[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 11, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14222-14223]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-04977]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket No. USCIS-2019-0019]


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of 
Homeland Security.

ACTION: Rescindment of a System of Records notice.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) is giving notice that it is rescinding the 
following Privacy Act system of records notices, ``Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS)/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services 
(USCIS)-002 Background Check Service System of Records'' and ``DHS/
USCIS-003 Biometric Storage System'' and has consolidated both system 
of record notices into ``DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration Biometric and 
Background Check Records System of Records,'' (July 31, 2018, 83 FR 
36950).

DATES: These changes will take effect upon publication.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number USCIS-
2019-0019 by one of the following methods:
     Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-343-4010.
     Mail: Jonathan R. Cantor, Acting Chief Privacy Officer, 
Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528-
0655.
    Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name 
and docket number USCIS-2019-2019. 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions, please contact: 
Donald K. Hawkins, [email protected], (202) 272-
8030, Privacy Officer, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 
Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20529. For privacy questions, 
please contact: Jonathan R. Cantor, [email protected], (202) 343-1717, 
Acting Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy Office, Department of Homeland 
Security, Washington, DC 20528-0655.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Pursuant to the provisions of the Privacy 
Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, and as part of its ongoing integration and 
management efforts, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is 
rescinding the system of records notices, ``DHS/U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS)-002 Background Check Service System of 
Records,'' (June 5, 2007, 72 FR 31082) and ``DHS/USCIS-003 Biometric 
Storage System,'' (April 6, 2007, 72 FR 17172), and has consolidated 
both system of records notices into ``DHS/USCIS-018 Immigration 
Biometric and Background Check Records System of Records,'' (July 31, 
2018, 83 FR 36950).
    USCIS will continue to collect and maintain biometric and 
associated biographic information to assist USCIS with determining an 
individual's eligibility for an immigration request. USCIS captures 
biographic and biometric data from applicants, petitioners, sponsors, 
beneficiaries, or other individuals making immigration requests, to 
facilitate three key operational functions: (1) Enroll, verify, and 
manage an individual's identity; (2) conduct criminal and national 
security background checks; and (3) produce benefit cards/documents as 
a proof of benefit. USCIS also uses the information to support data 
sharing initiatives between DHS components, other U.S. Government 
agencies and foreign partners in order to prevent terrorism, including 
terrorist travel; prevent serious crime and other threats to national 
security and public safety; and assist in the administration and 
enforcement of immigration laws.
    DHS/USCIS-002 covered the collection, use, maintenance, and 
dissemination of information derived from background check requests and 
results of individuals seeking USCIS benefits, including individuals 
over the age of 18 residing in a prospective adoptive parent's 
household. DHS/USCIS-003 covered the collection, use, maintenance, and 
dissemination of all biometric and associated biographic data used by 
USCIS to conduct background checks, facilitate card production, and 
accurately identify individuals who submit an immigration request. 
USCIS uses these records to assist it with making eligibility 
determinations, which will result in the approval or denial of an 
immigration request.
    As such, DHS will continue to collect and maintain biometric and 
associated biographic information to assist USCIS with determining an 
individual's eligibility for an immigration request, and will rely upon 
DHS/USCIS-018.
    Rescinding DHS/USCIS-002 and DHS/USCIS-003 and consolidating into 
the new system of records notice will have no adverse impacts on 
individuals, but will provide transparency and promote the overall 
streamlining and management of DHS Privacy Act record systems.

SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER:
    Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services-002 Background Check Service System of Records and Department 
of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services-003 
Biometric Storage System.

HISTORY:
    Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services-002 Background Check Service System of Records, (June 5, 2007, 
72 FR 31082), and Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services-003 Biometric

[[Page 14223]]

Storage System, (April 6, 2007, 72 FR 17172).

Jonathan R. Cantor,
Acting Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2020-04977 Filed 3-10-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-17-P