administering derivative conditional grants, terminating conditional grants, and other procedures specific to this rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2067-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF84 Agency Contact: Joanna Ruppel, Supervisor for Asylum Operations, International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of [[Page 72941]] Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2663 RIN: 1615-AA37 _______________________________________________________________________ 1208. INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department proposes to amend its regulations regarding the immigration of children of foreign states adopted by United States citizens. The proposed rule would establish a new definition of child to include children adopted from countries that have implemented the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The proposed rule would also change evidentiary requirements for the immigration of adopted children to state that a certificate of adoption or custody issued by the Secretary of State of the United States is conclusive evidence of the relationship between an adoptive parent and the adoptive child. These changes are necessary to conform the regulations to the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA) (Pub. L. 106-279). The proposed rule would also make other technical changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2098-00. Transferred from RIN 1115-AF96 Agency Contact: Steven Heller, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7435 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA43 _______________________________________________________________________ 1209. WAIVER OF FEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252(b); 8 USC 1252(note); 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 244 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department regulations concerning the adjudication of requests for fee waivers filed by applicants for DHS benefits pursuant to 8 CFR 103.7(c). This applies to a waiver of fees by an immigration judge for benefit applications, petitions, appeals, motions, or requests in any case when an alien substantiates that they cannot pay the fee. When implemented, this rule will facilitate the adjudication of these requests. This rule also proposes to amend 8 CFR 244.20, which is a waiver of fees for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants, for the same reasons as stated in 8 CFR 103.7(c). The rule will also be implemented in conjunction with the new Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver Form. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2091-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG02 Agency Contact: Irene Hoffman, Adjudications Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-3365 RIN: 1615-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 1210. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS UNDER SECTION 245(K) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-119 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes amending Department regulations for persons using section 245(k) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident (LPR). Section 245(k) of the Act allows an alien with an approved employment-based petition to adjust status to LPR despite violations of status if those violations have lasted no longer than 180 days since the alien's last entry. This rule proposes eligibility criteria and adjustment procedures for persons wishing to use this section of the Act to become an LPR without leaving the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2120-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG10 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 1211. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS AND WORKFORCE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1998 (ACWIA), THE AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY ACT OF 2000 (AC21), AND OTHER RELATED BILLS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1255; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 202; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The American Competitiveness in the 21st Century [[Page 72942]] Act, Public Law 106-313, was enacted on October 17, 2000, along with two bills, the Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act, Public Law 106-311, and a bill to increase the fee for certain H-1B petitions. An earlier piece of legislation, the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA), Public Law 105-277, was enacted to place certain conditions on the employment of H-1B workers. Together, these bills make significant changes to the H-1B classification. Public Law 106-313 increases the numerical H-1B cap to 195,000 for FY 2000-2002 and the percentage of the fees that DHS receives to 4 percent. It exempts certain aliens from the numerical cap, provides for the ``portability'' of employment authorization, and in certain circumstances extensions of stay for certain aliens who have permanent residence applications pending. Public Law 105-277 imposes penalties for employers violating certain representations and prohibits retaliation against H-1B workers who disclose these violations. Finally, on November 2, 2002, the President approved enactment of Public Law 107-273. The Twenty First Century Department of Justice Appropriations Act (21st Century DOJ Appropriations Act), which codified a provision that amends section 106(a) of AC21. This regulation clarifies several interpretive questions raised by the bills and ensures that the Department practice is consistent with these laws. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: DHS rule 1615-AG11 implemented the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA); it was the result of a prior rule that was overtaken by new legislation relating to H-1B classification. ACWIA increased the numerical cap on H-1B nonimmigrant aliens; required certain dependent employers to make additional attestations to the Department of Labor (DOL); increased the penalties for employers who have been found to be in violation of DOL's rules; and created a ``whistleblower'' clause to protect H-1B workers who filed complaints against their employer. In 1190-AA48, the Civil Rights Division, in cooperation with DOL, will implement in the Justice Department's regulations the ACWIA ``failure to select'' protections-codified in the Immigration and Nationality Act at section 212(n)(5)-by establishing a process under which United States workers may file complaints against employers for denying them employment opportunities by improperly hiring temporary foreign professionals on H-1B visas. Under that process, the Secretary is to receive and review these complaints and then-where there is reasonable cause to believe a complainant's allegations-initiate binding arbitration proceedings through Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG11 Agency Contact: Molly Johnson, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 Deborah Misir, Attorney, Office of General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 307-6596 RIN: 1615-AA55 _______________________________________________________________________ 1212. CONSTRUCTION WORK AND THE B NONIMMIGRANT VISA CLASSIFICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department has solicited comments from the public on the issue of aliens admitted to the U.S. as B nonimmigrant visitors whose intent is to engage in construction work during the alien's stay. In particular the Department is exploring the feasibility of defining the term construction as it relates to B nonimmigrant visitors. A standard definition of construction may assist both the public and the Department in determining if an alien admitted as a B nonimmigrant visitor may engage in construction during his or her period of authorized stay. The Department is considering a rulemaking on this subject. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/19/01 66 FR 48223 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/19/01 NPRM 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2126-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG15 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 RIN: 1615-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 1213. REMOVAL AND ADJUSTMENT PROCEDURES FOR VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING AND CERTAIN CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 to 1104; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1224; 8 USC 1225; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1227; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252a; 8 USC 1255; 22 USC 7101; 22 USC 7105; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth measures by which certain victims of severe forms of trafficking and victims of certain crimes who have been granted T nonimmigrant status may apply for adjustment to permanent resident status in accordance with Public Law 106-386, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 [[Page 72943]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2134-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG21 Agency Contact: Laura M. Dawkins, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA60 _______________________________________________________________________ 1214. CONSENT TO REAPPLY FOR ADMISSION AFTER REMOVAL Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1225 to 1228; 8 USC 1252 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the provisions regarding consent to reapply after removal to conform with the requirements of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). This rulemaking intends to remove the provisions contained in 8 CFR 212.2(i) relating to a request for consent to reapply in conjunction with an application for admission at a port-of-entry or with an application for adjustment of status. The proposed removal of section 212.2(i) reflects the overall scope of the changes made by IIRIRA and congressional intent to impose severe penalties on aliens who enter illegally or otherwise violate the U.S. immigration laws, by restricting the relief available to them in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2147-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG28 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Assistant Director, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA61 _______________________________________________________________________ 1215. WAIVERS OF THE TWO-YEAR FOREIGN RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN EXCHANGE VISITORS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1102; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212 and 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department regulations relating to the two-year foreign residence requirement under section 212(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act). The proposed changes would conform to the requirements of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), and the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2000. The proposed rulemaking would affect aliens who enter the United States as J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant exchange visitors and who are subject to the requirement of section 212(e) of the Act, which stipulates that they must return to their home country for a period of two years before they are eligible to change to a different nonimmigrant classification or apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2158-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG31 Agency Contact: Mark Rouse, Assistant Director, Office of Adjudications, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA62 _______________________________________________________________________ 1216. REMOVAL OF LIMITATIONS ON VALIDITY PERIOD FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend DHS regulations by enabling it to issue Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) for those applying for work authorization under 8 CFR 274a.12(c)(9) for a validity period of up to two years. This category is reserved for those applying for adjustment of status, having filed Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, with the Department. The rule change would give DHS the flexibility to issue EADs for the length of time it anticipates that adjudication of a given case will take. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2152-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG32 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 1217. ILLEGAL ENTRIES, UNLAWFUL PRESENCE, AND AUTOMATIC VOIDING OF NONIMMIGRANT VISAS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; . . . [[Page 72944]] CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule defines the categories of aliens who are not eligible to be issued a visa or be admitted if: they are in the United States illegally because they entered without proper inspection at a port-of-entry (section 212(a)(6)(A) of the Act); they accumulated certain periods of unlawful presence because they entered the United States illegally or stayed in the United States longer than authorized (section 212(a)(9)(B) of the Act); or they entered the United States illegally (or attempted an illegal entry) after they accumulated unlawful presence or after they were removed (section 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act). This proposed rule also describes how a nonimmigrant visa becomes automatically void, as provided under section 222(g) of the Act. This proposed rule also explains when the provisions for unlawful presence (sections 212(a)(9)(B) and (C) of the Act) do not apply, and the legal and documentary requirements for a waiver. Promulgation of this rule ensures that the admission to the United States of any ineligible alien would not adversely affect the national welfare, safety, or security of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Split from CIS No. 1413 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG36 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Assistant Director, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA64 _______________________________________________________________________ 1218. MEDICAL EXAMINATION REQUIREMENTS AND DESIGNATION OF CIVIL SURGEONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1222; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 232; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule defines the medical examination requirements for arriving aliens. It also overhauls the civil surgeon program to create standards for designation, procedures for periodic review of the civil surgeon designation, and specific provisions for revocation, when necessary. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Split from CIS No. 1413 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG37 Agency Contact: Mark Rouse, Assistant Director, Office of Adjudications, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA65 _______________________________________________________________________ 1219. MEDICAL GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY AND WAIVERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1157; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103, ; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule describes the medical grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It also describes which medical grounds of inadmissibility can be waived and the requirements for those waivers (including conditions for compliance). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Split from CIS No. 1413 to move forward as a stand-alone rule. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG38 Agency Contact: Mark Rouse, Assistant Director, Office of Adjudications, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 1220. NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR VICTIMS OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY; ELIGIBILITY FOR THE U NONIMMIGRANT STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1101 note; 8 USC 1102; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth application requirements for a new nonimmigrant status. The U classification is for non-U.S. Citizen/ Lawful Permanent Resident victims of certain crimes who cooperate with an investigation or prosecution of those crimes. There is a limit of 10,000 principals per year. This rule establishes the procedures to be followed in order to petition for the U nonimmigrant classifications. Specifically, the rule addresses: the essential elements that must be demonstrated to receive the nonimmigrant classification; procedures that must be followed to make an application; and evidentiary guidance to assist in the petitioning process. Eligible victims will be allowed to remain in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 [[Page 72945]] NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AG39 Agency Contact: Laura M. Dawkins, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA67 _______________________________________________________________________ 1221. JUDICIAL REVIEW OF DECISIONS OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552(a); 5 USC 704; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule clarifies that, if the Administrative Procedure Act provides the authority for judicial review, a person must exhaust all administrative appeals available as a matter of right before the person may seek judicial review of a Department decision under the Immigration and Nationality Act that is within the appellate jurisdiction of the Board of Immigration Appeals or of the Associate Commissioner for Examinations. This amendment is necessary to prevent the filing of premature lawsuits, by ensuring that the proper administrative appellate authority has the opportunity to review and correct any errors in the original decision before the party may seek judicial review. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1785-96 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG49 Agency Contact: Michael Neifach, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6100, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 RIN: 1615-AA71 _______________________________________________________________________ 1222. TERMINATION OF LAWFUL PERMANANT RESIDENT STATUS THROUGH ABANDONMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 CFR 211; 22 CFR 42 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 246 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule establishes procedures to terminate on notice the lawful permanent resident status of an alien who has remained outside the country for a continuous period of over one year since his or her departure from the United States, if it is determined that such alien has abandoned his or her permanent residency and is no longer eligible for admission as a returning resident. This process will allow the Department to terminate the status of a permanent resident due to abandonment when it becomes aware of that fact rather than, as is current practice, having to wait for such alien to present himself or herself for inspection at a port-of-entry. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AG64 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA76 _______________________________________________________________________ 1223. LIMITING THE USE OF DURATION OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN F, J, AND I NONIMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1101 note; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule concerns the duration of status for nonimmigrants in the F (student), J (exchange visitor), and I (media representative) categories. This rule will set forth standards and procedures for the admission of certain nonimmigrants in these categories for a fixed period (subject to extension) rather than for the duration of their course of study, exchange program, or approved employment. This action will allow the Department to more effectively ensure that affected nonimmigrants are engaging in activities consistent with their classification and to take necessary action. By ensuring more effective control over nonimmigrants in the United States, this rule will enhance the integrity of the immigration process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2222-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG76 Agency Contact: Maura Deadrick, Assistant Director, Adjudication Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-3228 RIN: 1615-AA80 [[Page 72946]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1224. PETITIONS FOR ALIENS TO PERFORM TEMPORARY NONAGRICULTURAL SERVICES OR LABOR (H-2B) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1281; 8 USC 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security, after consulting with the Department of Labor and the Department of State, is proposing significant changes to its regulations that are designed to increase the effectiveness of the H-2B nonimmigrant classification. These proposals will increase the usefulness of the program for United States employers by eliminating certain regulatory barriers, by adding protections for foreign workers, and increasing Government efficiency and coordination. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2228-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG78 Agency Contact: Molly Johnson, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7435 RIN: 1615-AA82 _______________________________________________________________________ 1225. ADJUSTMENT OF THE IMMIGRATION BENEFIT APPLICATION FEE SCHEDULE TO RECOVER COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH ADDITIONAL SECURITY CHECKS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552(a); 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1304; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule proposes to adjust the immigration benefit application fee by $5 to recover costs associated with performing additional security checks on all immigration benefit applications. Fees collected from persons filing immigration benefit applications are deposited into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account and used to fund the full cost of processing immigration benefit applications and associated support benefits; the full cost of providing similar benefits to asylum and refugee applicants; and the full cost of similar benefits provided to other immigrants, as specified in the regulation, at no charge. Federal guidelines require the Department of Homeland Security to establish and collect fees to recover the full cost of processing benefit applications. These security checks are necessary to try to protect the United States from future terrorist attacks. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2233-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG82 Agency Contact: Paul Schlesinger, Acting Director, Office of Budget, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 5307, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-0563 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA84 _______________________________________________________________________ 1226. ADJUSTMENT OF THE APPEAL AND MOTION FEE TO RECOVER FULL COSTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356; 31 USC 9701; EO 12356; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to raise the fees for filing an appeal or motion to reopen/reconsider any decision under the immigration laws in any type of proceeding over which the Board of Immigration Appeals, does not have appellate jurisdiction. The fee is being raised from $110 to $368 to recover the full costs associated with the processing of an appeal or motion to reopen/reconsider. Fees collected are deposited into the Immigration Examinations Fee Account and used to fund the full cost of processing immigration benefit applications and associated support benefits; the full cost of providing similar benefits to asylum and refugee applicants; and the full cost of similar benefits provided to other immigrants, as specified in the regulation, at no charge. Federal guidelines require the Department of Homeland Security to establish and collect fees to recover the full cost of processing immigration benefit applications, rather than supporting these services with tax revenue. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/03 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2245-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG89 Agency Contact: Paul Schlesinger, Acting Director, Office of Budget, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 5307, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-0563 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA88 _______________________________________________________________________ 1227. CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN APPLICANTS AND TO STANDARDS FOR DETERMINING A FRIVOLOUS ASYLUM APPLICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None [[Page 72947]] Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the employment authorization and asylum regulations to restrict employment authorization for certain applicants facing cancellation of removal status and to modify the standard by which the Immigration Court may find an asylum application frivolous. In addition, the amendment will clarify that the Department's decision to grant employment authorization on the basis of certain pending applications is discretionary. The Department is proposing these amendments to curb abuse of the immigration system by nonbona fide asylum applicants who improperly use the asylum process as a vehicle to be placed in proceedings in Immigration Court to obtain nonasylum-related employment authorization or who submit abusive, fraudulent or clearly baseless asylum applications. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2251-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG91 Agency Contact: Joanna Ruppel, Supervisor for Asylum Operations, International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2663 RIN: 1615-AA89 _______________________________________________________________________ 1228. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF CANADA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES REGARDING ASYLUM CLAIMS MADE AT LAND BORDER PORTS-OF-ENTRY AND APPLICABILITY OF OTHER ASYLUM BA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security proposes to amend asylum regulations governing the credible fear process to permit asylum officers to apply certain mandatory bars to asylum during the credible fear interview. The proposed rule is necessary for two reasons. First, the terms of a recently signed agreement between the United States and Canada bar certain categories of aliens arriving from Canada at land border ports of entry and in transit from Canada from formally applying for protection in the United States. Second, national security concerns necessitate a more thorough solicitation and analysis of facts to determine whether aliens in the credible fear process are clearly subject to a bar to asylum based on criminal or terrorist activities. This proposed rule would establish asylum officers' and immigration judges authority to make negative credible fear determinations based on these bars. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2255-03 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG95 Agency Contact: Joanna Ruppel, Supervisor for Asylum Operations, International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2663 RIN: 1615-AA91 _______________________________________________________________________ 1229. WAIVER OF CRIMINAL GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY FOR IMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552(a); 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356; 31 USC 9701; EO 12356; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 210; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department is in the process of reorganizing section 212 of title 8 of the Federal regulations. This regulation will create subsection C of 8 CFR 212, which covers criminal grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (Pub. L. 104-208) revised section 212(a)(2) of the INA, and subsequent laws revised it further. This regulation will implement those sections of law. Previously, this regulation was part of a larger 212 regulation (CIS No. 1413-97, RIN 1615-AA00), but due to the desire for clarity and the need to have different DHS components concentrate on different areas of inadmissibility, these criminal sections have been reported in a separate regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2249-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG90 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Assistant Director, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA94 _______________________________________________________________________ 1230. PROCEDURES FOR CHECKING JUVENILE CRIMINAL RECORDS AND SUBMITTING FINGERPRINTS OF THAT ADDITIONAL CLASS OF ALIENS INELIGIBLE FOR FAMILY UNITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 18 USC 5031 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 236 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule describes procedures necessary for DHS Service Centers, District Offices, and Application Support Centers to follow when checking juvenile criminal records and fingerprints of aliens who [[Page 72948]] committed a specific act of juvenile delinquency that, if committed by an adult, would be classified as a felony ``crime of violence against another individual.'' Section 383 of Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 provides that aliens who committed a specific act of juvenile delinquency, as defined in 18 U.S.C. 5031, are ineligible for benefits under the Family Unity Program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 2116-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG07 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1231. [bull] REMOVAL OF STANDARDIZED REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE PROCESSING TIMEFRAME Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 1, 2003, NPRM. Abstract: This rule proposes to remove the standard 12-week timeframe for responding to requests for additional evidence to support an petition or application, replacing it with a flexible response time determined by the Department to be an appropriate period of time for the type of case and the nature of the request. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2287-03 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Director, Business and Trade Branch, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AB13 _______________________________________________________________________ 1232. [bull] CRIMINAL GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY, EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND NONIMMIGRANTS, REFUGEES AND ASYLEES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 104-208, Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act; PL 101-649, Miscellaneous and Technical Immigration and Naturalization Amendments of 1991; PL 104-232, Anti-Terrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996; PL 104-132, International Religious Freedom Act of 1998; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 210; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: DHS is in the process of reorganizing section 212 of title 8 of the Federal regulations. This regulation will create subsection C of 8 CFR 212, which covers criminal grounds of inadmissibility listed in section 212(a)(2) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (Pub. L. 104-208) revised section 212(a)(2) of the INA, and subsequent laws revised it further. This regulation will implement those sections of law. Previously, this regulation was part of a larger 212 regulation (CIS No. 1413-97, RIN 1115-AB45), but due to the desire for clarity and the need to have different DHS components concentrate on different areas of inadmissibility, these criminal sections have been broken out into a separate regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2276-03 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Assistant Director, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AB15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1233. ESTABLISHMENT OF FEE FOR PROCESSING GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH REQUESTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252b CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, the Department of Homeland Security processes all requests for its records including historical and genealogical records. This rule proposes to amend the Department's regulations by establishing the Genealogy Program to process requests for historical records. The Department will charge a fee to recover the cost of searching, locating, retrieving, copying, reviewing, and mailing these records to the requester. The Genealogy Program is necessary to provide a more timely response to requests for genealogical and historical records. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/04 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2074-00 Transferred from RIN 1680-AA01 Agency Contact: Ronald Whitelaw, Branch Chief, Office of Records Management, Department of Homeland Security, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 [[Page 72949]] Phone: 202 305-8274 Fax: 202 616-4282 RIN: 1615-AB19 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule Stage Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1234. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE: CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS AND FIANCE(E)S Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1257; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends Department regulations by clarifying that an alien remains ineligible for adjustment of status after termination of conditional permanent resident status. The clarification is necessary in view of the determination by the Board of Immigration Appeals that the current regulations do not prohibit the adjustment of status of an alien whose conditional resident status has been terminated. This final rule would also modify provisions regulating the adjustment of status of nonimmigrant fiance(e)s to reflect the current statue and to eliminate hardships on certain persons who are unable, despite their good faith intentions, to marry until after the expiration of the alien spouse's period of admission as a nonimmigrant fiance(e). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/20/96 61 FR 43028 NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/96 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1353-91 Transferred from RIN 1115-AC70 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA02 _______________________________________________________________________ 1235. PETITION TO CLASSIFY ALIEN AS IMMEDIATE RELATIVE OF A U.S. CITIZEN OR AS A PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT; SELF-PETITIONING FOR CERTAIN BATTERED OR ABUSED ALIEN SPOUSES AND CHILDREN Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; PL 103-322; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department published an interim rule on this subject in 1996. This final rule allows battered and abused spouses and children of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents to petition for immigrant classification. The consent of the abuser would not be required. The final rule uses the term abused to mean either battered or subjected to extreme cruelty. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/26/96 61 FR 13061 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/26/96 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/28/96 Final Rule 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1705-95 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE04 Agency Contact: Laura M. Dawkins, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA03 _______________________________________________________________________ 1236. DEFINITION OF THE TERM ``LAWFULLY PRESENT'' FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 31 USC 9701; EO 12356; 47 FR 14874 to 15557; 3 CFR 1982 comp; 8 CFR 2; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1252B; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 401(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) provides that, with limited exceptions, only qualified aliens, as defined under section 431, may receive certain Federal public benefits. Section 401(b)(2) provides an exception that allows aliens who are ``lawfully present in the United States'' as determined by the Attorney General to receive social security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. PRWORA, and other laws, use the term ``lawfully present`` in other benefit- related contexts as well. The interim final rule published September 6, 1996, amended DHS regulations to define the term ''an alien who is lawfully present in the United States`` so that the Social Security Administration may determine which aliens are eligible for benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/06/96 61 FR 47039 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/05/96 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 72950]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: CIS No. 1792-96 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE51 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 1237. AFFIDAVIT OF SUPPORT ON BEHALF OF IMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1183a; PL 104-208; PL 104-193; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 213a; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations by establishing that an individual (the sponsor) who files an affidavit of support under section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) on behalf of an intending immigrant incurs an obligation that may be enforced by a civil action. This rule also specifies the requirements that Federal, State, or local agencies or private entities must meet to request reimbursement from the sponsor for provision of means-tested public benefits and provides procedures for imposing the civil penalty provided for under section 213A of the INA, if the sponsor fails to give notice of any change of address. This rule is necessary to ensure that sponsors of aliens meet their obligations under section 213A of the INA. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 1807-96) 10/20/97 62 FR 52346 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/07/98 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1807-96; PL 104-208, title IV; and PL 104-193, title IV Transferred from RIN 1115-AE58 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-3048 RIN: 1615-AA06 _______________________________________________________________________ 1238. IMPLEMENTATION OF HERNANDEZ V. RENO SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT; CERTAIN ALIENS ELIGIBLE FOR FAMILY UNITY BENEFITS AFTER SPONSORING FAMILY MEMBER'S NATURALIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1225a note; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 236.23 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On September 30, 1996, the President signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996. The Department will publish a regulation implementing a new basis of ineligibility for Family Unity benefits for certain juvenile offenders. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 1823-96) 07/14/00 65 FR 43677 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/12/00 Final Rule 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1823-96; PL 104-208, title III, section 38; and this regulation will affect 8 CFR 242.5 that will be renumbered 8 CFR 236.25. Transferred from RIN 1115-AE72 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA09 _______________________________________________________________________ 1239. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS, CONTINUED VALIDITY OF NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, AND UNEXPIRED EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR APPLICANTS MAINTAINING NONIMMIGRANT H OR L STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1282; 8 CFR 2; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1281 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Over the last several years, the Department has issued numerous policy statements regarding its position on employment authorization, advance parole, and extension of nonimmigrant status for certain skilled nonimmigrant workers who have filed for adjustment to permanent resident status. This interim final rule: 1) codified existing DHS policy statements by incorporating them into the Department's regulations; and 2) eliminated the requirement for permission for overseas travel for adjustment applicants who are maintaining H-1 or L nonimmigrant status. The Department is publishing a final rule in response to public comments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/01/99 64 FR 29208 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/02/99 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1881-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE96 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA12 [[Page 72951]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1240. VERIFICATION OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1642 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 104 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, November 3, 1997, NPRM. Final, Statutory, February 22, 1998, Final. Abstract: This regulatory action requires entities (other than nonprofit charitable organizations) providing Federal public benefits (with certain exceptions) to verify by examining documents and using a DHS-automated verification system that alien applicants are eligible for the benefits under Federal benefit reform legislation. This rule also sets forth provisions by which State or local governments can verify whether aliens applying for State or local public benefits are eligible for such benefits under Federal laws. In addition, the rule establishes procedures for verifying the U.S. nationality of individuals applying for benefits in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner. The Interim Verification Guidelines were published as a notice on November 17, 1997, at 62 FR 61344. The guidelines set forth procedures that benefit-granting agencies can use to verify U.S. citizens, non- citizen nationals, and qualified aliens for eligibility under title IV of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act prior to issuance of final regulations. The proposed rule for the Verification of Eligibility for Public Benefits was published on August 4, 1998, at 63 FR 41662. The changes made in response to the comments received on the proposed rule were significant enough and dealt with complex and important issues that another opportunity to comment is warranted. The next version of the rule will be issued as an interim rule, rather than a final rule, in order to implement the statutory directive to promulgate verification regulations and start the subsequent two-year period in which Federal public benefit-granting agencies must come into compliance. The interim rule is in the concurrence process and has not yet been published. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1902-98) 08/04/98 63 FR 41662 NPRM Comment Period End 10/05/98 Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 1902-98) 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Additional Information: CIS No. 1902-98 should be referenced for any inquiries concerning this rulemaking action. Transferred from RIN 1115-AE99 Agency Contact: Phillip Busch, Senior Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 6100, Office of General Counsel, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 RIN: 1615-AA13 _______________________________________________________________________ 1241. FINGERPRINTING APPLICANTS AND PETITIONERS FOR IMMIGRATION BENEFITS; ESTABLISHING A FEE FOR FINGERPRINTING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1252b; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299; 8 CFR 316; 8 CFR 335 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations relating to fingerprinting applicants and petitioners for benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act by: canceling the Designated Fingerprinting Service program; requiring applicants and petitioners for benefits to be fingerprinted at either a DHS Office, a State, or local law enforcement agency, or at a United States consular or military office; establishing a fee for fingerprinting by the Department; and requiring confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that a full criminal background check has been completed before adjudication of a naturalization application is completed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/17/98 63 FR 12979 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/29/98 Interim Final Rule Correction 04/09/98 63 FR 17489 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/18/98 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Additional Information: CIS No. 1891-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF03 Agency Contact: Pamela T. Wallace, Staff Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 980, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-9475 RIN: 1615-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1242. SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION AND SPECIAL RULE CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL FOR CERTAIN NATIONALS OF GUATEMALA, EL SALVADOR, AND FORMER SOVIET BLOC COUNTRIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1225 to 1227; 8 USC 1251; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1252a; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1224 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 240; 8 CFR 246; 8 CFR 274a; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), enacted as title II of Public Law No. 105-100, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193 (1997) (as amended by Technical Corrections to the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Public Law 105-139, Stat. 2644 (1997)). Section 203 of NACARA provides that certain Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and nationals of former Soviet Bloc [[Page 72952]] countries are eligible to apply for cancellation of removal under the standards for suspension of deportation similar to those that existed prior to enactment of Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA). The rule establishes the authority of DHS asylum officers to adjudicate certain applications under section 203 of NACARA, provides application and adjudication procedures, identifies factors and standards relevant to eligibility, and establishes a rebuttable presumption of extreme hardship for certain NACARA beneficiaries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1915-98) 11/24/98 63 FR 64895 NPRM Comment Period End (CIS No. 1915-98) 01/25/99 Interim Rule (CIS No. 1915-98) 05/21/99 64 FR 27856 Interim Rule Comment Period End 07/20/99 Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1915-98 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF14 Agency Contact: Joanna Ruppel, Supervisor for Asylum Operations, International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2663 RIN: 1615-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ 1243. REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 3; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 235; 8 CFR 238; 8 CFR 240; 8 CFR 241 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, February 18, 1999, Other. Abstract: This rule implements article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture or Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment for persons who may be subject to removal from the United States under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/19/99 64 FR 8478 Interim Final Rule Corrections 03/22/99 64 FR 13881 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/22/99 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/20/99 Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1976-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF39 Agency Contact: Thea Lea, Attorney, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Refugee and Asylum Branch, Office of General Counsel, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 Charles Adkins-Blanch, General Counsel, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 2400, 2600 Skyline Tower, 5106 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 Phone: 703 305-0470 RIN: 1615-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ 1244. INADMISSIBILITY AND DEPORTABILITY ON PUBLIC CHARGE GROUNDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1102; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1183; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 237 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations to establish clear standards governing a determination that an alien is admissible or ineligible to adjust status, or has become deportable, on public charge grounds. This rule is necessary to alleviate growing public confusion over the meaning of the currently undefined term public charge in immigration law and its relationship to the receipt of Federal, State, or local public benefits. By defining public charge, DHS seeks to reduce the negative public health consequences generated by the existing confusion and to provide aliens with better guidance as to the types of public benefits that will and will not be considered in public charge determinations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/26/99 64 FR 28676 NPRM Comment Period End 07/26/99 Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1989-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF45 Agency Contact: Alice Smith, Assistant General Counsel, Office of General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6100, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-9353 RIN: 1615-AA22 _______________________________________________________________________ 1245. APPLICATION FOR REFUGEE STATUS; ACCEPTABLE SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT GUARANTY OF TRANSPORTATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1157; 8 USC 1158; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 207 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Attorney General to admit refugees to the United States under certain conditions, including those provided for by regulation. DHS regulations require that sponsorship agreements be secured before an applicant is granted admission as a refugee at a U.S. port-of-entry. The determination of whether or not someone is classified as a refugee is described in the Act as a separate decision from whether a refugee may [[Page 72953]] be admitted to the United States in refugee status. This rule amends Department regulations by removing language that erroneously implies that DHS requires a sponsorship agreement and guarantee of transportation prior to determining whether an applicant is a refugee. This rule is necessary to clarify issues that may appear ambiguous in the existing regulation, and provides more advantageous treatment for the limited number of applicants for refugee status who have their DHS interviews before sponsorship agreements have been secured. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/21/99 64 FR 27660 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/99 Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1999-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF49 Agency Contact: Kathleen Thompson, Staff Officer, Office of International Affairs, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2756 RIN: 1615-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 1246. BATTERED AND ABUSED CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS; TERMINATION OF MARRIAGE BY CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 216; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Enacted on November 10, 1986, the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986 (IMFA) made a number of changes to the Act to deter aliens from marrying solely to obtain immigration benefits. IMFA established a conditional resident status for aliens who obtained lawful permanent resident status based upon a marriage of less than two years duration. The interim rule published on May 16, 1991, established procedures to allow a conditional resident who married in good faith but whose marriage was terminated by the United States citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to seek a waiver of the joint filing requirement. The interim rule published on May 16, 1991, also was necessary to provide a method by which a battered conditional resident, or a conditional resident parent of an abused conditional resident child, may apply for removal of the conditional basis of resident status without filing a joint petition. This interim rule implements certain technical changes made by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 and addresses comments received in response to the interim rule published on May 16, 1991. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/16/91 56 FR 22635 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Interim Rule for CIS No. 1423-91 published on May 16, 1991. Transferred from RIN 1115-AF59 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ 1247. REVOKING GRANTS OF NATURALIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1443 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the DHS regulations relating to administrative revocation of naturalization by changing the burden of proof the Department must satisfy in order to administratively revoke a grant of naturalization and by clarifying the 180-day period for the rendering of the district director's decision. This rule provides that DHS will only initiate revocation proceedings based on clear, unequivocal, and convincing evidence, and that the burden of proof remains with the Department throughout the administrative process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/31/00 65 FR 17127 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/30/00 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No.1858-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF63 Agency Contact: Michael Neifach, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6100, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 RIN: 1615-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 1248. ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CITIZENS OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS, THE FEDERATED STATES OF MICRONESIA, AND PALAU Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1181; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1203; 8 USC 1225; 8 USC 1257; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 211; 8 CFR 212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations by adding documentary requirements for a naturalized citizen of the Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, or Palau (Compact Countries) to enter into the United States, lawfully engage in occupations, accept employment, and establish residence as a nonimmigrant in the United States and its territories and possessions. This rule also clarifies the documentary requirements for an adopted child from the Compact Countries who is immigrating to the United States. Without clarification of the documentary requirements for an [[Page 72954]] adopted child from the Compact Countries, the Compact Countries may not consent to the adoption of children by U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/18/01 66 FR 37429 NPRM Comment Period End 08/17/01 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2047-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF65 Agency Contact: Steven Heller, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7435 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ 1249. REGISTRATION AND FINGERPRINTING OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES: CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1201a; 8 USC 1301; 8 USC 1305 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 264; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations governing applications for renewal of 10-year Permanent Resident Cards upon their expiration. This rule adds documents to the acceptable list of registration requirements and clarifies the requirements for lawful permanent residents to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Alien Registration Card, if they are also applying for naturalization. This rule also provides additional methods to verify employment eligibility for those in the process of renewing their expired or expiring Form I- 551, Permanent Resident Card. These changes are necessary to facilitate the 10-year Form I-551 renewal process. This rule also clarifies the fingerprinting requirements for lawful permanent residents who reach the age of 14 years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No.2042-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF71 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-3048 RIN: 1615-AA33 _______________________________________________________________________ 1250. NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVERS FOR SECOND PREFERENCE EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANT PHYSICIANS SERVING IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS OR AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-113; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On November 29, 1999, Public Law 106-113 was enacted. Section 117 amended the Immigration and Nationality Act at section 203 to provide national interest waivers to alien physicians agreeing to practice five years in designated medically underserved areas or at Veterans Affairs facilities. The Department proposes an amendment to 8 CFR 204 and 245 in order to implement the new statutory provisions. DHS issued an interim regulation so that applicants may begin to take advantage of the new provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/06/00 65 FR 53889 Correction to Interim Final Rule09/27/00 65 FR 57943 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/06/00 Correction to Interim Final Rule10/20/00 65 FR 63118 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/06/00 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2048-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF75 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 RIN: 1615-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 1251. PETITIONING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE H-1C NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION UNDER PUBLIC LAW 106-95 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On November 12, 1999, the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act (NRDAA) was enacted creating a new H-1C nonimmigrant nurse category. This rule amends the Department's regulations in order to implement the NRDAA as it relates to the adjudication petitions for H- 1C classification. This rule will facilitate the hiring of alien registered nurses to reduce the shortage of nurses in certain areas of the United States while protecting the rights of U.S. nurses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/11/01 66 FR 31107 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/10/01 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No [[Page 72955]] Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2050-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF76 Agency Contact: Molly Johnson, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7435 RIN: 1615-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 1252. WAIVING THE FINGERPRINTING REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN DISABLED NATURALIZATION APPLICANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1181; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1447; 29 USC 794(a), The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 316; 8 CFR 335 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Currently, all naturalization applicants filing Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, are required to be fingerprinted on Form FD-258 Applicant Card for the purpose of conducting criminal background checks by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. This rule amends Department regulations by providing a fingerprinting waiver for naturalization applicants who, because of a permanent impairment, are unable to provide any fingerprints. It also provides an alternative method for collecting the required background clearances. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule With Request for Comments 12/00/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No.2060-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF80 Agency Contact: Pamela T. Wallace, Staff Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 980, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-9475 RIN: 1615-AA36 _______________________________________________________________________ 1253. ADDING ACTUARIES AND PLANT PATHOLOGISTS TO THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1281; 8 USC 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.6 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rule proposes to amend 8 CFR 214.6 by adding the occupations of actuary and plant pathologists to appendix 1603.D.1. This rule proposes to modify the licensure requirements for Canadian citizens seeking admission to the United States as a TN nonimmigrant category alien. These amendments are being proposed to reflect the agreements made among the three parties to the North American Free Trade Agreement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/00 65 FR 79320 NPRM Comment Period End 02/20/01 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2068-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF85 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 RIN: 1615-AA38 _______________________________________________________________________ 1254. EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP APPLICANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1324a; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1448; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 274a, 8 CFR 341 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule amends Department regulations by providing a procedure under which aliens who, believing they are actually citizens, have filed applications for certificates of citizenship (Forms N-600) may obtain employment authorization while their applications are pending. This interim final rule is necessary to establish a uniform procedure to accommodate Form N-600 applicants, without creating a strong incentive for aliens to file applications in bad faith, seeking simply to obtain employment authorization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No.2076-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF90 Agency Contact: Kellie LeClair, Staff Officer, Business Process Re- engineering, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 980, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 307-9919 RIN: 1615-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ 1255. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE; TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS OF ELIGIBILITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252b; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 205; 8 CFR 245 [[Page 72956]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department is amending its regulations governing eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to conform the regulations to existing policy and procedures and to remove language that has been superseded by subsequent legislation. Specifically, this rule conforms the regulations to include the changes made by Public Law 105-119 and Public Law 106-544. It also provides for the changes contained in the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000 (LIFE Act). As required by the Life Act, this rule changes the sunset date of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act to the new date of April 30, 2001, for filing of qualifying petitions or applications that enable the applicant to apply to adjust status using section 245(i) and clarifies the effect of the new sunset date on eligibility. This means that in order to preserve the ability to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(i), an alien must be the beneficiary of a visa petition for classification under section 204 of the Act or application for labor certification properly filed on or before April 30, 2001, and determined to have approval when filed. This rule also provides guidance on the standard for review of filing for immigrant visa petitions and applications for labor certification on or before April 30, 2001. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/26/01 66 FR 16383 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/26/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/25/01 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2078-00; This rulemaking supersedes RIN 1615-AA85 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF91 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ 1256. ASYLUM AND WITHHOLDING DEFINITIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend regulations that govern establishing asylum eligibility by providing guidance on certain issues that have arisen in the context of asylum adjudications. The amendments focus on portions of the regulations that deal with the definitions of persecution, membership in a particular social group, and State action. This rule codifies long-standing concepts of the definition of persecution. It clarifies that gender can be a basis for membership in a particular social group. It also clarifies that a person who has suffered or fears domestic violence may be considered a member of a particular social group. The Department of Justice believes this issue required further examination after the Board of Immigration Appeals decision, Matter of R-A. This rule also clarifies that the factors considered in Ninth Circuit case law regarding membership in a particular social group are non-determinative. Finally, the rule offers further guidance on what is required to show a State's inability or unwillingness to control a persecutor. Finally, this rule establishes circumstances under which the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) must remand proceedings to the Immigration Judge to resolve questions of fact. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/07/00 65 FR 76588 NPRM Comment Period End 01/22/01 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2092-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF92 Agency Contact: Rebecca Story, Attorney, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6100, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 Fax: 202 514-0455 RIN: 1615-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ 1257. PETITION TO CLASSIFY ALIEN AS IMMEDIATE RELATIVE OF A U.S. CITIZEN OR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT; ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF A PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends regulations of the Department of Homeland Security to provide an exception from the general prohibition against approval of immigration benefits based upon a marriage entered into during removal proceedings. The rule creates a good faith exception to the prohibition. This final rule completes the regulatory implementation of the Immigration Act of 1990. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/20/91 56 FR 28311 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/91 Final Action 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: See CIS No. 1419-91 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF94 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA42 [[Page 72957]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1258. ACADEMIC HONORARIUM FOR B NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-277; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: DHS is proposing to amend its regulations relating to the acceptance of academic honoraria by nonimmigrant aliens admitted to the United States as a B visa visitor status. This is necessary to implement changes to section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act made by the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998. The amendment outlines the proposed procedures necessary for a nonimmigrant alien visiting the United States in valid B visa status to accept honoraria in connection with usual academic activities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37727 NPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2100-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF97 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 RIN: 1615-AA44 _______________________________________________________________________ 1259. CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-395 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299; 8 CFR 310; 8 CFR 320; 8 CFR 322; 8 CFR 338; 8 CFR 341; 8 CFR 499; . . . Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 27, 2001, Final. Abstract: This rule implements title I of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, Public Law 106-395. First, it amends DHS regulations by adding a new part which addresses application procedures for foreign-born children residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence, who acquire citizenship automatically under section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act), as amended. This rule established procedures for these foreign-born children, including adopted children, to obtain certificates of citizenship. Second, this rule also addresses application procedures for foreign- born children residing outside the United States, who can acquire citizenship under section 322 of the Act, as amended, by approval of an application and taking the oath of allegiance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/13/01 66 FR 32138 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/13/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/13/01 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2101-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF98 Agency Contact: Lori Pietropaoli, Branch Chief, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Business and Re-engineering Branch, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-0539 RIN: 1615-AA45 _______________________________________________________________________ 1260. ALLOWING FOR THE FILING OF FORM I-140 VISA PETITION CONCURRENTLY WITH A FORM I-485 APPLICATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The current regulations provide that an alien worker who wants to apply for permanent residence by filing the appropriate Form I-485, Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, cannot do so until he or she obtains approval of the underlying petition, Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This procedure has resulted in aliens experiencing unnecessary delays due to the heavy backlog created by increasing numbers of cases received by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This rule amends DHS regulations by allowing the Forms I-140 and I-485 to be filed concurrently when a visa is immediately available, thereby improving the efficiency of the system, as well as customer service. This rule will also allow the alien worker to apply for employment authorization (Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization) and advance parole authorization (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document) while the Form I-485 is pending. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/31/02 67 FR 49561 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/31/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/30/02 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2104-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG00 Agency Contact: Maurice R. Berez, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AA46 [[Page 72958]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1261. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA FOR FOURTH PREFERENCE EMPLOYMENT-BASED BROADCASTERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule amends Department regulations by establishing the procedure under which the International Broadcasting Bureau of the United States Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), or a BBG grantee organization, may file special fourth preference immigrant petitions for alien broadcasters. This rule explains the requirements the alien broadcaster must meet in order to be the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition. This regulatory change is necessary in order to assist the BBG in fulfilling its statutory obligation to hire alien broadcasters. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/11/01 66 FR 51819 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/13/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/10/01 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2106-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG01 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 RIN: 1615-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 1262. ESTABLISHING PREMIUM PROCESSING SERVICE FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PETITIONS AND APPLICATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule changes Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to establish premium processing service for certain employment-based petitions and applications. If an individual pays a fee for premium processing service, DHS will process the petition or application in 15 days. Premium Processing Service will give American businesses an option to pay for more rapid processing of petitions and applications to meet their needs for foreign workers. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/01/01 66 FR 29682 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/01/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/31/01 Final Action 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2108-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG03 Agency Contact: Cindy Keiss, Adjudications Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 10th Floor, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-2300 RIN: 1615-AA49 _______________________________________________________________________ 1263. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN NATIONALS OF NICARAGUA, CUBA, AND HAITI Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1255 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 241; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule implements the provisions of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act) and its technical amendments to both the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), and the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) of 1998. Specifically, section 1505 of the amendments to the LIFE Act states that section 241(a)(5) of the INA does not apply to adjustment applicants under NACARA/HRIFA and that the grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(A) and (C) of the INA may be waived for NACARA/ HRIFA adjustment applicants. Section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) provides for the reinstatement of a removal order against any alien who illegally re-enters the United States after having been removed or after having departed voluntarily under an order of removal. It also bars any alien whose removal order has been reinstated from receiving any relief under the Act, including any waivers of grounds of inadmissibility necessary for the grant of adjustment of status. Sections 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(a)(9)(C) of the Act are grounds of inadmissibility relating to aliens previously removed and aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States after previous immigration violations, respectively. Section 1505 of the amendments to the LIFE Act also states that an alien who has become eligible for benefits under NACARA/HRIFA as a result of the enactment of the LIFE Act may file a motion to reopen his or her removal proceedings in order to apply for adjustment or to apply for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/31/01 66 FR 29449 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/31/01 Final Action 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2113-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG05 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and [[Page 72959]] Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA51 _______________________________________________________________________ 1264. ADJUSTMENT TO LAWFUL RESIDENT STATUS OF CERTAIN CLASS ACTION PARTICIPANTS WHO ENTERED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1982, UNDER THE LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND FAMILY EQUITY ACT (LIFE ACT) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1255a; 8 USC 1225a note CFR Citation: 8 CFR 245a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule (CIS No. 2115-01) implements section 1104 of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act) and LIFE Act Amendments pertaining to adjustment of status of certain class action participants (specifically, Catholic Social Services v. Meese (CSS), 509 U.S. 43 (1993), League of United Latin American Citizens v. INS (LULAC), 509 U.S. 43 (1993), and Zambrano v. INS, 509 U.S. 918 (1993) class applicants) who entered before January 1, 1982, to that of a person admitted for lawful residence. This rule establishes procedures for a one-year application period to allow CSS, LULAC, and Zambrano class applicants to apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent residence. CIS No. 2145-01 amends the Department's regulations by establishing procedures to apply for Family Unity benefits for certain spouses and unmarried children of aliens who adjusted to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status pursuant to section 1104 of the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act-known as the LIFE Legalization provision. It applies to those persons who are no longer present in the United States to allow them to apply for Family Unity benefits pursuant to section 1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments. This rule also establishes procedures for certain spouses and unmarried children who previously were granted Family Unity benefits pursuant to section 1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments to apply for an extension of their Family Unity benefits. This rule is necessary to ensure that those aliens eligible to apply for, and extend, Family Unity benefits under the provisions of the LIFE Act Amendments are able to do so in a timely manner. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 2115) Life Legalization 06/01/01 66 FR 29661 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/31/01 Notice 08/29/01 66 FR 45694 Final Action (CIS No. 2115-01) 06/04/02 67 FR 38341 Final Action Effective 06/04/02 Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 2145) Family Unity Benefits 01/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2115-01 CIS No. 2145-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG06 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 1265. NONIMMIGRANT CLASSES; SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS; V CLASSIFICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1102; PL 106-553 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 205; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 248; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 1102 of the LIFE Act of 2000 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new nonimmigrant classification V for the spouses and children of lawful permanent residents awaiting the availability of an immigrant visa number in the appropriate preference category in accordance with the State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin. Eligible spouses and children of lawful permanent residents residing abroad that obtain the V nonimmigrant visa from the Department of State may work and reside in the United States on the basis of the V classification until they can apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident. Certain eligible spouses and children of lawful permanent residents already present in the United States may be granted V classification until they can apply to adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident. This rule sets forth eligibility criteria and procedures for obtaining the V visa classification and related employment authorization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/07/01 66 FR 46697 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/07/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/06/01 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2117-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG08 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA53 _______________________________________________________________________ 1266. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN SYRIAN NATIONALS GRANTED ASYLUM IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1255; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On October 27, 2000, the President signed into law Public Law 106-378, Adjustment of Status of [[Page 72960]] Certain Syrian Nationals, which provides for the adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident of certain Syrian nationals, without regard to the annual numerical limitation requirement. This interim final rule discusses eligibility and sets forth application procedures for persons wishing to adjust status on the basis of Public Law 106- 378. The Department issued this action as an interim rule because Public Law 106-378 provided for a one-year application period, which ended on October 26, 2001. Publication of the interim final rule ensured that applicants were provided with as much time as possible to apply for the benefits under Public Law 106-378. The Department is now circulating a final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/17/01 66 FR 27445 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/17/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/17/01 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AG13 Agency Contact: Michael Valverde, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA57 _______________________________________________________________________ 1267. NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR VICTIMS OF SEVERE FORMS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 to 1104; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1224; 8 USC 1225; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1227; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252a; 22 USC 7101; 22 USC 7105; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 274a; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth application requirements for a new nonimmigrant classification. The T classification was created by 107(e) of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA), Public Law 106-386. The T nonimmigrant classification was designed for eligible victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons who aid the Government with their case against the traffickers and who can establish that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if they were removed from the United States after having completed their assistance to law enforcement. The rule establishes application procedures and responsibilities for the Department of Homeland Security and provides guidance to the public on how to meet certain requirements to obtain T nonimmigrant status. There is a statutory cap for T nonimmigrant status for victims of a severe form of trafficking (principals), which is set at 5,000 per annum. The law also provides that certain family members can derive T status through the principal's application. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/31/02 67 FR 4784 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/04/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/01/02 Final Rule 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: CIS No. 2132-01; AG Order No. 2554-2002 There is a related rulemaking, CIS No. 2170-01, the new U nonimmigrant status (RIN 1615-AA67). Transferred from RIN 1115-AG19 Agency Contact: Laura M. Dawkins, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA59 _______________________________________________________________________ 1268. LIMITING THE PERIOD OF ADMISSION FOR B NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1101 note; 8 USC 1102; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 235; 8 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule eliminates the minimum admission period of a B-2 visitor for pleasure, reducing the maximum admission period of B-1 and B-2 visitors from one year to six months, and establishing greater control over a B visitor's ability to extend the status or to change status to that of a nonimmigrant student. These changes will enhance the Deprtment's authority under sections 214(a) and 248 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and will help lessen the probability that alien visitors will establish permanent ties in the United States and thus remain in the country illegally. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/12/02 67 FR 18065 NPRM Comment Period End 05/13/02 Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 2176-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG43 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 RIN: 1615-AA68 _______________________________________________________________________ 1269. DOCUMENTARY REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN TEMPORARY RESIDENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1181; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1203; 8 USC 1225; 8 USC 1257; 8 CFR 2 [[Page 72961]] CFR Citation: 8 CFR 211 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule adds a document to the list of documents that may be presented by certain returning temporary residents in lieu of an immigrant visa. This rule will allow the Form I-797, Notice of Action, issued to certain aliens who have adjusted to temporary resident status pursuant to 8 CFR 245a to be used as an entry document at a port-of- entry. This rule is necessary to ensure that those temporary resident aliens eligible to reenter the United States with a Form I-797 are able to do so. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2177-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG44 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA69 _______________________________________________________________________ 1270. CHANGE IN BUSINESS PRACTICES; ACCEPTANCE OF PAYMENTS OF FEES BY CREDIT CARD AND OTHER ELECTRONIC MEANS WHERE POSSIBLE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 98-369; 31 USC 3720 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103.7 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to expand the acceptance of credit cards and other electronic means to collect fees from the public. DHS currently accepts fees at seven locations in three of its 33 districts. DHS proposes to implement credit card acceptance at 16 of these districts. The intended benefit is two-fold: to provide the Department with a faster, more efficient collection and record keeping mechanism while affording the customer a convenient alternative payment method. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2181-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG48 Agency Contact: Georgia Mayers, Chief of Cash Management, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6034, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-1200 RIN: 1615-AA70 _______________________________________________________________________ 1271. ADDING AND REMOVING INSTITUTIONS TO AND FROM THE LIST OF RECOGNIZED AMERICAN INSTITUTIONS OF RESEARCH Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1181; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1447 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 316 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations by adding the Rutgers, Indiana, and Harvard Universities to the list of American institutions of research located in section 316 of the Immigration and Naturalization Act, recognized by the Attorney General for the purpose of preserving residence in the United States for naturalization eligibility. This rule also removes the recently dissolved Harvard Institute for International Development from the same list. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2131-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG52 Agency Contact: Gerard Casale, Senior Adjudications Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-0788 RIN: 1615-AA72 _______________________________________________________________________ 1272. REQUIRING CHANGE OF STATUS FROM B TO F-1 OR M-1 NONIMMIGRANT PRIOR TO PURSUING A COURSE OF STUDY Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1258; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The interim final rule amends Department regulations by eliminating the current provision allowing a nonimmigrant visitor for business or pleasure to enroll in a DHS--approved school without first obtaining approval of a change of nonimmigrant status request from the Department. The amendment will ensure that no B nonimmigrant is allowed to begin taking classes until the Department has approved the alien's request to change nonimmigrant status to that of F or M student Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/12/02 67 FR 18061 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/11/02 Final Action 02/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2195-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG60 Agency Contact: Craig Howie, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3040, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 [[Page 72962]] Phone: 202 616-7869 Fax: 202 514-0198 Charles Adkins-Blanch, General Counsel, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 2400, 2600 Skyline Tower, 5106 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 Phone: 703 305-0470 RIN: 1615-AA73 _______________________________________________________________________ 1273. RESTRUCTURING THE NONIMMIGRANT REGULATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 252 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim regulation reorganizes the nonimmigrant regulations. It divides existing 8 CFR 214 into several new CFR parts, creating a new part for each major nonimmigrant classification. The regulation does not make significant changes to the regulations, but does rewrite and reorganize them to make them easier to read and follow. In addition the regulation eliminates obsolete provisions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2218-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG62 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Director, Business and Trade Branch, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AA74 _______________________________________________________________________ 1274. WAIVERS FOR NONIMMIGRANTS UNDER SECTION 212(D)(3)(A) OF THE IMMIGRATION AND NATIONALITY ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends regulations pertaining to the process by which waiver requests are referred to DHS by the Department of State for certain nonimmigrants. This rule affects individuals located outside of the United States who are applying for temporary visas. Promulgation of this rulemaking ensures that DHS' rules are consistent with long-standing agency practices. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2200-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG63 Agency Contact: Mark Rouse, Assistant Director, Office of Adjudications, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA75 _______________________________________________________________________ 1275. REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS AND WORK AUTHORIZATION ELIGIBILITY FOR ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1201a; 8 USC 1301 to 1305; 8 USC 1324a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 2; 8 CFR 264; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations regarding employment authorization and registration of aliens. First, this rule broadens the rule that permits the presentation of specified documents to satisfy the employment eligibility verification requirements for a temporary period. Second, this rule broadens the acceptable documentation available to establish that an asylee, or an alien who has applied for asylum, has complied with the requirement to be registered with the Department. Third, this rule clarifies the employment authorization regulations by specifying that certain classes of aliens who are employment authorized incident to status are not required to apply for or obtain an Employment Authorization Document, but are permitted to do so if they wish to have a DHS--issued secure photo identity document. Fourth, this rule implements two new Federal laws enacted on January 16, 2002, involving the employment authorization of the spouses of E and L aliens, by making these classifications employment authorized incident to status, consistent with the provisions of these laws. This rule also provides for restructuring of 8 CFR 274a.12(d). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2204-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG74 Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Assistant Director, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA78 _______________________________________________________________________ 1276. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING EXAMINATIONS AND WAIVING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE FOR NATURALIZATION APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1421; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1447; 8 CFR 2.1; . . . [[Page 72963]] CFR Citation: 8 CFR 310; 8 CFR 313; 8 CFR 316; 8 CFR 319; 8 CFR 333; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation provides procedures for conducting examinations and waiving the oath of allegiance attachment requirement and the oath requirement for any individual who has a developmental, physical, or mental impairment that makes him or her unable to understand, or communicate an understanding of, the meaning of the oath. The rule incorporates changes made by Public Law 106-448, which authorized the Secretary of the Department Homeland Security (DHS) to waive the oath requirement for such individuals. It also specifies who is authorized to act as a designated representative on behalf of applicants who qualify for the waiver and addresses how DHS will conduct examinations with such representatives to ensure that applicants with disabilities have the opportunity to establish eligibility for naturalization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2191-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG77 Agency Contact: Kellie LeClair, Staff Officer, Business Process Re- engineering, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 980, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 307-9919 RIN: 1615-AA81 _______________________________________________________________________ 1277. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE ON APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS FOR IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 1252 note; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, September 2003, Other. Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations concerning the acceptance of electronic signatures on applications and petitions for immigration and naturalization benefits. The change is necessary to allow the Department to begin accepting electronically filed applications and petitions as required by law. By accepting electronically filed applications and petitions, the Department expects to streamline its information collection process, improve customer service, and move towards fulfilling the mandates of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/29/03 68 FR 23009 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/29/03 Final Action 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2224-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG79 Agency Contact: Tracy Renaud, Branch Cheif, Office of Quality Assurance and Performance, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 1000, 425 I Street NW, Washington, DC 20007 Phone: 202 514-1229 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA83 _______________________________________________________________________ 1278. WITHHOLDING OF ADJUDICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 552; 8 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356; 8 USC 1421; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1447; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 310; 8 CFR 335; 8 CFR 336 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation expands the situations where a director can withhold the adjudication of an application or petition. The director may withhold adjudication at six-month increments while there is an ongoing investigation relating to that application or petition. Any regulatory deadlines will be tolled while adjudication is withheld. The director will give notice of withholding to the petitioner or applicant if it will not prejudice the investigation. The Department is now conducting security checks on all applicants and petitions, so this rule is necessary to ensure that immigration benefits are not granted while there is an ongoing investigation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2234-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG86 Agency Contact: Rebecca J. Roles, Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6109, Office of General Counsel, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7976 Fax: 202 514-0455 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA86 _______________________________________________________________________ 1279. VALIDITY PERIOD OF APPROVED FORM I-600A, APPLICATION FOR ADVANCED PROCESSING OF ORPHAN PETITION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1644 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the relevant regulations of the Department by establishing procedures to allow for the extension of the validity period of the Form I-600A, Application for Advance Processing of Orphan Petition. This rule is necessary to ensure that prospective adoptive parents are provided an adequate period of time in which to identify an orphan for inter-country adoption. [[Page 72964]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2230-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG88 Agency Contact: Steven Heller, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 616-7435 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA87 _______________________________________________________________________ 1280. IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS AFFECTING PETITIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT CREATION ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 216; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, March 2, 2003, Final. Abstract: This rule proposes amendments to the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security to implement changes made by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization of 2001. This legislation made various changes to the EB-5 Alien immigrant classification. This rule is being issued as an interim rule to comply with the statutory requirement that implementing regulations be issued by the Department within 120 days of enactment, and to ensure that the Department's regulations are consistent with the new legislation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2253-03; Regulatory actions announced in 1115-AF27 are merged with this rulemaking. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG93 Agency Contact: Maurice R. Berez, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AA90 _______________________________________________________________________ 1281. CERTAIN BENEFITS AVAILABLE TO ALIENS UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule amends the relevant regulations of the Department by implementing the provisions of the Child Status Protection Act, Public Law 107-208. This rule is necessary to ensure that the age-out protections afforded to certain alien beneficiaries in the Child Status Protection Act are codified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2265-03 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG99 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________ 1282. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGE OUT PROTECTIONS AFFORDED UNDER THE CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department will promulgate an interim final rule that amends regulations contained in title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations to implement certain provisions of the Child Status Protection Act (Pub. L. 107-288). The rule will ensure that the age-out protections afforded to certain alien beneficiaries in the Child Status Protection Act are codified. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AH01 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA95 _______________________________________________________________________ 1283. ELIMINATING THE NUMERICAL CAP ON MEXICAN TN NONIMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1102; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule eliminates the 5,500 annual limit on the number of Mexican [[Page 72965]] professional admissions under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It also eliminates the associated requirement of a petition on Form I-129 and the certified labor condition application. Rather than submit a petition to DHS, aliens seeking TN classification will apply for a TN visa from the State Department. This rule brings the treatment of Mexican TNs under NAFTA closer to that of Canadian TNs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2266-03 Transferred from RIN 1115-AH02 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Director, Business and Trade Branch, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 1284. FILING OF PROPOSALS FOR DESIGNATION AS A REGIONAL CENTER APPROVED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PILOT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation changes the location for the filing and adjudication of proposals to participate in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program from Headquarters, Office of Adjudication, to the Texas and California DHS Centers. This change is necessary to ensure the uniform and effective adjudication of these complex proposals related to economic development, export trade, and job creation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1944-98 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF27 Agency Contact: Maurice R. Berez, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AB00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1285. [bull] APPLICATION FOR NATURALIZATION BY ALTERNATIVE APPLICATION IF CITIZEN PARENT HAS DIED Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 107-273; 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization Act CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299; 8 CFR 320; 8 CFR 322; 8 CFR 499 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: One of the changes made by Public Law 107-273 is the addition of the U.S. citizen grandparents and U.S. citizen of legal guardians as eligible to apply for citizenship on behalf of a child born and residing outside the United States pursuant to the Immigration and Nationality Act, section 322. This rule amends DHS regulations to authorize an alternative applicant to file an application for citizenship on behalf of a foreign-born child if the United States citizen parent has died. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2289-03 Agency Contact: Pamela T. Wallace, Staff Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 980, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-9475 RIN: 1615-AB08 _______________________________________________________________________ 1286. [bull] SUNSET OF ADDITIONAL $1,000 FILING FEE AND RETURN TO 65,000 ANNUAL LIMIT ON H-1B NONIMMIGRANT PETITION APPROVALS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1281; 8 USC 1282; 8 USC 1301 to 1305; 8 USC 1356; 8 USC 1372; PL 105- 277; PL 106-311; PL 106-313; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act, Public Law 105-277, temporarily increased the number of temporary skilled personnel admitted to the United States under the H-1B program, and imposed an additional fee for petitioning employers. The increase in temporary workers and additional fee sunset on October 1, 2003. Accordingly, this final rule amends DHS regulations by removing references to the additional filing fee for certain H-1B nonimmigrant petitions. This final rule also removes language related to the annual H-1B numerical limit. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2286-03 Agency Contact: Kevin Cummings, Adjudications Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washingon, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-3157 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB10 [[Page 72966]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1287. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF THE BORDER COMMUTER STUDENT ACT OF 2002 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1101 note; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1281; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements recent legislation creating new visa classifications applicable to part-time students who commute across the border. Previously, DHS created an option for F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrant students to enroll in a reduced courseload if the nonimmigrant maintained residence in their home country of Mexico or Canada and commuted to schools within five miles of the border. These special F-1 and M-1 nonimmigrants were required to pursue a full course of study albeit at part-time enrollment. This rule has been drafted to effect Congressional legislation that created new visa classifications, F-3 and M-3, for border commuter student nonimmigrants. The F-3 and M-3 visa categories replace the option of reduced courseload for border commuter students within the F-1 and M-1 visa categories. When this rule is made effective, any student wishing to enroll in a reduced courseload for purposes of commuting must obtain an F-3 or an M-3 visa accordingly. These students, however, will not be required to pursue a full course of study. The F-3 and M-3 visa holders will be tracked in the Student and Exchange Visitor Information System administered by DHS and the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2290-03 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Director, Business and Trade Branch, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AB11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1288. [bull] REQUIRING COMPLETION OF SECURITY CHECKS BEFORE ISSUANCE OF EVIDENCE OF ALIEN REGISTRATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1303 to 1305; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 264 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule amends Department of Homeland Security regulations relating to the issuance of evidence of alien registration. Under the amended rule, the Department will not issue evidence of an alien's registration under sections 262 and 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act until the Department has completed all appropriate security checks. This rule is necessary to minimize the risk that aliens who may present threats to the public safety or national security may escape detection and removal from the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2291-03 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AB12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1289. [bull] CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SCIENTISTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION AND THE BALTIC STATES AS EMPLOYMENT BASED IMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Soviet Scientists Immigration Act of 1992 (SSIA) provided for 750 visas to be provided to eligible scientists and engineers from the former Soviet Union. This Program expired on October 24, 1996. Recent legislation extended the eligibility deadline for filling under the SSIA to September 30 2006, and raised the numerical limit on these visas from 750 to 950. It also required DHS to consult with the Department of State and other agencies regarding previous experiences with the program and their recommendations for making the program more effective. This rule improves administration of the program by requiring each applicant to submit a statement signed by the State Department's Bureau of Nonproliferation (Bureau) regarding his or her qualifications. Because the Bureau has been in close contact with this group of scientists and with the organizations that have employed them for a number of years, the Bureau is in a better position than DHS to assess the individual applicant's qualifications. Accordingly, this signed statement will be submitted for the evidence of qualifications previously required under the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/04 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2277-03 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Director, Business and Trade Branch, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of [[Page 72967]] Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 353-8177 RIN: 1615-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1290. [bull] PETITIONING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE O AND P NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1102; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule amends the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to enable certain petitioners to file O and P nonimmigrant petitions up to one year prior to the petitioners' need for the alien's services. Petitioners frequently plan for an event or performance more than one year in advance when seeking O and/or P nonimmigrant workers for employment in the United States. By extending the filing time requirement for O and P petitions from the current six months to one year, DHS hopes to provide relief and assurance to petitioners that, if approvable, such petitions will be approved prior to the date of the petitioners' need for the alien's services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/00/03 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Current filing times combined with processing times often result in an O or P petition being adjudicated at the same time or later than the date of the petitioner's stated need for the alien. This creates a hardship for employers who are seeking to hire the alien based on a scheduled performance, competition, or event, and who may have booked a venue and sold advance tickets. If the petition is not approved by the time of the petitioner's stated need, the petitioner may be required to cancel a scheduled event or performance, may lose funds advanced for booking a venue, and may also be liable for the costs associated with ticket refunds. Since an O or P employer may plan for the competition, event, or performance more than one year in advance, DHS has determined that extending the filing time will provide relief to many such employers. Although this rule may have an impact on small entities, the rule has been drafted in a way to minimize the economic impact that it has on small business while meeting its intended objective. This rule will ensure that certain O and P nonimmigrant petitions are adjudicated well in advance of the date of the employers' stated need, and thus prevent employers from having to cancel an event, competition, or performance either because the petition was denied at the last minute, or because the petition was not adjudicated in advance of the need. Employers will be less likely to lose booking costs or have to issue refunds if they receive a decision on the petition well in advance of the event, competition, or performance. Extending the time requirements for the filing of O and P petitions will provide immediate relief to affected United States employers, and any economic impact on small entities is likely to be positive. Agency Contact: Kevin Cummings, Adjudications Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, 425 I Street NW., Washingon, DC 20536 Phone: 202 305-3157 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB17 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Long-Term Actions Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1291. REDUCTION OF THE NUMBER OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS AND OTHER CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1324a; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, March 31, 1998, Final. Abstract: On September 30, 1996, the President signed the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). Section 412(a) of IIRIRA requires a reduction in the number of documents that may be accepted in the employment verification process. Section 412(d) clarifies the applicability of section 274A to the Federal Government. Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires agencies to review rules that have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities every 10 years. The Department is conducting this review in conjunction with IIRIRA implementation. The proposed rulemaking published February 12, 1998, implements sections 212(a) and (d) of IIRIRA and proposes other changes to the employment verification process identified through that review. A revised Form I-9 was included with the proposed rulemaking. The comment period closed on April 3, 1998. The Department is analyzing the comments and taking into consideration issues raised by the Alien Registration Form (I-551) program. It should be noted that this action supersedes the previously published regulatory action titled ``Reduction in the Number of Documents Accepted for Employment Verification.'' In order to avoid confusion, this regulatory action is being referenced under the current RIN, which captures all prior actions related to employment verification. CIS No. 1947-98, Interim Rule published February 9, 1999 (64 FR 6187). The ``Receipt Rule'' permits employees to present their employer certain types of ``receipts'' in lieu of a document listed on the Form I-9. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1399 Comment Period End 12/23/93) 11/23/93 58 FR 61846 NPRM (CIS No. 1339S Comment Period End 07/24/95) 06/22/95 60 FR 32472 [[Page 72968]] Notice (CIS No. 1713 Applications Due 01/29/96) 11/30/95 60 FR 61630 Appl. Extension Through 3/8/96; Notice Pilot Demonstration Program (CIS No. 1713) 02/06/96 61 FR 4378 Final Rule (CIS No. 1399E) 09/04/96 61 FR 46534 Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 1818) 09/30/97 62 FR 51001 NPRM (CIS No. 1890-97 Comment Period End 04/03/98) 02/02/98 63 FR 5287 Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Additional Information: The deadline for implementing section 412(a) of IIRIRA was extended to March 31, 1998, by Public Law 105-54. This rulemaking has been delayed by the need to coordinate implementation with other provisions of IIRIRA, by several complex policy and regulatory issues that have taken time to resolve, and by the review required by section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and by the need to coordinate policy issues with the Border Security Act of 2002 and, more generally, the post-September 11th environment in which document security is of a paramount concern. CIS No. 1890-97; PL 104-208, title 4. CIS Nos. 1399 and 1399S-94, Control of Employment of Aliens, Supplemental Rule; Action for CIS Nos. 1399 and 1399S is canceled as a result of IIRIRA requirements. CIS No. 1399E is an extracted portion of CIS No. 1399, published separately to allow for the production of a new, more secure Employment Authorization Document. CIS No. 1713-95, Demonstration Project for Electronic I-9. Interim Rule CIS No. 1818 was published on September 30, 1997, at 62 FR 51001 to maintain the status quo as much as possible until CIS completes the more comprehensive document reduction initiative designated by CIS No. 1890-97. Transferred from RIN 1115-AB73 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Branch Chief, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 RIN: 1615-AA01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1292. TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS NOTICES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1201; 28 USC 509; 31 USC 9701; 8 USC 1254a; 8 USC 1254a note; 8 USC 1362; 8 USC 1324a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1303; 8 CFR 2; 5 USC 301 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 244; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Regulations implement provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act as established by section 302 of the Immigration Act of 1990, Public Law 101-649, which allow for the establishment and implementation of Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Currently, nationals of countries have been accorded TPS through the publication of separate Federal Register Notices. Current regulatory actions include: CIS No. 1608 provides for exceptions to deadlines for registering for TPS and updates the application process. CIS No. 1612 provides for the removal of obsolete TPS language. CIS No. 2229 terminates TPS for Sierra Leone. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ TPS Final Rule (CIS No. 1612) Removal of Obsolete Sections Covering TPS for Salvadorans 09/10/96 61 FR 47667 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1832-97) Extension and Redesignation of Liberia 04/07/97 62 FR 16608 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1853-97) Extension and Termination of Rwanda Eff. 06/07/97 06/19/97 62 FR 33442 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1862-97) Extension of Bosnia-Herzegovina 08/01/97 62 FR 41420 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1863-97) Extension of Somalia 08/01/97 62 FR 41421 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1878-97) TPS Designation of Montserrat 08/28/97 62 FR 45685 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1775-96) TPS Designation of Burundi 11/04/97 62 FR 59735 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1780-97) TPS Designation of Sudan 11/04/97 62 FR 59737 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1877-97) TPS Designation of Sierra Leone 11/04/97 62 FR 59736 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1910-98) Termination of Designation of Liberia 03/31/98 63 FR 15437 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1929-98) TPS Designation of Province 06/09/98 63 FR 31527 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1945-98) Extension of Designation of Somalia 09/28/98 63 FR 51602 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1953-98) Redesignation of Liberia 09/29/98 63 FR 51958 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1957-98) TPS Extension of Designation of Burundi 11/03/98 63 FR 59334 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1958-98) TPS Extension of Designation of Sierra Leone 11/03/98 63 FR 59336 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1959-98) Extension of Designation of Sudan 11/03/98 63 FR 59337 Final Action, Temporary Protected Status, Exception to Registration Deadlines 11/16/98 63 FR 63593 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1964-98) TPS Designation of Honduras 01/05/99 64 FR 524 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1965-98) TPS Designation of Nicaragua 01/05/99 64 FR 526 [[Page 72969]] TPS Notice (CIS No. 1960-98) TPS Designation of Guinea-Bissau 03/11/99 64 FR 12181 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1986-99) TPS Extension and Redesignation of the Province of Kosovo 06/08/99 64 FR 30542 TPS Notice (CIS No. 1953-99) Termination of TPS Designation of Liberia 07/30/99 64 FR 41463 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2009-99) Extension of the TPS Registration Period for Hondurans and Nicaraguans 08/06/99 64 FR 42991 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2006-99) Extension of TPS Designation of Bosnia-Herzegovina 08/11/99 64 FR 43720 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2010-99) Extension of TPS Designation of Montserrat 09/02/99 64 FR 48190 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2015-99) Extension of TPS Designation of Somalia 09/13/99 64 FR 49511 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2022-99) Extension and Redesignation of Burundi Under Temporary Protected Status 11/09/99 64 FR 61123 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2023-99) Extension and Redesignation of Sudan Under the Temporary Protected Stat 11/09/99 64 FR 61128 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2024-99) Extension and Redesignation of Sierra Leone Under Temporary Protected S 11/09/99 64 FR 61125 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2043-00) Extension and Termination of Designation of Guinea-Bissau Under TPS 03/20/00 65 FR 15016 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2044-00) Designation of Angola Under TPS 03/29/00 65 FR 16634 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2064-00) Extension of Nicaragua Designation 05/11/00 65 FR 30440 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2065-00) Extension of Designation Hondurans 05/11/00 65 FR 30438 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2066-00) Termination of the Kosovo. . . 05/23/00 65 FR 33356 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2064R-00) Extension of Re-Registration for Nicaraguans 06/09/00 65 FR 36729 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2065R-00) Extension of Re-Registration for Hondurans 06/09/00 65 FR 36719 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2079-00) Termination of Bosnia- Herzegovina 08/30/00 65 FR 52789 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2087-00) Extension of Designation of Montserrat Under Temporary Protected Status 10/02/00 65 FR 58806 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2094-00) Extension of Designation of Sudan 11/09/00 65 FR 67407 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2095-00) Extension of Designation of Sierra Leone 11/09/00 65 FR 67405 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2096-00) Extension of Designation of Burundi 11/09/00 65 FR 67404 Correction TPS Notice (CIS No.2090-00) Extension of Designation of Somalia 12/08/00 65 FR 69789 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2125-01) Designation of El Salvador 03/09/01 66 FR 14214 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2114-01) Extension and Redesignation of Angola 04/05/01 66 FR 18111 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2135-01) Extension of Designation of Honduras under TPS 05/08/01 66 FR 23269 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2136-01) Extension of Designation of Nicaragua under TPS 05/08/01 66 FR 23271 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2148-01) Auto. Ext. of Work Authorization for Hondurans & Nicaraguans Under TPS 07/03/01 66 FR 35270 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2146-01) Extension of the Designation of Montserrat under TPS 08/03/01 66 FR 40834 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2162-01) Extension of Designation of Burundi under TPS 08/31/01 66 FR 46027 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2163-01) Extension of the Designation of Sierra Leone under TPS 08/31/01 66 FR 46029 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2164-01) Extension of Designation of Sudan under TPS 08/31/01 66 FR 46031 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2151-01) Extension of Redesignation of Somalia under TPS 09/04/01 66 FR 46288 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2114-01) Extension of the Designation of Angola under TPS 02/01/02 67 FR 4997 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2196-02) Extension of Designation of Nicaragua under TPS 05/03/02 67 FR 22450 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2197-02) Extension of the Designation Honduras under TPS 05/03/02 67 FR 22451 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2212-02) Extension of Designation of El Salvador under TPS 07/11/02 67 FR 46000 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2209-02) Extension of Designation of Montserrat 07/17/02 67 FR 47002 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2209-02) Extension of Designation of Montserrat under TPS 07/17/02 67 FR 47002 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2215-02) Extension of Desgination of Somalia 07/26/02 67 FR 48950 TPS Notice (CIS 2226-02) Extension of the Designation of Sudan under TPS 08/30/02 67 FR 55877 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2225-02) Extension of Designation of Burundi under TPS 08/30/02 67 FR 55875 [[Page 72970]] TPS Notice (CIS No. 2235-02) Designation of Liberia under TPS10/01/02 67 FR 61664 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2237-02) Extension of TPS for Sierra Leone 10/31/02 67 FR 66423 TPS Notice (CIS No. 2229-02) Extension of Designation of Angola under TPS 01/27/03 68 FR 3896 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: The Secretary may designate other countries for TPS. CIS Nos. 1608, 1612, 1832-97, 1853-97 and 1877-97. CIS No. 1608 issued as an interim final rule on 11/5/93 at 58 FR 58935 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE26 Agency Contact: Elizabeth N. Lee, Adjudications Officer, Adjudications Division, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: [email protected] Charles Adkins-Blanch, General Counsel, Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Suite 2400, 2600 Skyline Tower, 5106 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041 Phone: 703 305-0470 RIN: 1615-AA04 _______________________________________________________________________ 1293. EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION BY EMPLOYERS THAT ARE MEMBERS OF A MULTI- EMPLOYER ASSOCIATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1324a; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed action clarifies when an employer, that is a member of a multi-employer association employing an individual under a collective bargaining agreement entered into between one or more employee organizations and the multi-employer association, may rely upon an Employment Eligibility Verification Form (Form I-9) completed for the individual by a previous employer that is a member of the same multi-employer association. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Re CIS No. 1817-96; PL 104-208, title 4 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE67 Agency Contact: Marguerite Przbylski Kleczek, Attorney, Office of General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6100, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 RIN: 1615-AA07 _______________________________________________________________________ 1294. LIMITING LIABILITY FOR CERTAIN TECHNICAL AND PROCEDURAL VIOLATIONS OF PAPERWORK REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1324a; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will implement section 411 of IIRIRA, which allows employers that have made a good faith attempt to comply with a particular employment verification requirement to correct technical or procedural failures to meet the requirement before such failures are deemed to be violations of the Act. This rule will explain the good faith rule, define the term technical or procedural failure to meet such requirement, and explain how an employer can correct technical or procedural failures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/07/98 63 FR 16909 NPRM Comment Period End 06/08/98 Final Rule 12/00/04 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1819-96 and Public Law 104-208, title IV Transferred from RIN 1115-AE70 Agency Contact: Marguerite Przbylski Kleczek, Attorney, Office of General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 6100, 425 I Street NW., Washington, DC 20536 Phone: 202 514-2895 RIN: 1615-AA08 _______________________________________________________________________