[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 55 (Wednesday, March 20, 1996)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11432-11433]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-6679]



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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
Immigration and Naturalization Service
[INS No. 1749-96]
RIN 1115-AE28


Renewal of Immigration and Naturalization Service Citizens' 
Advisory Panel

AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the provisions of the Federal Advisory 
Committee Act, 5 U.S.C. app. 2, Sections 1-14, and Title 41 CFR 
sections 101-6.1001-6.1035, the Commissioner, Immigration and 
Naturalization Service (INS), with the concurrence of the Attorney 
General, is renewing, for a 2-year period, the 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 is seeking to 
address 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 also reviewing the systems and procedures in the INS for 
responding to specific complaints alleging that an INS employee 
exercised his/her authority in an improper manner. The CAP will 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.
    A notice was published in the Federal Register which established 
the CAP (February 11, 1994, at 59 FR 6658) in response to 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 responsive, expeditious, and objective 
complaint process. Continuation of this CAP will facilitate resolution 
of these issues, and assist the INS in furtherance

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of its goal to build and maintain a good working relationship with all 
members of the community. It will serve to enhance public confidence in 
immigration law enforcement and to demonstrate the INS' commitment to 
respecting and protecting the rights of all individuals.

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

CONTACT PERSON: Susan B. Wilt, Immigration and Naturalization Service, 
425 I Street NW., Room 3260, Washington, DC 20536, Telephone: (202) 
514-2373.

    Dated: March 14, 1996.
Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 96-6679 Filed 3-19-96; 8:45 am]
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