[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 229 (Thursday, November 29, 2007)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 67576-67577]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-23172]


=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF STATE

22 CFR Part 62

[Public Notice: 5998]


Exchange Visitor Programs--Sanctions and Terminations

AGENCY: Department of State.

ACTION: Final rule; withdrawal.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: On November 2, 2007, the State Department published in the 
Federal Register a final rule entitled Exchange Visitor Programs--
Sanctions and Terminations. The Department amended its regulations to 
add to and modify the existing actions for which the Department may 
sanction a sponsor. The change in the regulations will streamline the 
review process to offer sanctioned sponsors the procedural due process 
rights equal to those that the Administrative Procedure Act guarantees. 
In addition, the Rule eliminated summary suspension and modifies 
program suspension to halt the activities of a sponsor that has 
committed a serious act of omission or commission which has or could 
have the effect of endangering the health, safety, or welfare of an 
exchange visitor, or damage the national security interests of the 
United States. This rule is being withdrawn because it was submitted to 
OMB for formal significance designation; however, it was published 
prior to that determination being made. Since OMB's designation was 
that it is significant and they would like to formally review it, OMB 
has requested the rule to be withdrawn in its entirety.

DATES: The final rule published at 72 FR 62112, November 2, 2007, is 
withdrawn effective November 29, 2007.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stanley S. Colvin, Director, Office of 
Exchange Coordination and Designation, U.S. Department of State, SA-44, 
301 4th Street, SW., Room 734, Washington, DC 20547, (202) 203-7415; or 
e-mail at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    On November 2, 2007, the State Department published a final rule 
(Amendment No. 212 (72 FR 62112)). The rule, to have become effective 
December 3, 2007, was intended to revise its regulations presently set 
forth at 22 CFR part 62 subpart D (Sanctions) and 22 CFR part 62 
subpart E (Termination and Revocation of Programs). The rule, to have 
become effective December 3, 2007, was intended to modify the reasons 
for which sanctions may be imposed and provide for program termination 
in the case of failure to file an annual management audit, in program 
categories requiring such audits. The rule would also provide for 
termination or denial of redesignation for an entire class of 
designated programs, if the Department determines that they compromise 
the national security of the United States, or no longer further the 
public diplomacy mission of the Department.

Reason for Withdrawal

    This rule was submitted to OMB for formal significance designation; 
however, it was published prior to that determination being made. Since 
OMB's designation was that it is significant and

[[Page 67577]]

they would like to formally review it, OMB has requested the rule to be 
withdrawn in its entirety.
    Accordingly, the Department withdraws the rule ``Exchange Visitor 
Programs--Sanctions and Terminations'' published at 72 FR 62112 on 
November 2, 2007.
    Withdrawal of the rule does not preclude the Department from 
issuing another rule on the subject matter in the future or committing 
the agency to any future course of action.

    Issued in Washington, DC, on November 26, 2007.
Thelma J. Furlong,
Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for A/ISS/DIR, Department of State.
[FR Doc. E7-23172 Filed 11-28-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4710-24-P