[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 229 (Friday, November 28, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Page 66846]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-29702]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Immigration and Customs Enforcement


Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

ACTION: Request OMB emergency approval; exemption from NSEERS 
registration requirements (file no. OMB-40).

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    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Immigration 
and Customs Enforcement (ICE) 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 DHS 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. Therefor, immediate OMB approval 
has been requested. 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, 
Department of Homeland Security Desk Officer, 725-17th Street, NW., 
Suite 10235, Washington, DC 20503; 202-395-5806.
    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 DHS requests written comments and 
suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning this the 
information collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted 
until January 27, 2004. During 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, Department of 
Homeland Security, Room 4034, 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: New information collection.
    (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Exemption from NSEERS 
Registration Requirements.
    (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: No Agency Form Number. 
File No. OMB-40. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
    (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals and Households. This 
information collection allows an alien to seek an exemption from the 
NSEERS registration requirements by submitting a letter to the 
Department of Homeland Security containing specific information.
    (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount 
of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 5,800 responses 
at 30 minutes (.5 hours) per response.
    (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated 
with the collection: 2,900 annual burden hours.
    If additional information is required contact: Mr. Steve Cooper, 
PRA Clearance Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Chief 
Information Officer, Regional Office Building 3, 7th and D Streets, 
SW., Suite 4636-26, Washington, DC 20202.

    Dated: November 21, 2003.
Richard A. Sloan,
Department Clearance Officer, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services.
[FR Doc. 03-29702 Filed 11-26-03; 8:45 am]
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