[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 175 (Wednesday, September 10, 1997)] [Notices] [Pages 47692-47693] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-23960] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE Immigration and Naturalization Service [INS No. 1866-97] New York District Advisory Council on Immigration Matters AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice. ACTION: Notice. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This notice establishes a District Advisory Council on Immigration Matters (DACOIM) to provide recommendations to the New York District Director on ways to improve the response and reaction to customers in the local jurisdiction. The [[Page 47693]] DACOIM will also seek to increase cooperative opportunities by serving as a community base for anchoring outreach activities and education, in order to strengthen the relationship between the Service and all members of the community. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hiwatha Greene-Janvier, Community Relations Officer, Immigration and Naturalization Service, 26 Federal Plaza, Room 14-100, New York, New York 10278. Telephone: (212) 264- 0736. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Authority 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 DACOIM is established with the concurrence of the Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the Attorney General. Background The establishment of the DACOIM is in response to an increase in the overall immigrant population of all fourteen counties in the New York District. The mass settlement of new immigrants seeking Service benefits is immersed into an existing atmosphere of misconceptions and mistrust, which has caused an increase in tension between the immigrant and non-immigrant communities. Establishment of this advisory council is intended to eliminate any misconceptions and mistrust while trying to build and maintain a good relationship with all members of the community. The DACOIM will also serve to enhance public confidence in immigration policy and procedures and demonstrate the Service's commitment to strengthen the New York District's response time to immigration matters and enhance communications with all sources. Purpose The DACOIM is authorized by the Attorney General to (1) assess New York District policies and procedures that impact customer service, (2) analyze and recommend improvements as needed, (3) serve as a community base for anchoring outreach activities and education, and (4) establish mechanisms to assess tension and control rumors. Membership The DACOIM will be composed of fifteen voting members who will be appointed by the District Director. Six of these members shall be representatives from the Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service, New York District. The remaining nine members shall be private citizens representing organizations who reflect balanced perspectives and interests regarding immigration and naturalization matters and community relations. In addition, the DACOIM will be comprised of two non-voting members, as follows: a Consular or Embassy official, representing the Society of Foreign Consuls, who will serve in a permanent advisory capacity to the DACOIM, and a representative designated by the Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service. This composition will attain a balanced membership. The DACOIM will function solely as an advisory body in compliance with the provision of the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Its charter has been filed and approved, in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Dated: September 4, 1997. Doris Meissner, Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service. [FR Doc. 97-23960 Filed 9-9-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410-10-M