[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 29 (Friday, February 11, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-3255]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: February 11, 1994]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Immigration and Naturalization Service
[INS No. 1655-94]
RIN-1115-AD68

 

Immigration and Naturalization Service Citizens' Advisory Panel

AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.

ACTION: Notice of establishment of Citizens' Advisory Panel.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2 (1972), and 41 CFR 101-6.1001-6.1035 
(1992), the Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), 
with the concurrence of the Attorney General, is establishing a 
Citizens' Advisory Panel (CAP) for the purpose of providing 
recommendations to the Attorney General on ways to reduce the number of 
complaints of abuse made against employees of the INS and, most 
importantly, to minimize or eliminate the causes for those complaints. 
The CAP will also seek to reduce the complaints of impropriety by 
making recommendations on community policing and training initiatives 
for law enforcement personnel in order to strengthen the relationship 
between the INS and all members of the community.
    The CAP is authorized by the Attorney General to (1) accept and 
review civilian complaints made against INS employees, and (2) review 
the systems and procedures in the INS for responding to such 
complaints. The CAP will also receive reports and assist in the 
coordination of local citizens' advisory committees and panels 
developed by Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agents and/or Immigration 
District Directors.
    Establishment of the CAP is in response to recent allegations of 
human rights abuses by the Border Patrol, especially along the 
Southwest border, and to concerns expressed by private citizens and 
organizations over the lack of a responsive, expeditious, and objective 
complaint process. Institution of this oversight panel will facilitate 
resolution of these issues as well as assist the INS in furtherance of 
its goal to build and maintain a good working relationship with all 
members of the community. It will also serve to enhance public 
confidence in immigration law enforcement and to demonstrate the INS 
commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all 
individuals as guaranteed by the Constitution.

MEMBERSHIP: The CAP will be composed of thirteen voting members who 
will be appointed by the Attorney General. Four of these members shall 
be officials from the following components of the Department of 
Justice: Office of the Attorney General, the INS, and the Community 
Relations Service. The remaining nine members shall be private citizens 
concerned about civil rights, human relations, immigration issues, and 
ethics in public service. In addition, the CAP will be comprised of two 
non-voting members as follows: a Consulate or an Embassy official, 
representing the Government of Mexico, who will serve in a permanent 
advisory capacity to the CAP, and the INS Director of the Office of 
Internal Audit who will serve in a permanent capacity as the INS 
Liaison Representative. This composition will attain a fairly balanced 
membership.
    The CAP will function solely as an advisory body in compliance with 
the provision of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Its charter will 
be filed in accordance with the provisions of the Act.

CONTACT PERSON: John Physioc, Immigration and Naturalization Service, 
425 I Street, NW., room 7048, Washington, DC 20536, Telephone: (202) 
514-0078.

    Dated: February 7, 1994.
Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 94-3255 Filed 2-10-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-M