[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 175 (Friday, September 10, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 49117-49118]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-23602]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Executive Office for Immigration Review

28 CFR Part 16

[AAG/A Order No. 174-99]


Exemption of Records System Under the Privacy Act

AGENCY: Executive Office for Immigration Review, Department of Justice.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Justice proposes to exempt a Privacy Act 
system of records from subsection (d) of the Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 
552a. This system of records, the ``Practitioner Complaint/Disciplinary 
Files,'' (Justice/EOIR-003) may contain information which relates to 
official Federal investigations and matters of law and regulatory 
enforcement of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR). 
Accordingly, where applicable, the exemptions are necessary to avoid 
interference with the law and regulatory enforcement functions of EOIR. 
Specifically, the exemptions are necessary for the following: To 
prevent subjects of investigations from frustrating the investigatory 
process; to preclude the disclosure of investigative techniques; to 
impede the identification of confidential sources and of law and 
regulatory enforcement personnel, as well as to protect their physical 
safety; to ensure EOIR's ability to obtain facts from information 
sources; to protect the privacy of third parties; and to safeguard 
classified information as required by Executive Order 12958.

DATES: Submit any comments by October 12, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Address any comments to Mary E. Cahill, Management and 
Planning Staff, Justice Management Division, Department of Justice, 
Washington, DC 20530 (Room 1400, National Place Building).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mary E. Cahill, (202) 307-1823.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the notice section of todays' Federal 
Register, the Department of Justice provides a description of the 
``Practitioner Complaint/Disciplinary Files (JUSTICE/EOIR 003).''

Regulatory Flexibility Act

    This Order relates to individuals rather than small business 
entities. Nevertheless, pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory 
Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. 601-612, it is hereby stated that the order 
will not have a ``significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities.''

Executive Order 12988

    The rule complies with the applicable standards provided in 
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of Executive Order No. 12988.

Executive Order 12866

    The Attorney General has determined that this rule is not a 
significant regulatory action under Executive Order No. 12966, and 
accordingly, this rule has not been reviewed by the Office of 
Management and Budget.

List of Subjects in Part 16

    Administrative Practices and Procedures, Courts, Freedom of 
Information Act, Privacy Act, and Government in Sunshine Act.

    Dated: August 25, 1999.
Stephen R. Colgate,
Assistant Attorney General for Administration.

    Pursuant to the authority vested in the Attorney General by 5 
U.S.C. 552a and delegated to me by Attorney General Order No. 793-78, 
it is proposed to amend 29 CFR part 16 as follows:

PART 16--[AMENDED]

    1. The authority for part 16 continues to read as follows:


[[Page 49118]]


    Authority: 5 U.S.C. 301, 552, 552a, 552b(g), 553; 18 U.S.C. 
4203(a)(1); 28 U.S.C. 509, 510, 534; 31 U.S.C. 3717, 9701.

    2. It is proposed to amend 28 CFR 16.83 by adding paragraphs (c) 
and (d) to read as follows:


Sec. 16.83  Exemption of the Executive Office for Immigration Review 
System--limited access.

* * * * *
    (c) The following system of records is exempted from 5 U.S.C. 
552a(d).
    (1) Practitioner Complaint/Disciplinary Files (JUSTICE/EOIR 003).
    This exemption applies only to the extent that information in this 
system is subject to exemption pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), (k)(1), 
and (k)(2). To the extent that information in a record pertaining to an 
individual does not relate to national defense or foreign policy, 
official Federal investigations, and/or law enforcement matters, the 
exemption does not apply. In addition, where compliance would not 
appear to interfere with or adversely affect the overall law or 
regulatory enforcement process, the applicable exemption may be waived 
by the Executive Office for Immigration Review.
    (d) Exemption from subsection (d) is justified for the following 
reasons:
    (1) From the access and amendment provisions of subsection (d) 
because access to the records contained in this system of records could 
inform the subject of the investigation of an actual or potential 
criminal, civil, or regulatory violation or the existence of that 
investigation; of the nature and scope of the information and evidence 
obtained as to the subject's activities; of the identity of 
confidential sources, witnesses, and law enforcement personnel; and of 
information that may enable the subject to avoid detection or 
apprehension. These factors would present a serious impediment to 
effective law and regulatory enforcement where they prevent the 
successful completion of the investigation, endanger the physical 
safety of confidential sources, witnesses, and law enforcement 
personnel, and/or lead to the improper influencing of witnesses, the 
destruction of evidence, or the fabrication of testimony. In addition, 
granting access to such information could disclose security-sensitive 
or confidential business information or information that would 
constitute an unwarranted invasion of the personal privacy of third 
parties. Finally, access to the records could result in the release of 
properly classified information which would compromise the national 
defense or disrupt foreign policy. Amendment of the records would 
interfere with ongoing investigations and law enforcement activities 
and impose an enormous administrative burden by requiring 
investigations to be continuously reinvestigated.

[FR Doc. 99-23602 Filed 9-9-99; 8:45 am]
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