[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 128 (Thursday, July 3, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 39957]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-16797]



[[Page 39957]]

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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Action:  Request OMB emergency approval; Application for Waiver of 
Ground of Excludability, Form I-601.

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    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Bureau of Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (BCIS) has submitted an emergency information 
collection request (ICR) utilizing emergency review procedures, to the 
Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in 
accordance with section 1320.13(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(iii) of the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The BCIS has determined that it cannot 
reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures under this part 
because normal clearance procedures are reasonably likely to prevent or 
disrupt the collection of information. BCIS is requesting emergency 
review from OMB of this information collection to ensure benefits of an 
applicant under section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. 
Therefore, OMB approval has been requested by June 30, 2003. If 
granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. All 
comments and/or questions pertaining to this pending request for 
emergency approval must be directed to OMB, Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Ms. Karen Lee, DHS Desk Officer, 
Washington, DC 20503. Comments regarding the emergency submission of 
this information collection may also be submitted via facsimile to Ms. 
Lee at 202-395-6974.
    During the first 60 days of this same period, a regular review of 
this information collection is also being undertaken. During the 
regular review period, the BCIS requests written comments and 
suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning this 
information collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted 
until September 2, 2003. During the 60-day regular review, all comments 
and suggestions, or questions regarding additional information, to 
include obtaining a copy of the information collection instrument with 
instructions, should be directed to Mr. Richard A. Sloan, 202-514-3291, 
Director, Regulations and Forms Services Division, Room 4307, 425 I 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536. Written comments and suggestions 
from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed 
collection of information should address one or more of the following 
four points:
    (1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
    (2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of 
the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used;
    (3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to 
be collected; and
    (4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those 
who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, 
electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic 
submission of responses.
    Overview of this information collection:
    (1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of currently approved 
collection.
    (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Application for Waiver of Ground 
of Excludability.
    (3) Agency form number, iF any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form I-601. Bureau of 
Citizenship and Immigration Services.
    (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or Households. The 
information collected on this form will be used by the BCIS to 
determine whether the applicant is eligible for a waiver of 
excludability under section 212 of the Act.
    (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount 
of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 3,000 responses 
at 30 minutes (.50 hours) per response.
    (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated 
with the collection: 1,500 annual burden hours.
    If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the 
proposed information collection instrument with instructions, or 
additional information, please contact Richard A. Sloan 202-514-3291, 
Director, Regulations and Forms Services Division, Room 4307, 425 I 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536. Additionally, comments and/or 
suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially 
regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time may 
also be directed to Mr. Richard A. Sloan.

    Dated: June 27, 2003.
Richard A. Sloan,
Department Clearance Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau 
of Citizenship and Immigration Services.
[FR Doc. 03-16797 Filed 7-2-03; 8:45 am]
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