[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 91 (Friday, May 9, 2008)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 26340-26344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-10343]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 91 / Friday, May 9, 2008 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 26340]]



DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

8 CFR Parts 214 and 248

[CIS No. 2429-07; DHS Docket No. USCIS-2007-0056]
RIN 1615-AB64


Period of Admission and Stay for Canadian and Mexican Citizens 
Engaged in Professional Business Activities--TN Nonimmigrants

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: This rule affects certain Canadian and Mexican citizens who 
seek temporary entry as professionals to the United States pursuant to 
the TN classification, as established by the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA or Agreement). TN nonimmigrants are Canadian or 
Mexican citizens who obtain temporary entry into the United States as 
business persons to engage in business activities at a professional 
level. This rule proposes to increase the maximum allowable period of 
admission for TN nonimmigrants from one year to three years, and allow 
otherwise eligible TN nonimmigrants to be granted an extension of stay 
in increments of up to three years instead of the current maximum of 
one year. TD nonimmigrants (``NAFTA Dependent'') are the spouses and 
unmarried minor children of TN nonimmigrants. TD nonimmigrants who 
would otherwise be eligible for TD nonimmigrant status would be 
eligible to be admitted and seek extensions for the same period of time 
as the TN principal. The purpose of this narrow change is to remove 
certain administrative requirements on TN nonimmigrants and U.S. 
employers and U.S. entities, thereby making this nonimmigrant 
classification more attractive to eligible professionals and their U.S. 
employers. The rule also proposes to remove filing location 
requirements from the TN regulations and instead provides that such 
locations will be prescribed by form instructions in order to provide 
more flexibility in program administration, as well as making certain 
technical modifications to eliminate outdated references to prior 
requirements. Finally, this rule proposes to revise the text of 8 CFR 
214.1(a)(2) and (c)(1) and 8 CFR 248.3 by replacing the outdated term 
``TC'' (the previous classification given to Canadian workers under the 
1989 Canada-United States Free Trade Agreement) with ``TN.''

DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before June 9, 2008.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DHS Docket No. USCIS-
2007-0056 by one of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     E-mail: You may submit comments directly to USCIS by e-
mail at [email protected]. Include DHS Docket No. USCIS-2007-0056 in the 
subject line of the message.
     Mail: Chief, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 
111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529. To 
ensure proper handling, please reference DHS Docket No. USCIS-2007-0056 
on your correspondence. This mailing address may also be used for 
paper, disk, or CD-ROM submissions.
     Hand Delivery/Courier: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services, Department of Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, 
NW., 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20529. Contact Telephone Number is (202) 
272-8377.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Patricia Jepsen, Adjudications 
Officer, Business and Trade Services, Office of Service Center 
Operations, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of 
Homeland Security, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 3rd Floor, 
Washington, DC 20529, telephone (202) 272-8410.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation

    Interested persons are invited to participate in this rulemaking by 
submitting written data, views, or arguments on all aspects of this 
proposed rule. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) also 
invites comments that relate to the economic, environmental, or 
federalism effects that might result from this proposed rule. Comments 
that will provide the most assistance to USCIS in developing these 
procedures will reference a specific portion of the proposed rule, 
explain the reason for any recommended change, and include data, 
information, or authority that support such recommended change.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and DHS Docket No. USCIS-2007-0056. All comments received will be 
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received go to http://www.regulations.gov. Submitted comments 
may also be inspected at the Regulatory Management Division, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 
111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 3rd Floor, Washington, DC 20529.

II. Background

A. The North American Free Trade Agreement

    On December 17, 1992, the United States, Canada and Mexico signed 
the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA or Agreement). On 
December 8, 1993, the President signed into law the North American Free 
Trade Agreement Implementation Act, Public Law 103-182 (NAFTA 
Implementation Act). Among other things, the NAFTA Implementation Act 
created a new section 214(e) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, as 
amended (INA), which created the TN classification for nonimmigrant 
professionals seeking admission to the United States under NAFTA. 
Almost immediately following the enactment of this law, on January 1, 
1994, NAFTA went into effect, thereby creating one of the largest free 
trade areas in the world. Chapter 16 of NAFTA provides for the 
temporary entry of qualified business persons from each of the 
countries that are signatories to the Agreement. This chapter of NAFTA 
establishes four categories of business persons who may be allowed 
temporary entry into the territory of another NAFTA party. The four 
categories are: (1) Business visitors; (2) traders and investors; (3) 
intra-company

[[Page 26341]]

transferees; and (4) professionals. As discussed below, this proposed 
regulation would change certain regulatory provisions dealing with the 
fourth category, NAFTA professionals, by amending 8 CFR 214.6.

B. The TN Nonimmigrant Classification

    The TN nonimmigrant classification permits qualified Canadian and 
Mexican citizens to seek temporary entry into the United States as 
business persons to engage in business activities at a professional 
level. 8 CFR 214.6(a). The specific occupations which qualify for the 
TN classification are set forth in Chapter 16 of NAFTA, Annex 1603, 
Appendix 1603.D.1., and are reproduced at 8 CFR 214.6(c). Among the 
types of professionals who are eligible to seek admission as TN 
nonimmigrants are certain accountants, engineers, lawyers, pharmacists, 
scientists, and teachers. The spouses and unmarried minor children of 
TN nonimmigrants, if otherwise admissible, may be granted TD 
nonimmigrant classification. 8 CFR 214.6(j). Although neither the NAFTA 
Implementation Act nor the INA prescribes a maximum period of admission 
to the United States for TN nonimmigrants and their dependents, USCIS 
regulations currently provide that TN nonimmigrants may be admitted to 
the United States for a period not to exceed one year. 8 CFR 214.6(e).
    Currently, TN nonimmigrants generally may be readmitted to the 
United States for the remainder of the period authorized on their Form 
I-94, provided that the TN nonimmigrant's originally-intended 
professional activity and employer(s) have not changed. 8 CFR 
214.6(g)(1) and (2). TN nonimmigrants also may apply to U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for admission for a period 
of time that extends beyond the date of their original terms of 
admission at any U.S. port-of-entry. 8 CFR 214.6(h)(2). TN 
professionals also may, upon application to USCIS, be granted 
extensions of stay for a maximum period of one year. 8 CFR 214.6(h)(1). 
The spouse and unmarried minor children of TN professionals, if 
otherwise eligible, may be admitted in TD classification for the period 
of time granted to the TN professional, and may seek extensions of stay 
for the same period as the TN professional.

III. Changes Made by This Rule

A. Increased Time of Admission, Extension of Stay, and Readmission at 
the Border

    TN nonimmigrants are not subject to any maximum period of stay, as 
long as they continue to be engaged in TN business activities for a 
U.S. employer or U.S. entity at a professional level, provided they 
maintain the requisite nonimmigrant intent to depart the United States 
at the conclusion of their authorized periods of stay. USCIS 
regulations, however, require that such persons, if they wish to remain 
in the United States beyond the period of their initial admission, 
either seek readmission in TN status or apply for an extension of stay 
no less frequently than annually. 8 CFR 214.6(h). This requirement 
involves, at a minimum, the annual submission of documentation and 
payment of the filing fees specified in 8 CFR 103.7. This proposed rule 
would ease administrative burdens on TN nonimmigrants (and their TD 
dependents) as well as on the U.S. employers and U.S. entities by 
increasing the period of time granted to a TN nonimmigrant upon 
admission, or pursuant to a timely filed request for extension of stay, 
from a maximum of one year to a maximum of three years. The proposed 
rule at 8 CFR 214.6(h)(2) would also permit a TN nonimmigrant to apply 
for admission at a designated port-of-entry for a period of time that 
extends beyond the date of original admission for up to three years.
    The proposed rule does not alter any otherwise applicable 
evidentiary requirements, change existing filing fee requirements as 
set forth in 8 CFR 103.7, expand the maximum period of stay in TN 
status which is already indefinite, or expand the principle of ``dual 
intent'' to TN nonimmigrants or their TD dependents.\1\ Instead, the 
proposed changes would increase the initial period of admission, 
extension of stay, and readmission at the border; provide a cost and 
resource savings for employers and nonimmigrants alike; and reduce the 
potential for an interruption of employment due to foreign travel 
requirements or delays in processing times, thereby contributing to a 
more stable and predictable workforce. By reducing administrative costs 
and burdens, these changes are expected to make the TN nonimmigrant 
classification more attractive to professionals and their U.S. 
employers. In addition, by extending the initial period of admission, 
extension of stay, and readmission at the border from one year to three 
years, the TN nonimmigrant classification will mirror the periods of 
admission (or extension of stay) for other highly skilled nonimmigrant 
categories such as H-1B, thus making the TN nonimmigrant classification 
a workable alternative to those other high-skill categories for certain 
Canadian and Mexican professionals. Finally, this proposal may 
encourage other NAFTA signatories to reciprocate by effecting similar 
liberalizing measures with respect to citizens of the United States 
seeking admission to their countries under the NAFTA.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The dual intent doctrine holds that even though a 
nonimmigrant visa applicant has previously expressed a desire to 
enter the United States as an immigrant--and may still have such a 
desire--that does not of itself preclude the issuance of a 
nonimmigrant visa to him nor preclude his being a bona fide 
nonimmigrant. Matter of H-R-, 7 I&N Dec. 651, 654 (INS Reg. Comm'r 
1958). See also INA section 214(h) (limiting dual intent to certain 
H, L, and V nonimmigrants); 8 U.S.C. 1184(h).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

B. Changes to TD Spouses and Unmarried Minor Children

    In a change from the current regulation, the proposed rule would 
explicitly state that spouses and unmarried minor children of TN 
professionals, if otherwise eligible, may be admitted or readmitted in 
TD classification for the period of time granted to the TN 
professional, and may seek extensions of stay or change of nonimmigrant 
status for the same period as the TN professional. An application for 
change of status or extension of stay for a TD spouse or unmarried 
minor child would be filed on Form I-539.

C. Filing Location

    This rule also proposes to eliminate references to specific filing 
locations in current 8 CFR 214.6(h)(1). It is not necessary for USCIS 
to indicate in the Code of Federal Regulations where documents will be 
accepted. Further, fluctuations in volume, shifting workload needs, and 
benefits processing modifications may make variation of petition and 
application filing locations necessary in order to better use USCIS 
resources and serve customers. Codification of filing locations 
restricts USCIS' ability to address changed circumstances. Filing 
locations will still be found on USCIS forms and the USCIS Web site. 
Customers may also call the USCIS customer service line for information 
on where to file their documents, or may call the agency listing in the 
government resources pages of their local telephone directories. 
Moreover, as has been past practice, USCIS will provide the public with 
an adequate transition period to adapt to any changes to the current

[[Page 26342]]

filing location (the Vermont Service Center), should USCIS, in the 
future, find it necessary to change the filing location(s) for TN 
applications.

D. Clarification and Correction

    This rule also proposes to revise the text in 8 CFR 214.6(g) and 
(h) to make them more readable and would revise the text of 8 CFR 
214.1(a)(2) and (c)(1) and 8 CFR 248.3 by replacing the outdated term 
``TC'' with ``TN.'' ``TC'' was the previous classification given to 
Canadian workers entering under the terms of the Canada-United States 
Free Trade Agreement, which went into effect on January 1, 1989 and was 
subsequently replaced by NAFTA. NAFTA created a new nonimmigrant 
classification, ``TN,'' which includes both Canadian and Mexican 
workers. In addition, USCIS proposes to delete paragraph (k)(2) from 
section 214.6. This paragraph relates to the now obsolete requirement 
of a petition for Mexican TN admissions. The sunset of this provision 
was announced in 69 FR 11287.
    The rule also proposes to add a phrase at the end of 214.6(k)(3) to 
make it clear that, although the Director may not deny a petition, 
suspend an approved petition, or deny entry to an applicant for TN 
status based upon a strike or labor dispute involving a work stoppage 
of workers in progress that has not been certified under (k)(1), the 
examining officer must consider all relevant facts in determining an 
alien's eligibility for TN classification.

IV. Regulatory Requirements

A. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    DHS has reviewed this proposed rule in accordance with the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act. The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, 5 
U.S.C. 601-612, as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement 
Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121), requires Federal agencies to 
conduct a regulatory flexibility analysis which describes the impact of 
the proposed rule on small entities whenever an agency is publishing a 
notice of proposed rulemaking under 5 U.S.C. 553(b). A small entity may 
be a small business (defined as any independently owned and operated 
business not dominant in its field that qualifies as a small business 
per the Small Business Act); a small not-for-profit organization; or a 
small governmental jurisdiction (locality with fewer than 50,000 
people).
    This rule will reduce compliance costs on the regulated industries. 
This rule will save the public in information collection costs, USCIS 
fees, and legal costs, because TN and TD status holders will not have 
to renew their status each year. There are no provisions in this rule 
that add compliance costs. Therefore, USCIS can certify that this rule 
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
small entities.

B. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    This rule will not result in the expenditure by State, local, and 
tribal governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $100 
million or more in any one year, and it will not significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments. Therefore, no actions were deemed 
necessary under the provisions of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 
1995.

C. Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996

    This rule is not a major rule as defined by section 804 of the 
Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Act of 1996. This rule will not 
result in an annual effect on the economy of $100 million or more; a 
major increase in costs or prices; or significant adverse effects on 
competition, employment, investment, productivity, innovation, or on 
the ability of United States-based companies to compete with foreign-
based companies in domestic and export markets.

D. Executive Order 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review)

    This rule has been designated as a ``significant regulatory 
action'' by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under Executive 
Order 12866, section 3(f), Regulatory Planning and Review. Accordingly, 
an analysis of the economic impacts of this rule has been prepared and 
submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review. DHS 
has determined that this rule decreases the costs imposed by the TN 
nonimmigrant program on the government as well as the public. The 
changes made by this rule will result in more satisfaction with the 
NAFTA professional program among the participating employers and the TN 
status holders by increasing program flexibility and loosening time and 
travel restrictions. The expected effect is an increase in the number 
of TN status petitions filed with and approved by USCIS. A small 
economic benefit may result from the increased availability of scarce 
workers for U.S. employers in particular fields and industries. This 
rule will result in fees collected by USCIS for filings associated with 
TN status decreasing by approximately $2.4 million per year as a result 
of this rule. In addition, total paperwork burden costs on the public 
will decrease by about 12,225 hours and $340,000 as a result of fewer 
required filings. Eventually, DOS and USCBP annual fee collections from 
TN nonimmigrants will also decrease as a result of this proposed rule. 
A copy of the complete analysis is available in the rulemaking docket 
for this rule at http://www.regulations.gov, under Docket No. USCIS-
2007-0056, or by calling the information contact listed above.

E. Executive Order 13132 (Federalism)

    This rule would have no substantial direct effects on the States, 
on the relationship between the National Government and the States, or 
on the distribution of power and responsibilities among the various 
levels of government. Therefore, this rule does not have sufficient 
federalism implications to warrant the preparation of a federalism 
summary impact statement.

F. Paperwork Reduction Act

    Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13, 109 
Stat. 163 (1995) (PRA), all Departments are required to submit to OMB, 
for review and approval, any reporting or recordkeeping requirements 
inherent in a rule. This rulemaking does not impose any new reporting 
or recordkeeping requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. 
However, by requiring TN and TD status renewals every three years 
instead of every year, this rule will reduce the volume of Form I-129 
filings, Form I-907, Request for Premium Processing Service, filings, 
and Form I-539, Application To Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status, 
filings per year and the aggregate paperwork burden on the public 
accordingly. When the rule is published as a final rule, USCIS will 
submit the appropriate requests for non-substantive change to OMB to 
reflect the reduced annual respondents and costs.

List of Subjects

8 CFR Part 214

    Administrative practice and procedure, Aliens, Employment, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.

8 CFR Part 248

    Aliens, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
    Accordingly, chapter I of title 8 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations is proposed to be amended as follows:

[[Page 26343]]

PART 214--NONIMMIGRANT CLASSES

    1. The authority citation for part 214 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1102, 1103, 1182, 1184, 1186a, 1187, 
1221, 1258, 1281, 1282, 1301-1305 and 1372; sec. 643, Pub. L. 104-
208, 110 Stat. 3009-708; section 141 of the Compacts of Free 
Association with the Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic 
of the Marshall Islands, and with the Government of Palau, 48 U.S.C. 
1901 note, and 1931 note, respectively; 8 CFR part 2.


Sec.  214.1  [Amended]

    2. Section 214.1 is amended by:
    a. Removing the designation ``Cdn FTA, Professional'' and ``TC'' 
from the list in paragraph (a)(2);
    b. Removing the term ``TC'' and adding ``TN'' in its place in the 
first sentence in paragraph (c)(1).
    3. Section 214.6 is amended by:
    a. Revising the section heading and by revising paragraphs (e), 
(g), and (h);
    b. Redesignating paragraphs (j)(1), (j)(2) and (j)(3) as paragraphs 
(j)(2), (j)(3), and (j)(4), respectively;
    c. Adding a new paragraph (j)(1);
    d. Revising newly redesignated paragraphs (j)(2), (j)(3), and 
(j)(4); and by
    e. Revising paragraph (k);
    The addition and revisions read as follows:


Sec.  214.6  Citizens of Canada or Mexico seeking temporary entry under 
NAFTA to engage in business activities at a professional level.

* * * * *
    (e) Procedures for admission. A citizen of Canada or Mexico who 
qualifies for admission under this section shall be provided confirming 
documentation (Form I-94) and shall be admitted under the 
classification symbol TN for a period not to exceed three years. Form 
I-94 shall bear the legend ``multiple entry.'' The fee prescribed under 
8 CFR 103.7(b)(1) shall be remitted by Canadian Citizens upon admission 
to the United States pursuant to the terms and conditions of the NAFTA. 
Upon remittance of the prescribed fee, the TN applicant for admission 
shall be provided a Department-issued receipt (Form G-211, Form G-711, 
or Form I-797).
* * * * *
    (g) Readmission. (1) With a Form I-94. An alien may be readmitted 
to the United States in TN classification for the remainder of the 
period of TN admission authorized on Form I-94, without presentation of 
the letter or supporting documentation described in paragraph (d)(3) of 
this section and without the prescribed fee set forth in 8 CFR 
103.7(b)(1), provided that the original intended professional 
activities and employer(s) have not changed, and the Form I-94 has not 
expired.
    (2) Without a valid I-94. If the alien seeking readmission to the 
United States in TN classification is no longer in possession of a 
valid, unexpired Form I-94, and the period of initial admission in TN 
classification has not lapsed, a new Form I-94 may be issued for the 
period of validity that remains on the TN nonimmigrant's original Form 
I-94 with the legend ``multiple entry'' and the alien readmitted in TN 
status if the alien presents alternate evidence as follows:
    (i) For Canadian citizens, alternate evidence may include, but is 
not limited to, a fee receipt for admission as a TN or a previously 
issued admission stamp as TN in a passport, and a confirming letter 
from the United States employer(s).
    (ii) For Mexican citizens seeking readmission as TN nonimmigrants, 
alternate evidence shall consist of presentation of a valid TN visa and 
evidence of a previous admission.
    (h) Extension of stay. (1) Filing. A United States employer of a 
citizen of Canada or Mexico who is currently maintaining valid TN 
nonimmigrant status, or a United States entity (in the case of a 
citizen of Canada or Mexico who is currently maintaining valid TN 
nonimmigrant status and is employed by a foreign employer), may request 
an extension of stay, subject to the following conditions:
    (i) An extension of stay must be requested by filing Form I-129 
with the prescribed fee noted at 8 CFR 103.7(b)(1), in accordance with 
the form instructions.
    (ii) The beneficiary must be physically present in the United 
States at the time of the filing of the Form I-129 requesting an 
extension of stay as a TN nonimmigrant. If the alien is required to 
leave the United States for any reason while the Form I-129 is pending, 
the petitioner may request USCIS to notify the consular office where 
the beneficiary is required to apply for a visa or, if visa exempt, a 
DHS-designated port-of-entry where the beneficiary will apply for 
admission to the United States, of the approval.
    (iii) An extension of stay may be approved by USCIS for a maximum 
of three years.
    (iv) There is no specific limit on the total period of time an 
alien may be in TN status provided the alien is continuing to be 
engaged in TN business activities for a U.S. employer or entity at a 
professional level and otherwise continues to properly maintain 
nonimmigrant TN status.
    (2) Readmission at the border. Nothing in paragraph (h)(1) of this 
section shall preclude a citizen of Canada or Mexico who has previously 
been admitted to the United States in TN status, and has not violated 
such status while in the United States, from applying at a DHS-
designated port-of-entry, prior to the expiration date of that period 
of admission, for a new period of admission not to exceed three years 
from the date of request for such new period of admission. The 
application for a new period of admission shall be supported by a new 
letter from the United States employer or the foreign employer, in the 
case of a citizen of Canada who is providing prearranged services to a 
United States entity, which meets the requirements of paragraph (d) of 
this section, together with the appropriate filing fee noted at 8 CFR 
103.7(b)(1). Citizens of Mexico must present a valid passport and 
nonimmigrant TN visa when applying for readmission, as outlined in 
paragraph (d)(1) of this section.
* * * * *
    (j) * * *
    (1) The spouse or unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status, if they are otherwise 
admissible, may be admitted initially, readmitted, or granted a change 
of nonimmigrant status or an extension of his or her period of stay for 
the same period of time granted to the TN nonimmigrant. Such spouse or 
unmarried minor children shall, upon approval of an application for 
admission, readmission, change of status or extension of stay be 
classified as TD nonimmigrants. A request for a change of status to TD 
or an extension of stay of a TD nonimmigrant may be made on Form I-539 
together with appropriate filing fees and evidence of the principal 
alien's current TN status.
    (2) The spouse or unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status shall be required to 
present a valid, unexpired nonimmigrant TD visa unless otherwise exempt 
under Sec. 212.1 of this chapter.
    (3) The spouse and unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status shall be issued confirming 
documentation (Form I-94) bearing the legend ``multiple entry''. There 
shall be no fee required for admission of the spouse and unmarried 
minor children.
    (4) The spouse and unmarried minor children of a citizen of Canada 
or Mexico admitted in TN nonimmigrant status shall not accept 
employment in the United States unless otherwise authorized under the 
Act.

[[Page 26344]]

    (k) Effect of a strike. (1) If the Secretary of Labor certifies to 
or otherwise informs the Director of USCIS that a strike or other labor 
dispute involving a work stoppage of workers is in progress, and the 
temporary entry of a citizen of Mexico or Canada in TN nonimmigrant 
status may affect adversely the settlement of any labor dispute or the 
employment of any person who is involved in such dispute, the United 
States may refuse to issue an immigration document authorizing entry or 
employment to such alien.
    (2) If the alien has already commenced employment in the United 
States and is participating in a strike or other labor dispute 
involving a work stoppage of workers, whether or not such strike or 
other labor dispute has been certified by the Department of Labor, or 
whether USCIS has been otherwise informed that such a strike or labor 
dispute is in progress, the alien shall not be deemed to be failing to 
maintain his or her status solely on account of past, present, or 
future participation in a strike or other labor dispute involving a 
work stoppage of workers, but is subject to the following terms and 
conditions:
    (i) The alien shall remain subject to all applicable provisions of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act and regulations promulgated in the 
same manner as all other TN nonimmigrants;
    (ii) The status and authorized period of stay of such an alien is 
not modified or extended in any way by virtue of his or her 
participation in a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers; and
    (iii) Although participation by a TN nonimmigrant alien in a strike 
or other labor dispute involving a work stoppage of workers will not 
constitute a ground for removal, any alien who violates his or her 
status or who remains in the United States after his or her authorized 
period of stay has expired will be subject to removal.
    (3) If there is a strike or other labor dispute involving a work 
stoppage of workers in progress, but such strike or other labor dispute 
is not certified under paragraph (k)(1) of this section, or USCIS has 
not otherwise been informed by the Secretary that such a strike or 
labor dispute is in progress, the Director, USCIS, shall not deny a 
petition or deny entry to an applicant for TN status based upon such 
strike or other labor dispute.

PART 248--CHANGE OF NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION

    4. The authority citation for part 248 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1101, 1103, 1184, 1258; 8 CFR part 2.


Sec.  248.3  [Amended]

    5. Section 248.3 is amended by removing the term ``TC'' and adding 
``TN'' in its place in the first sentence of paragraph (a)(1).

    Dated: May 2, 2008.
Michael Chertoff,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-10343 Filed 5-8-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-97-P