[Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions] [Department of Homeland Security Semiannual Regulatory Agenda] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IX Department of Homeland Security ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 22574]]DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY (DHS) _______________________________________________________________________ DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Office of the Secretary 6 CFR Chs. I and II [DHS Docket No. OGC-RP-04-001] Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions AGENCY: Office of the Secretary, DHS. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: This regulatory agenda is a semiannual summary of all current and projected rulemakings, reviews of existing regulations, and completed actions of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and its component agencies and divisions. This agenda provides the public with information about DHS' regulatory activity. It is expected that this information will enable the public to be more aware of and effectively participate in the Department's regulatory activity. The public also is invited to submit comments on any aspect of this agenda. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: General Please direct all comments and inquiries on the agenda in general to the Regulatory and Legislative Affairs Division, Office of the General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528. Specific Please direct specific comments and inquiries on individual regulatory actions identified in this agenda to the individual listed in the summary of the regulation as the point of contact for that regulatory action. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This notice is given pursuant to the requirements of the Regulatory Flexibility Act (Pub. L. 96-354, September 19, 1980) and Executive Order (E.O.) 12866, ``Regulatory Planning and Review'' (September 30, 1993), which require the publication of a semiannual agenda of regulations by the Department. The regulatory agenda is a semiannual summary of all current and projected rulemakings, as well as actions completed since the publication of the last regulatory agenda for the Department. This is DHS' eighth semiannual regulatory agenda since the Department's inception in January 2003. DHS' last semiannual regulatory agenda was published on December 11, 2006, at 71 FR 73278. DHS currently has three directorates that are involved in Departmental rulemaking; those are the Directorate for Preparedness, Science and Technology Directorate, and the Management Directorate. Other major components at DHS Headquarters include the Office of Policy, Office of Intelligence and Alliance; the Office of Operations Coordination, and the Domestic Nuclear Detection Office. DHS also has several agencies that have active regulatory programs, including the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard), the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Many of these agencies had active regulatory agendas when they transferred to DHS in 2003. Any of those legacy regulatory actions that remain active are identified in this DHS regulatory agenda. Accordingly, some of the regulatory actions identified in this agenda may reference actions initiated by a predecessor Department or agency. In September 2005, DHS joined the Environmental Protection Agency Federal Partner online electronic Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) located at www.regulations.gov. All Coast Guard and TSA electronic dockets continue to be accessed at dms.dot.gov. Since Coast Guard and TSA were originally on the Department of Transportation's (DOT) electronic Docketing Management System, those agencies will remain on that system until DHS fully migrates to FDMS. The semiannual agenda of the Department conforms to the Unified Agenda format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center. Dated: March 7, 2007. Mary Kate Whalen, Deputy Associate General Counsel for Regulatory Affairs. Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1019 Supplemental Standards of Conduct for Employees of the Department of Homeland Security 1601-AA17 1020 Sharing Sensitive Homeland Security Information....................................... 1601-AA25 1021 Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR): Conformance to the Federal 1601-AA28 Acquisition Circulars (FACs).......................................................... 1022 Public Transportation Security Grants................................................. 1601-AA31 1023 Minimum Standards for Driver's Licenses and Identification Cards Acceptable to Federal 1601-AA37 Agencies for Official Purposes........................................................ 1024 Homeland Security Acquisition Regulations (HSAR); Patents, Data, and Copyrights....... 1601-AA38 1025 Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR); SAFETY Act Implementation............ 1601-AA39 1026 Nondiscrimination in Matters Pertaining to Faith-Based and Community Organizations.... 1601-AA40 1027 Revision of Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR); One-Step 1601-AA44 Turnkey Design-Build Contracts for USCG, HSAR Case 2007-001........................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22575]] Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1028 United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT), 1601-AA35 Enrollment of Additional Aliens in US-VISIT........................................... 1029 Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards............................................ 1601-AA41 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1030 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Procedures................................. 1601-AA00 1031 Production or Disclosure of Official Information in Connection With Legal Proceedings. 1601-AA01 1032 Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Department of Homeland 1601-AA03 Security Programs or Activities....................................................... 1033 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving 1601-AA04 Federal Financial Assistance.......................................................... 1034 Regulations Regarding Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National 1601-AA05 Origin in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance............... 1035 Authority of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Delegations of 1601-AA06 Authority; Immigration Laws........................................................... 1036 Regulations Imposing Restrictions Upon Lobbying....................................... 1601-AA12 1037 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements; 1601-AA18 Administration of Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Organizations.......................................... 1038 Collection of Nontax Debts Owed to the Department of Homeland Security................ 1601-AA23 1039 Implementation of the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology 1601-AA34 Program (US-VISIT); Biometric Requirements for Exit at Air and Sea Ports.............. 1040 Revision of Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR); Civilian 1601-AA42 Board of Contract Appeals............................................................. 1041 Revision of Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR); 1601-AA43 Notification on Limitation in Subcontracting; HSAR Case 2007-003...................... 1042 Revision of Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR); Limitation 1601-AA45 on Certain Noncompetitive Contracts; HSAR Case 2007-002............................... 1043 Implementation of OMB Guidance on Nonprocurement Debarment and Suspension............. 1601-AA46 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Office of the Secretary--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1044 Program Fraud Civil Remedies.......................................................... 1601-AA11 1045 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.............................................. 1601-AA30 1046 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program............... 1601-AA32 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1047 Special Immigrant and Nonimmigrant Religious Workers.................................. 1615-AA16 1048 Implementation of the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998 1615-AA55 (ACWIA), the American Competitiveness in the Twenty-First Century Act of 2000 (AC21), and Other Related Bills............................................................... 1049 Consent To Reapply for Admission After Removal........................................ 1615-AA61 1050 Implementation of Amendments Affecting Petitions for Employment Creation Aliens....... 1615-AA90 1051 Implementation of the Age Out Protections Afforded Under the Child Status Protection 1615-AA95 Act................................................................................... 1052 Requiring Completion of Security Checks Before Issuance of Evidence of Alien 1615-AB12 Registration.......................................................................... 1053 Adding a Filing Fee for Re-Registration and Extension of Temporary Protected Status... 1615-AB31 1054 Employment Based Immigrants--Elimination of Beneficiary Substitution on Approved Labor 1615-AB34 Certifications and Validity Period of Approved Labor Certifications................... 1055 Application Process for Replacing Forms I-551 Without an Expiration Date.............. 1615-AB36 [[Page 22576]] 1056 Foreign Residence Requirement Imposed on Certain Participants in the Irish Peace 1615-AB43 Process Cultural and Training Program................................................. 1057 Halting Concurrent Filing of Form I-140 Immigrant Petition With a Form I-485 1615-AB51 Application........................................................................... 1058 Adjustment of the Immigration Benefit Application/Petition and Biometric Fee Schedule. 1615-AB53 1059 Classification of Adopted Aliens as Children of United States Citizens Based on 1615-AB57 Adoptions That Are Not Governed by the Hague Convention............................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1060 Petition To Classify Alien as Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen or as a Preference 1615-AA03 Immigrant; Self-Petitioning for Certain Battered or Abused Alien Spouses and Children. 1061 Battered and Abused Conditional Residents; Termination of Marriage by Conditional 1615-AA29 Residents............................................................................. 1062 Revoking Grants of Naturalization..................................................... 1615-AA30 1063 Classification of Aliens as Children of United States Citizens Based on Intercountry 1615-AA43 Adoptions Under the Hague Convention.................................................. 1064 Establishing Premium Processing Service for Employment-Based Petitions and 1615-AA49 Applications.......................................................................... 1065 Nonimmigrant Classes; Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents; V 1615-AA53 Classification........................................................................ 1066 Adjustment of Status to Lawful Permanent Resident for Aliens in T and U Nonimmigrant 1615-AA60 Status................................................................................ 1067 New Classification for Victims of Certain Criminal Activity; Eligibility for the U 1615-AA67 Nonimmigrant Status................................................................... 1068 Withholding of Adjudication........................................................... 1615-AA86 1069 Removal of Standardized Request for Evidence Processing Timeframe..................... 1615-AB13 1070 Classification of Certain Scientists of the Commonwealth of Independent States of the 1615-AB14 Former Soviet Union and the Baltic States as Employment-Based Immigrants.............. 1071 Establishment of Fee for Processing Genealogical Research Requests.................... 1615-AB19 1072 Administrative Appeals Office: Procedural Reforms To Improve Efficiency............... 1615-AB29 1073 Interpretation at Asylum Interviews................................................... 1615-AB35 1074 Removal of Obsolete Service Regulations Concerning the Disclosure of Records and 1615-AB38 Information Pursuant to the Freedom of Information Act and the Privacy Act............ 1075 Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program..................................... 1615-AB42 1076 Changing the Period of Time From 30 to 45 Days That a Student With an F-1 Visa May Be 1615-AB55 Admitted Before Academic Program Start Date........................................... 1077 Removing References To Filing Locations and Obsolete References to Legacy Immigration 1615-AB56 and Naturalization Service............................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1078 Reduction of the Number of Acceptable Documents and Other Changes to Employment 1615-AA01 Verification Requirements............................................................. 1079 Definition of the Term ``Lawfully Present'' for Purposes of Eligibility for Public 1615-AA05 Benefits.............................................................................. 1080 Adjustment of Status, Continued Validity of Nonimmigrant Status, and Unexpired 1615-AA12 Employment Authorization for Applicants Maintaining Nonimmigrant H or L Status........ 1081 Fingerprinting Applicants and Petitioners for Immigration Benefits; Establishing a Fee 1615-AA14 for Fingerprinting by the Department of Homeland Security............................. 1082 Suspension of Deportation and Special Rule Cancellation of Removal for Certain 1615-AA17 Nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Former Soviet Bloc Countries................. 1083 Regulations Concerning the Convention Against Torture................................. 1615-AA19 1084 Inadmissibility and Deportability on Public Charge Grounds............................ 1615-AA22 1085 Application for Refugee Status; Acceptable Sponsorship Agreement Guaranty of 1615-AA24 Transportation........................................................................ 1086 National Interest Waivers for Second Preference Employment-Based Immigrant Physicians 1615-AA34 Serving in Medically Underserved Areas or at Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities 1087 Petitioning Requirements for the H-1C Nonimmigrant Classification Under Public Law 106- 1615-AA35 95.................................................................................... [[Page 22577]] 1088 Adjustment of Status to That of Person Admitted for Permanent Residence; Temporary 1615-AA40 Removal of Certain Restrictions of Eligibility........................................ 1089 Asylum and Withholding Definitions.................................................... 1615-AA41 1090 Petition To Classify Alien as Immediate Relative of a U.S. Citizen or Preference 1615-AA42 Immigrant; Adjustment of Status to That of a Person Admitted for Permanent Residence.. 1091 Academic Honorarium for B Nonimmigrant Aliens......................................... 1615-AA44 1092 Children Born Outside the United States; Applications for Certificate of Citizenship.. 1615-AA45 1093 Allowing for the Filing of Form I-140 Visa Petition Concurrently With a Form I-485 1615-AA46 Application in Certain Circumstances.................................................. 1094 Adjustment of Status for Certain Nationals of Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti.............. 1615-AA51 1095 Adjustment to Lawful Resident Status of Certain Class Action Participants Who Entered 1615-AA52 Before January 1, 1982, Under the Legal Immigration and Family Equity Act (LIFE Act).. 1096 K Nonimmigrant Classification; Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE)............. 1615-AA56 1097 Adjustment of Status for Certain Syrian Nationals Granted Asylum in the United States. 1615-AA57 1098 New Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons Eligible for 1615-AA59 the T Nonimmigrant Status............................................................. 1099 Removal of Limitations on the Validity Period for Employment Authorization Documents.. 1615-AA63 1100 Requiring Change of Status From B to F-1 or M-1 Nonimmigrant Prior To Pursuing a 1615-AA73 Course of Study....................................................................... 1101 Petitions for Aliens To Perform Temporary Nonagricultural Services or Labor (H-2B).... 1615-AA82 1102 Electronic Signature on Applications and Petitions for Immigration and Naturalization 1615-AA83 Benefits.............................................................................. 1103 Eliminating the Numerical Cap on Mexican TN Nonimmigrants............................. 1615-AA96 1104 Extension of the Deadline for Certain Health Care Workers Required To Obtain 1615-AB28 Certificates.......................................................................... 1105 Allocation of H-1B Visas Created by the H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004.................. 1615-AB32 1106 Authorizing Suspension of Employment Authorization Requirements on the Basis of Severe 1615-AB44 Economic Hardship for F-1 Students and Emergent Circumstances......................... 1107 Eligibility of Arriving Aliens in Removal Proceedings To Apply for Adjustment of 1615-AB50 Status and Jurisdiction To Adjudicate Applications for Adjustment of Status........... 1108 Amendments to Regulatory Provisions Regarding Refugee and Asylee Relative Petitions... 1615-AB54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1109 Adjustment of Status to That of Person Admitted for Permanent Residence: Conditional 1615-AA02 Residents and Fiance(e)s.............................................................. 1110 Registration and Fingerprinting of Aliens in the United States: Control of Employment 1615-AA33 of Aliens............................................................................. 1111 Special Immigrant Visa for Fourth Preference Employment-Based Broadcasters............ 1615-AA47 1112 Waiver of Fees........................................................................ 1615-AA48 1113 Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility and Waivers........................................ 1615-AA66 1114 Procedures for Conducting Examinations and Waiving the Oath of Allegiance for 1615-AA81 Naturalization Applicants With Disabilities........................................... 1115 Filing of Proposals for Designation as a Regional Center Approved To Participate in 1615-AB00 the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.................................................. 1116 Petitioning Requirements for the O and P Nonimmigrant Classifications................. 1615-AB17 1117 Revision of Procedures for Premium Processing Service for Employment-Based Petitions 1615-AB40 and Applications...................................................................... 1118 New Electronic Account, Adjudication, and Reporting System; New Procedures for Filing 1615-AB46 and Processing of Petitions and Applications.......................................... 1119 Receipt of Classified Derogatory Information Before Oath to Naturalization Applicant.. 1615-AB48 1120 Immigrant Visa Service Fee............................................................ 1615-AB49 1121 Adjustment of the Premium Processing Fee for Inflation................................ 1615-AB52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1122 Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of 1625-AA16 Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978 (USCG-2004-17914) [[Page 22578]] 1123 Federal Requirements for Propeller Injury Avoidance Measures (USCG 2001-10163)........ 1625-AA31 1124 Rules of Practice, Procedure, and Evidence for Administrative Proceedings of the Coast 1625-AA59 Guard (USCG 1998-3472)................................................................ 1125 Administrative Changes to Numbering of Vessels and Reporting of Casualties (USCG-2003- 1625-AA70 14963)................................................................................ 1126 Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels (USCG-2003-16158)................................. 1625-AA77 1127 Navigation Equipment; SOLAS Chapter V Amendments and Electronic Chart System (USCG- 1625-AA91 2004-19588)........................................................................... 1128 Alternate Compliance Program: Vessel Inspection Alternatives.......................... 1625-AA92 1129 Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes; Electronic 1625-AA93 Submission (USCG-2004-19963).......................................................... 1130 Financial Responsibility for Water Pollution (Vessels) and Limits of Liability........ 1625-AA98 1131 Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and Departure, and Automatic Identification 1625-AA99 System (USCG-2005-21869).............................................................. 1132 Long Range Identification and Tracking of Ships....................................... 1625-AB00 1133 Vapor Control Systems................................................................. 1625-AB01 1134 Carbon Dioxide Fire Suppression Systems on Commercial Vessels......................... 1625-AB04 1135 Landowner Defenses to Liability Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990: Standards and 1625-AB09 Practices for Conducting All Appropriate Inquiries.................................... 1136 Training and Service Requirements for Merchant Marine Officers........................ 1625-AB10 1137 Tank Level or Pressure Monitoring Devices: Removal of Regulations..................... 1625-AB12 1138 Revision of LNG Facility Application Requirements..................................... 1625-AB13 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1139 Limited Service Domestic Voyage Load Lines for River Barges on Lake Michigan (USCG- 1625-AA17 1998-4623)............................................................................ 1140 Outer Continental Shelf Activities (USCG-1998-3868)................................... 1625-AA18 1141 Vessel and Facility Response Plans for Oil: 2003 Removal Equipment Requirements and 1625-AA26 Alternative Technology Revisions (USCG-2001-8661)..................................... 1142 Traffic Separation Schemes: In the Strait of Juan De Fuca and Its Approaches; In Puget 1625-AA48 Sound and Its Approaches; In Haro Strait, Boundary Pass, and in the Strait of Georgia (USCG-2002-12702)..................................................................... 1143 Protection for Whistle Blowers in the Coast Guard (USCG-2002-13016)................... 1625-AA50 1144 Review and Update of Standards for Marine Equipment (USCG-2003-16630)................. 1625-AA83 1145 Pollution Prevention Equipment (USCG-2004-18939)...................................... 1625-AA90 1146 2006 Rates for Pilotage on the Great Lakes............................................ 1625-AB05 1147 Coast Guard Sector, Marine Inspection Zone, and Captain of the Port Structure; 1625-AB07 Technical Amendment................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1148 Safety Zone Regulations............................................................... 1625-AA00 1149 Special Anchorage Areas/Anchorage Grounds Regulations................................. 1625-AA01 1150 Discharge-Removal Equipment for Vessels Carrying Oil (CGD 90-068)..................... 1625-AA02 1151 Claims Procedures Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (USCG-2004-17697)............... 1625-AA03 1152 State Access to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (USCG-2004-19123).................. 1625-AA06 1153 Regatta and Marine Parade Regulations................................................. 1625-AA08 1154 Drawbridge Regulations................................................................ 1625-AA09 1155 Escort Vessels in Certain U.S. Waters (CGD 91-202a)................................... 1625-AA10 1156 Regulated Navigation Areas............................................................ 1625-AA11 1157 Marine Transportation-Related Facility Response Plans for Hazardous Substances (USCG- 1625-AA12 1999-5705)............................................................................ 1158 Tank Vessel Response Plans for Hazardous Substances (USCG-1998-4354).................. 1625-AA13 1159 Numbering of Undocumented Barges (USCG-1998-3798)..................................... 1625-AA14 1160 Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements; Vessel Response Plans for Oil (USCG-1998- 1625-AA19 3417)................................................................................. 1161 Commercial Diving Operations (USCG-1998-3786)......................................... 1625-AA21 1162 Improvements to Maritime Safety in Puget Sound-Area Waters (USCG-1998-4501)........... 1625-AA22 [[Page 22579]] 1163 Cargo Securing on Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters (USCG-2000-7080)................... 1625-AA25 1164 Standards for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters (USCG- 1625-AA32 2001-10486)........................................................................... 1165 Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices by Persons Operating or Riding on Personal 1625-AA40 Watercraft, Water Skiing, or Engaging in Other Forms of Towing Persons Behind Recreational Vessels (USCG-2002-11421)................................................ 1166 Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (USCG-1998-4399)....................... 1625-AA58 1167 Validation of Merchant Mariners' Vital Information and Issuance of Coast Guard 1625-AA81 Merchant Mariner's Documents (MMDs) (USCG-2003-14500)................................. 1168 Validation of Merchant Mariners' Vital Information and Issuance of Coast Guard 1625-AA85 Merchant Mariner's Licenses and Certificates of Registry (USCG-2004-17455)............ 1169 Security Zone Regulations............................................................. 1625-AA87 1170 Dry Cargo Residue Discharges in the Great Lakes (USCG-2004-19621)..................... 1625-AA89 1171 Waiver for Marking Sunken Vessels With Light at Night (USCG-2005-20488)............... 1625-AA97 1172 Consolidation of Merchant Mariner Qualification Credentials (USCG-2006-24371)......... 1625-AB02 1173 Inspection of Towing Vessels (USCG-2006-24412)........................................ 1625-AB06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1174 Drawbridge Operations Regulations; Revisions (USCG-2001-10881)........................ 1625-AA36 1175 Consolidation of Cruise Ship Regulations.............................................. 1625-AB08 1176 Safety Zones; U.S. Coast Guard Water Training Areas, Great Lakes...................... 1625-AB11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1177 Advance Notice Requirements for Aircraft Landings and Arrivals; Revisions to the 1651-AA41 Private Aircraft Overflight Program................................................... 1178 Prior Disclosure and Lost Duty or Revenue Demands When Penalty Claim Not Issued....... 1651-AA42 1179 Cargo Information (Manifest) Discrepancy Reporting Requirements and Penalty Guidelines 1651-AA45 1180 Changes to the Administrative Process for Petitions for Relief Regarding Seizures and 1651-AA58 Forfeitures Resulting From Violations of Immigration and Naturalization Laws.......... 1181 Use of Sampling Methods in CBP Audits and Offsetting of Overpayments and Over- 1651-AA64 Declarations in 19 U.S.C. 1592 Penalty Cases.......................................... 1182 Consolidation of Collections for Reimbursable Services................................ 1651-AA65 1183 Land Border Carrier Initiative Program................................................ 1651-AA68 1184 Documents Required for Travelers Entering the United States at Sea and Land Ports-of- 1651-AA69 Entry From Within the Western Hemisphere.............................................. 1185 Advance Trade Data Elements........................................................... 1651-AA70 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1186 Elimination of Immigration and Naturalization Service-Issued Mexican and Canadian 1651-AA08 Border Crossing Cards................................................................. 1187 Extension of 25-Mile Limit at Select Arizona Ports-of-Entry........................... 1651-AA11 1188 Access to Customs Security Areas at Airports.......................................... 1651-AA38 1189 Passenger Name Record Information Required for Passengers on Flights in Foreign Air 1651-AA40 Transportation To or From the United States........................................... 1190 Letters and Documents; Advanced Electronic Presentation of Cargo Data................. 1651-AA55 1191 Remittance of Immigration User Fee.................................................... 1651-AA57 [[Page 22580]] 1192 Passenger Manifest for Commercial Aircraft Arriving In and Departing From the United 1651-AA62 States; Passengers and Crew Manifests for Commercial Vessels Departing From the United States................................................................................ 1193 Abbreviation or Waiver of Training for State or Local Law Enforcement Officers 1651-AA67 Authorized To Enforce Immigration Law During a Mass Influx of Aliens.................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1194 Visa Waiver Program................................................................... 1651-AA00 1195 Inspection and Expedited Removal of Aliens; Detention and Removal of Aliens; Conduct 1651-AA04 of Removal Proceedings................................................................ 1196 Establishment of Preinspected Automated Lane (PAL) Program............................ 1651-AA06 1197 Amendment of the Regulatory Definition of Arriving Alien.............................. 1651-AA07 1198 Removal of Visa and Passport Waiver for Certain Permanent Residents of Canada and 1651-AA23 Bermuda............................................................................... 1199 Nonimmigrant Visa Exemption for Nationals of the British Virgin Islands Entering the 1651-AA29 United States Through St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands................................. 1200 Procedures Governing the Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) 1651-AA35 Program............................................................................... 1201 Air Transit Program................................................................... 1651-AA50 1202 Extension of Time Limit on Admission of Certain Mexican Nationals..................... 1651-AA60 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Customs and Border Protection--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1203 Container Seals....................................................................... 1651-AA61 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1204 Secure Flight Program................................................................. 1652-AA45 1205 Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records: Implementation of Exemptions; Secure Flight 1652-AA48 Records............................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1206 Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Implementation in the Maritime 1652-AA41 Sector; Hazardous Materials Endorsement for a Commercial Driver's License............. 1207 Rail Transportation Security.......................................................... 1652-AA51 1208 Air Cargo Security Requirements; Compliance Dates; Amendment.......................... 1652-AA52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1209 Imposition and Collection of Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fees........... 1652-AA00 1210 Aviation Security Infrastructure Fees (ASIF).......................................... 1652-AA01 1211 Civil Aviation Security Rules......................................................... 1652-AA02 [[Page 22581]] 1212 Security Programs for Aircraft Weighing 12,500 Pounds or More......................... 1652-AA03 1213 Private Charter Security Rules........................................................ 1652-AA04 1214 Protection of Sensitive Security Information (SSI).................................... 1652-AA08 1215 Criminal History Records Checks (CHRC)................................................ 1652-AA11 1216 Transportation of Explosives From Canada to the United States Via Commercial Motor 1652-AA16 Vehicle and Railroad Carrier.......................................................... 1217 Security Threat Assessment for Individuals Applying for a Hazardous Materials 1652-AA17 Endorsement for a Commercial Driver's License......................................... 1218 Flight Training for Aliens and Other Designated Individuals; Security Awareness 1652-AA35 Training for Flight School Employees.................................................. 1219 Aircraft Repair Station Security...................................................... 1652-AA38 1220 Maryland Three Airports: Enhanced Security Procedures for Operations at Certain 1652-AA39 Airports in the Washington, DC, Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone.............. 1221 Modification of the Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee (ASIF) (Market Share)........ 1652-AA43 1222 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Enhanced Security Procedures for Certain 1652-AA49 Operations............................................................................ 1223 Drivers Licensed in Canada or Mexico Transporting Hazardous Materials Within the 1652-AA50 United States......................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1224 Background Checks for Airport Workers................................................. 1652-AA06 1225 Foreign Air Carriers.................................................................. 1652-AA40 1226 Due Process for FAA Certificate Holders and for Other Threat Assessments.............. 1652-AA44 1227 Registered Traveler (RT).............................................................. 1652-AA47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1228 Interest Payments on Cancelled Cash Bonds............................................. 1653-AA20 1229 Establishing Procedures for Recertification of Schools Approved by the Student and 1653-AA42 Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) To Enroll F or M Nonimmigrant Students................ 1230 Strengthening Control Over Immigration Surety Bonds................................... 1653-AA45 1231 Removal of Obsolete Procedures and Requirements for F and M Nonimmigrant Students for 1653-AA51 Schools Authorized To Enroll F and M Nonimmigrant Students............................ 1232 Collection of Fees Levied on F, M, and J Nonimmigrants and Schools Approved by DHS To 1653-AA54 Enroll F and M Nonimmigrants To Defray the Costs of the Student and Exchange Visitor Program............................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1233 Requiring Aliens Ordered Removed From the United States To Surrender to the Department 1653-AA05 of Homeland Security for Removal...................................................... 1234 Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking.................................. 1653-AA09 1235 Detention of Aliens Subject to Final Orders of Removal................................ 1653-AA13 1236 Custody Procedures.................................................................... 1653-AA14 1237 Requiring Certification of All Service-Approved Schools for Enrollment in the Student 1653-AA31 and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)....................................... 1238 Safe-Harbor Procedures for Employers Who Receive a No-Match Letter.................... 1653-AA50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 22582]] U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1239 Early Release for Removal of Criminal Aliens in State Custody for Nonviolent Offenses. 1653-AA06 1240 Power of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security To Terminate Deportation 1653-AA08 Proceedings and Initiate Removal Proceedings.......................................... 1241 Procedures for Detainee Hunger Strikes................................................ 1653-AA12 1242 Changes in Registration Policies and Monitoring of Certain Nonimmigrants.............. 1653-AA29 1243 Extending the Period of Duration of Status for Certain F and J Nonimmigrant Aliens.... 1653-AA30 1244 School Appeals Process Regarding Adjudications by the Student and Exchange Visitor 1653-AA33 Program To Deny or Withdraw Department of Homeland Security Certification............. 1245 Implementation of the Border Commuter Student Act of 2002............................. 1653-AA37 1246 Transfer of Flight Training Programs Under the Department of State Oversight to the 1653-AA43 Department of Homeland Security....................................................... 1247 Clarification of Criteria for Certification, Oversight, and Recertification of Schools 1653-AA44 by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) To Enroll F or M Nonimmigrant Students.............................................................................. 1248 Electronic Signature and Storage of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification..... 1653-AA47 1249 Custody and Bond Eligibility of Aliens Designated for Expedited Removal............... 1653-AA52 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1250 Notification for Aliens Detained Prior to a Final Order (ICE 2355-05)................. 1653-AA53 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Emergency Management Agency--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1251 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program................................................... 1660-AA00 1252 Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program........................ 1660-AA17 1253 Management Costs...................................................................... 1660-AA21 1254 Flood Mitigation Grants and Hazard Mitigation Planning................................ 1660-AA36 1255 Public Assistance Eligibility......................................................... 1660-AA45 1256 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA48 Insurers; Compensation for FIRA Implementation........................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Emergency Management Agency--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1257 Criminal and Civil Penalties Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 1660-AA01 Emergency Assistance Act.............................................................. 1258 Disaster Assistance; Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.................................. 1660-AA02 1259 National Urban Search and Rescue Response System...................................... 1660-AA07 1260 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Insurance Coverage and Rates................. 1660-AA09 1261 Disaster Assistance; Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households................. 1660-AA18 1262 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP).......... 1660-AA22 1263 Disaster Assistance; Crisis Counseling Regular Program; Amendment to Regulation....... 1660-AA23 1264 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA28 Insurers.............................................................................. 1265 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA29 Insurers; Extension of Term of Arrangement............................................ 1266 National Flood Insurance Program; Standard Flood Insurance Policy; Expansion of 1660-AA30 Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) Coverage and Prospective Payment of Flood Insurance Premiums.............................................................................. 1267 Disaster Assistance; Public Assistance Insurance Requirements......................... 1660-AA32 1268 Estimating Eligible Cost.............................................................. 1660-AA33 1269 Assistance Program Under the 9/11 Heroes Stamp Act of 2001............................ 1660-AA34 [[Page 22583]] 1270 Special Community Disaster Loans Program.............................................. 1660-AA44 1271 Disaster Assistance; Public Assistance Repetitive Damage.............................. 1660-AA47 1272 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant Program............... 1660-AA49 1273 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.............................................. 1660-AA50 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Federal Emergency Management Agency--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1274 Debt Collection....................................................................... 1660-AA05 1275 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); State Renewal of Group Flood Insurance Policy 1660-AA35 1276 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Acquisition Regulation System; Removal of 1660-AA46 Chapter 44............................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1019. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 5 CFR 2635.105 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation will tailor the Executive Branchwide Standards of Conduct for application in DHS. This regulation will replace the existing regulations of agencies that were incorporated into DHS that have continued to apply to those employees whose duties and organizational structure have remained largely unchanged after their incorporation. Two significant areas to be addressed are outside employment and participation as an officer or director of non- Governmental organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert E. Coyle, Designated Agency Ethics Official, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528-3650 Phone: 202 447-3515 Fax: 202 282-9186 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ 1020. SHARING SENSITIVE HOMELAND SECURITY INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 107-296; 116 Stat 2135; 6 USC 301 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed regulation will be consistent with the anticipated new Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) framework and establish protections for sharing Homeland Security Information among Federal agencies and appropriate State, tribal, and local governments, private sector personnel, foreign entities and first responders (hereinafter referred to as homeland security stakeholders). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Grace Mastalli, Deputy Director, ISCO, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 282-9415 Fax: 202 282-8828 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA25 _______________________________________________________________________ 1021. HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR): CONFORMANCE TO THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION CIRCULARS (FACS) Priority: Routine and Frequent Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 41 USC 418b(a) and (b) CFR Citation: 48 CFR Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security is proposing to issue changes to the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 418b. The changes will update DHS policies, procedures, and incorporate revised agency acquisition regulatory language as necessary in parts 3001 through 3052 to correspond with the current Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) as promulgated by the Federal Acquisition Circulars (FACs), and current Department of Homeland Security policies. [[Page 22584]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 Final Action 07/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kathy Strouss, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief of Procurement, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5273 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA28 _______________________________________________________________________ 1022. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SECURITY GRANTS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: sec 3820 of PL 109-59, 119, Stat 1144 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 35 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, February 2006, Legislative deadline -- 180 days after enactment (2/2006). Abstract: This proposed rule provides interested parties an opportunity to comment on the characteristics and requirements to be employed by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) when awarding public transportation security grants. The purpose of these grants is to create a sustainable effort for the protection of regional transit systems and the commuting public from terrorism, especially explosives and non-conventional threats that would cause major loss of life and severe disruption. These funds may be used for planning, organization, equipment, training, exercises, and limited management, administrative, and operational costs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Thomas Robison, Acting Director, Transportation Infrastructure Security Division, Office of Grants and Training, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, 800 K Street NW., Washington, DC 20531 Phone: 202 786-9512 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ 1023. MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR DRIVER'S LICENSES AND IDENTIFICATION CARDS ACCEPTABLE TO FEDERAL AGENCIES FOR OFFICIAL PURPOSES Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: Division B--REAL ID Act of 2005; The Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense; The Global War on Terror and Tsunami Relief, 2005; PL 109-13, 119 Stat 231, 302 (May 11, 2005) (codified at 49 USC 30301 note) CFR Citation: 6 CFR 37, et seq (New) Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 11, 2008. Abstract: This regulation is designed to implement the REAL ID Act. The Act prohibits Federal agencies from accepting a driver's license or personal identification card (license) for an ``official purpose'' unless it has been issued by a State that has certified to, and been determined by DHS to meet, the requirements of the Act. The Act sets forth minimum document requirements, minimum issuance standards, and other requirements, including: information and security features that must be incorporated into each card; the information that must be provided by an applicant to establish identity and immigration status before a card can be issued; physical security standards for locations where licenses are produced. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/09/07 72 FR 10820 NPRM Comment Period End 05/08/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Agency Contact: Darrell Williams, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-3836 RIN: 1601-AA37 _______________________________________________________________________ 1024. HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATIONS (HSAR); PATENTS, DATA, AND COPYRIGHTS Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 41 USC 418a; 35 USC 200 et seq CFR Citation: 48 CFR 30 sec 3027; 48 CFR 30 sec 3052 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: FAR part 27 implements a number of statutes and Executive orders pertaining to patents, data, and copyrights. The current HSAR for part 3027 needs to be revised to reflect the best practices of the Government with respect to the treatment of intellectual property in Government acquisitions. This effort focuses on clarifying, streamlining, and updating the current HSAR text with the ultimate goal of making the policies and procedures more flexible to permit Contracting Officers the requisite ability to negotiate contracts beneficial to DHS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Final Action 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Kathy Strouss, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief of Procurement, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5273 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA38 _______________________________________________________________________ 1025. HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR); SAFETY ACT IMPLEMENTATION Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 41 USC 418b(a); 41 USC 418b(b); 6 USC 441 to 444 [[Page 22585]] CFR Citation: 48 CFR 30, sec 3050; 48 CFR 30, sec 3052 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to issue changes to the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR) as authorized by 41 U.S.C. 418b. The changes are planned to supplement the pending FAR rule implementation on the SAFETY Act, 6 CFR part 25 for DHS acquisitions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Final Action 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Kathy Strouss, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief of Procurement, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5273 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA39 _______________________________________________________________________ 1026. NONDISCRIMINATION IN MATTERS PERTAINING TO FAITH-BASED AND COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: EO 13279; EO 13403; CFR Citation: 6 CFR 19 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would implement executive branch policy that, within the framework of constitutional church-state guidelines, faith-based organizations should be able to compete on an equal footing with other organizations for Federal funding. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Organizations Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Keith Rothfus, Director, Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, 810 7th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20531 Phone: 202 786-9540 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ 1027. [bull] REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR); ONE-STEP TURNKEY DESIGN-BUILD CONTRACTS FOR USCG, HSAR CASE 2007-001 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 109-241. sec 205; 14 USC 677 CFR Citation: 48 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to amend the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR), 48 CFR chapter 30 to provide notice to implement Public Law 109-241, title I, section 205, regarding one-step turnkey design-build contracts for the United States Coast Guard. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Kathy Strouss, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief of Procurement, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5273 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA44 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1028. UNITED STATES VISITOR AND IMMIGRANT STATUS INDICATOR TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (US-VISIT), ENROLLMENT OF ADDITIONAL ALIENS IN US-VISIT Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 106-215, sec 2(a), 114 Stat 337 (June 15, 2000); PL 106-396, sec 205, 114 Stat 1637, 1641 (October 30, 2000); PL 107-56, sec 114, 115 Stat 271, 553 (October 26, 2001); PL 107-173, sec 302, 116 Stat 543, 552 (May 14, 2002) CFR Citation: 8 CFR 215.8; 8 CFR 235.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 2003, the Department of Homeland Security established the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Technology Program (US- VISIT), whose objective is to create and maintain an integrated, automated entry-exit system that records the arrival and departure of aliens, verifies their identities, and authenticates their travel documents through comparison of biometric identifiers. The goals of the US-VISIT program are to enhance the security of United States citizens and visitors to the United States, facilitate legitimate travel and trade, ensure the integrity of the United States immigration system, and protect the privacy of visitors to the United States. In its early stages, US-VISIT applied only to nonimmigrants with visas and to those who did not require a visa as they were entering under the Visa Waiver Program. This rule would amend DHS regulations to provide that all aliens, including lawful Permanent Residents, may be enrolled into US- VISIT. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Proposed Rule 07/27/06 71 FR 42605 Comment Period End 08/28/06 Final Rule 09/00/07 [[Page 22586]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Senior Policy Advisor, US-VISIT, Department of Homeland Security, 18th Floor, 1616 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 298-5200 Fax: 202 298-5201 Email: [email protected] Related RIN: Previously reported as 1650-AA06 RIN: 1601-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 1029. CHEMICAL FACILITY ANTI-TERRORISM STANDARDS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Unfunded Mandates: This action may affect the private sector under PL 104-4. Legal Authority: Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007, PL No. 109-295, (October 4, 2006) CFR Citation: 6 CFR 27 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, April 4, 2007, Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007. Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2005 directs DHS to issue interim rules no later than 6 months after the effective date of the Act. The Act became effective on October 4, 2006, and so the statutory deadline for issuance of the interim rules under this provision is April 4, 2007. Abstract: Section 550 of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 provided the Department of Homeland Security with authority to promulgate ``interim final regulations'' for the security of certain chemical facilities in the United States. See Public Law No. 109-295, section 550 (Oct. 4, 2006). In accordance with section 550, these regulations will establish risk-based performance standards and require vulnerability assessments and the development and implementation of site security plans. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Advance Notice of Rulemaking 12/28/06 71 FR 78275 Comment Period End 02/07/07 Interim Final Rule 04/09/07 72 FR 17688 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/09/07 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/08/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Lawrence Stanton, Deputy Director, Risk Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 703 235-5772 RIN: 1601-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Long-Term Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1030. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND PRIVACY ACT PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 to 552a CFR Citation: 6 CFR 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes procedures for the Department's Office of the Secretary, necessary to implement the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552) (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) (Privacy Act). The provisions of this subpart shall apply to each component of the Department. FOIA provides for the full disclosure of agency records and information to the public unless that information is exempt under clearly delineated statutory language. The Privacy Act serves to safeguard public interest in informational privacy by delineating the duties and responsibilities of Federal agencies that collect, store, and disseminate personal information about individuals. The procedures established here assist the Department in satisfying its responsibility to the public to disclose departmental information while simultaneously safeguarding individual privacy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/27/03 68 FR 4056 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/27/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/26/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Deputy Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-3526 Fax: 202 447-3111 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1031. PRODUCTION OR DISCLOSURE OF OFFICIAL INFORMATION IN CONNECTION WITH LEGAL PROCEEDINGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 to 552(a) CFR Citation: 6 CFR 5.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes procedures governing the disclosure of information in connection with litigation and certain other types of proceedings. [[Page 22587]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/27/03 68 FR 4070 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/27/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/26/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Deputy Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-3526 Fax: 202 447-3111 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1032. ENFORCEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF DISABILITY IN DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 29 USC 794 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 15.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule establishes for the Department of Homeland Security, procedures for the enforcement of section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of handicap, as it applies to programs or activities conducted by the Department. The rule establishes standards for what constitutes discrimination on the basis of mental or physical handicap, provides a definition for individuals with handicaps and qualified individuals with handicaps, and establishes a complaint mechanism for resolving allegations of discrimination. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10886 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/07/03 Interim Final Rule Effective 04/07/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Tim Keefer, Deputy Officer and Acting Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 357-8226 Fax: 202 357-8296 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA03 _______________________________________________________________________ 1033. NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF SEX IN EDUCATION PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 20 USC 1681 to 1683; 20 USC 1685 to 1688 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 17.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes for the Department of Homeland Security procedures for effectuating title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, as amended (except sections 904 and 906 of those Amendments), which is designed to eliminate (with certain exceptions) discrimination on the basis of sex in any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance, whether or not such program or activity is offered or sponsored by an educational institution as defined in these title IX regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10892 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/06/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/07/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Tim Keefer, Deputy Officer and Acting Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 357-8226 Fax: 202 357-8296 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA04 _______________________________________________________________________ 1034. REGULATIONS REGARDING NONDISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, OR NATIONAL ORIGIN IN PROGRAMS OR ACTIVITIES RECEIVING FEDERAL FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 310; 42 USC 2000d to 2000d-7 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 21.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action effectuates the provisions of title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to the end that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10904 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/06/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/07/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Tim Keefer, Deputy Officer and Acting Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 357-8226 Fax: 202 357-8296 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 1035. AUTHORITY OF THE SECRETARY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY; DELEGATIONS OF AUTHORITY; IMMIGRATION LAWS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 1.1; 8 CFR 2.1; 8 CFR 103.1; 8 CFR 239.1 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 22588]] Abstract: This action amends certain regulations relating to the administration and enforcement of the immigration laws to reflect the authority of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to address delegation of that authority within the Department, as a result of the March 1, 2003, transfer of the Immigration and Naturalization Service of the Department of Justice to DHS. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10922 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/06/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/07/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Nader Baroukh, Associate General Counsel for Immigration, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 282-9723 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA06 _______________________________________________________________________ 1036. REGULATIONS IMPOSING RESTRICTIONS UPON LOBBYING Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 31 USC 1352, PL 101-121 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 9.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule establishes those procedures necessary to fulfill departmental obligations to impose restrictions upon lobbying. Except to the extent a Department component has adopted separate guidance under 31 U.S.C. 1352, the provisions of this subpart shall apply to each component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This regulation establishes procedures concerning general prohibitions on lobbying, and the use of certain appropriated funds, and the appropriate penalties for violations of those prohibitions. The purpose of the procedures is to ensure that neither the recipients of appropriated funds nor the employees of DHS inappropriately solicit for action by the Congress. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/06/03 68 FR 10912 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/06/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/07/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Deputy Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-3526 Fax: 202 447-3111 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1037. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS; ADMINISTRATION OF GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 31 USC 503; 31 USC 1111; 41 USC 405; Reorganization Plan No. 2 of 1970; EO 11541 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is issuing regulations that will establish uniform administrative procedures for Federal grants and cooperative agreements and subawards to State, local, and Indian tribal governments and for Federal grants and agreements with institutions of higher education, hospitals and other nonprofit organizations. DHS is also issuing regulations-setting for audit requirements of State and local governments and nonprofit organizations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: David Batcheller, Office of Grant Policy and Oversight, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5272 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1038. COLLECTION OF NONTAX DEBTS OWED TO THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 107-296; 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 5514; 26 USC 6402; 31 USC 3701; 31 USC 3711; 31 USC 3716 to 3718; 31 USC 3720A to 3720B; 31 USC 3720D; CFR Citation: 6 CFR 23.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) debt collection regulations to conform to the Debt Collection Act of 1982, Public Law 97-365, 96 Stat. 1749 (October 25, 1982), as amended by the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 (DCIA), Public Law 104-134, 110 Stat. 1321, 1358 (April 26, 1996), the Federal Claims Collection Standards, 31 CFR chapter IX (parts 900 through 904), and other laws applicable to the collection of nontax debts owed to DHS entities. DHS adopts the Governmentwide debt collection standards promulgated by the Departments of the Treasury and Justice, known as the Federal Claims Collection Standards (FCCS), as revised on November 22, 2000 (65 FR 70390), and supplements the FCCS by prescribing procedures consistent with the FCCS, as necessary and appropriate for DHS operations. DHS entities may, but are not required to, promulgate additional policies and procedures consistent with this regulation, the FCCS, and other applicable Federal laws, policies, and procedures. This regulation also provides the procedures for the collection of debts owed to other Federal agencies when a request for offset is received by DHS. This regulation does not apply to the collection of tax debts, which is governed by the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. et seq.), and regulations, policies, and procedures issued by the Internal Revenue Service [[Page 22589]] or other Federal agency collecting tax debts. Nothing in this regulation precludes the use of collection remedies not contained in this regulation. For example, DHS entities may collect unused travel advances through offset of an employee's pay under 5 U.S.C. 5705. DHS entities and other Federal agencies may simultaneously use multiple collection remedies to collect a debt, except as prohibited by law. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/30/07 72 FR 4189 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/30/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/01/07 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Deputy Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-3526 Fax: 202 447-3111 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA23 _______________________________________________________________________ 1039. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNITED STATES VISITOR AND IMMIGRANT STATUS INDICATOR TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM (US-VISIT); BIOMETRIC REQUIREMENTS FOR EXIT AT AIR AND SEA PORTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1104 ; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184 to 1185 (pursuant to EO 13323); 8 USC 1365a note; 8 USC 1379; 8 USC 1731 to 1732 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 215(a)(1) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: DHS established the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT) in accordance with a series of legislative mandates requiring that DHS create an integrated automated entry-exit system that records the arrival and departure of aliens; verifies aliens' identities, and authenticates travel documents. On January 5, 2004, DHS published an Interim Final Rule in the Federal Register at 69 FR 468 authorizing the Secretary of Homeland Security to require, in part, certain aliens to provide fingerprints, photograph[s] or other biometric identifiers, documentation of immigration status in the United States, and other such evidence as may be required to determine the alien's identity and whether he or she has properly maintained immigration status while in the United States at the time of departure from the United States. The Interim Rule authorized the establishment of pilot programs at up to fifteen air and sea ports of entry to evaluate the implementation of this departure procedure. That evaluation pilot has been completed and the procedures have been adopted. This rule removes the limit on the collection of this information from the 15 locations of the pilot programs and authorizes implementation at all air and sea ports of entry. This rule authorizes the Secretary to require those aliens required to provide biometric identifiers at entry to provide biometric identifiers upon departure at any air and sea port of entry at which facilities exist to collect such information. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Hardin, Senior Policy Advisor, US-VISIT, Department of Homeland Security, 18th Floor, 1616 North Fort Myer Drive, Arlington, VA 22209 Phone: 202 298-5200 Fax: 202 298-5201 Email: [email protected] Related RIN: Previously reported as 1650-AA04 RIN: 1601-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 1040. [bull] REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR); CIVILIAN BOARD OF CONTRACT APPEALS Priority: Routine and Frequent Legal Authority: PL 109-163 title VIII, sec 847 as implemented by 71 FR 65826 CFR Citation: 48 CFR Ch 30 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 6, 2007, Interim rule. Abstract: DHS is issuing an interim rule to the HSAR to provide notice of a jurisdictional change effective January 6, 2007 for the DHS agency Board of Contract Appeals from the Department of Transportation Board of Contract Appeals (DOTBCA) to the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals (CBCA) according to Public Law 109-163, title VIII, section 847. This rule also makes amendments to the HSAR content according to internal DHS organization changes. The organization nomenclature changes are technical amendments or corrections and make no substantive changes to the regulation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/11/07 72 FR 1296 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/11/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/12/07 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Federal URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Anne Terry, Senior Procurement Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, 245 Murray Lane, Building 410 (RDS), Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5253 Fax: 202 447-5310 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ 1041. [bull] REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR); NOTIFICATION ON LIMITATION IN SUBCONTRACTING; HSAR CASE 2007-003 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 109-295, sec 692 CFR Citation: 48 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 22590]] Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to amend the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR), 48 CFR Chapter 30 to provide notice to implement Public Law 109-295, title VI, section 692, Limitations on Tiering of Subcontractors. This limitation applies to any cost-reimbursement type contract or task or delivery order in an amount greater than the simplified acquisition threshold [as defined by section 4 of the Office of Federal Procurement Policy Act (41 U.S.C. 403)] entered into to facilitate response to or recovery from a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster. A contractor is prohibited from using subcontractors for more than 65 percent of the cost of the contract or the cost of any individual task or delivery order (not including overhead or fee), unless the contracting officer determines that the 65 percent limitation is not feasible or practicable. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Anne Terry, Senior Procurement Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, 245 Murray Lane, Building 410 (RDS), Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5253 Fax: 202 447-5310 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA43 _______________________________________________________________________ 1042. [bull] REVISION OF DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR); LIMITATION ON CERTAIN NONCOMPETITIVE CONTRACTS; HSAR CASE 2007-002 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 109-295, sec 695 CFR Citation: 48 CFR 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is proposing to amend the Department of Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR), 48 CFR Chapter 30 to provide notice to implement Public Law 109-295, title VI, section 695, Limitation on Length of Certain Noncompetitive Contracts. The limitation applies for sole source contracts using the FAR part 6, unusual and compelling urgency exception (above the SAT) for requirements associated with facilitating response and recovery from natural disasters, acts of terrorism, or other man-made disasters, the maximum period of performance is 150 days, unless exceptional circumstances apply. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Anne Terry, Senior Procurement Analyst, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary, 245 Murray Lane, Building 410 (RDS), Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5253 Fax: 202 447-5310 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA45 _______________________________________________________________________ 1043. [bull] IMPLEMENTATION OF OMB GUIDANCE ON NONPROCUREMENT DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; PL 103-355, 108 Stat 3243 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: Other, See comments below. On August 31, 2005, OMB published guidelines, which provided that ``Federal agencies must submit proposed regulations to OMB for review within nine months of the issuance of these guidelines and issue final regulations within 18 months of these guidelines.'' See 2 CFR 180.35. Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security proposes to issue a part 30xx to implement the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) guidance on nonprocurement debarment and suspension. Through this proposed action, the Department of Homeland Security is joining the existing Governmentwide nonprocurement debarment and suspension system. Prior to the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Agencies, or parts of Agencies, now located within DHS were already participating in that Governmentwide system. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Batcheller, Office of Grant Policy and Oversight, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-5272 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA46 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Completed Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1044. PROGRAM FRAUD CIVIL REMEDIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 31 USC 3801 to 3812 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 19.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act of 1986, which is codified at 31 U.S.C. 3801 to 3812. This Act imposes through administrative adjudication, civil penalties, and assessments against certain persons making false claims or statements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/12/05 70 FR 59209 [[Page 22591]] Interim Final Rule Effective 10/12/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/14/05 Final Rule 02/09/07 72 FR 6143 Final Rule Effective 03/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Deputy Associate General Counsel for General Law, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 447-3526 Fax: 202 447-3111 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1601-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1045. ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Transferred to RIN 1660-AA50 02/22/07 RIN: 1601-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 1046. STAFFING FOR ADEQUATE FIRE AND EMERGENCY RESPONSE (SAFER) GRANT PROGRAM Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Transferred to RIN 1660-AA49 02/22/07 RIN: 1601-AA32 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1047. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT AND NONIMMIGRANT RELIGIOUS WORKERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) regulations regarding the special immigrant and nonimmigrant religious worker visa classifications. This rule addresses concerns about the integrity of the religious worker program by proposing a petition requirement for religious organizations seeking to classify an alien as an immigrant or nonimmigrant religious worker. This rule also proposes including an on-site inspection for religious organizations to ensure the legitimacy of petitioner organizations and employment offers made by such organizations. This rule would also clarify several substantive and procedural issues that have arisen since the religious worker category was created. This rule proposes new definitions that describe more clearly the regulatory requirements, as well as add specific evidentiary requirements for petitioning employers and prospective religious workers. Finally, this rule also proposes to amend how USCIS regulations reference the sunset date, the statutory deadline by which special immigrant religious workers, other than ministers, must immigrate or adjust status to permanent residence, so that regular updates to the regulations are not required each time Congress extends the sunset date. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1436-94) 04/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1436-94 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF12 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ 1048. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS AND WORKFORCE IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1998 (ACWIA), THE AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY ACT OF 2000 (AC21), AND OTHER RELATED BILLS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a to 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1255; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 202; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245; Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The American Competitiveness in the 21st Century Act, Public Law 106-313, was enacted on October 17, 2000, along with two bills, the Visa Waiver Permanent Program Act, Public Law 106-311, and a bill to increase the fee for certain H-1B petitions. An earlier piece of legislation, the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA), Public Law 105-277, was enacted to place certain conditions on the employment of H-1B workers. Together, these bills make significant changes to the H-1B classification. Public Law 106-313 increased the numerical H-1B cap to 195,000 for fiscal year 2000-2002 and the percentage of the fees that DHS receives to 4 percent. It exempts certain aliens from the numerical cap, provides for the ``portability'' of employment authorization, and in certain circumstances extensions of stay for certain aliens who have permanent [[Page 22592]] residence applications pending. Public Law 105-277 imposes penalties for employers violating certain representations and prohibits retaliation against H-1B workers who disclose these violations. Finally, on November 2, 2002, the President approved enactment of Public Law 107-273, The Twenty First Century Department of Justice Appropriations Act (21st Century DOJ Appropriations Act), which codified a provision that amends section 106(a) of AC21. This regulation clarifies several interpretive questions raised by the bills and ensures that the Department practice is consistent with these laws. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: DHS rule 1615-AG11 implemented the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act (ACWIA); it was the result of a prior rule that was overtaken by new legislation relating to H-1B classification. ACWIA increased the numerical cap on H-1B nonimmigrant aliens; required certain dependent employers to make additional attestations to the Department of Labor (DOL); increased the penalties for employers who have been found to be in violation of DOL's rules; and created a ``whistleblower'' clause to protect H-1B workers who filed complaints against their employer. In 1190-AA48, the Civil Rights Division, in cooperation with DOL, will implement in the Justice Department's regulations the ACWIA ``failure to select'' protections--codified in the Immigration and Nationality Act at section 212(n)(5)--by establishing a process under which U.S. workers may file complaints against employers for denying them employment opportunities by improperly hiring temporary foreign professionals on H-1B visas. Under that process, the Secretary is to receive and review these complaints and then--where there is reasonable cause to believe a complainant's allegations--initiate binding arbitration proceedings through the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG11 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA55 _______________________________________________________________________ 1049. CONSENT TO REAPPLY FOR ADMISSION AFTER REMOVAL Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1225 to 1228; 8 USC 1252 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the provisions regarding consent to reapply after removal to conform with the requirements of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA). This rulemaking intends to remove the provisions contained in 8 CFR 212.2(i) relating to a request for consent to reapply in conjunction with an application for admission at a port-of-entry or with an application for adjustment of status. The proposed removal of section 212.2(i) reflects the overall scope of the changes made by IIRIRA and congressional intent to impose severe penalties on aliens who enter illegally or otherwise violate the U.S. immigration laws, by restricting the relief available to them in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2147-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG28 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA61 _______________________________________________________________________ 1050. IMPLEMENTATION OF AMENDMENTS AFFECTING PETITIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT CREATION ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 216; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, March 2, 2003. Abstract: This rule proposes amendments to the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security to implement changes made by the 21st Century Department of Justice Appropriations Authorization of 2001. This legislation made various changes to the EB-5 Alien immigrant classification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2253-03; Regulatory actions announced in 1115-AF27 are merged with this rulemaking. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG93 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA90 [[Page 22593]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1051. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE AGE OUT PROTECTIONS AFFORDED UNDER THE CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On August 6, 2002, President Bush signed into law the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), Public Law 107-208, 116 Stat. 927. The CSPA amends the Immigration and Nationality Act (the Act) by permitting an applicant for certain benefits to retain classification as a ``child'' under the Act, even if he or she has reached the age of 21 years. The CSPA also addresses automatic conversions for certain aliens classified as unmarried sons or daughters of lawful permanent residents (LPRs). This proposed rule codifies the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS') application of the provisions of the CSPA by amending the relevant DHS regulations. The CSPA has generated litigation and much confusion among the public. While USCIS has worked tirelessly to communicate a coherent CSPA policy by way of guidance to the field, courts have consistently noted the absence of regulations addressing the issues raised by CSPA. If USCIS is to enjoy deference by the courts it must publish regulations codifying its interpretation of the CSPA before the issues are decided in binding court decisions. Moreover, USCIS receives numerous comments and questions from the public regarding the CSPA, which the publication of a proposed rule will bring to bear on the actual rulemaking process. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AH01 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA95 _______________________________________________________________________ 1052. REQUIRING COMPLETION OF SECURITY CHECKS BEFORE ISSUANCE OF EVIDENCE OF ALIEN REGISTRATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1303 to 1305 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 264 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule amends Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations governing registration of aliens under sections 262 and 264 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act). The rule, which codifies existing DHS practices, provides that DHS will issue alien registration documents only once all appropriate background and security checks have been completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary). This interim rule establishes time frames, under certain circumstances, for the issuance of such registration documentation and procedures for delaying the issuance of such documentation when DHS determines that the alien may pose a risk to national security or public safety. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/08 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2291-03 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1053. ADDING A FILING FEE FOR RE-REGISTRATION AND EXTENSION OF TEMPORARY PROTECTED STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1254 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 244 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule would amend and clarify Department of Homeland Security regulations to require each Temporary Protected Status (TPS) initial registrant and re-registrant to submit to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS): 1) Her/his biometrics at an Application Support Center (ASC); 2) a $180 filing fee or fee waiver request with Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization, when requesting an Employment Authorization Document (EAD); and 3) a $70 biometric services fee. For TPS registrants and re-registrants who are under 14 years of age, this rule only imposes these requirements where an EAD is requested. This proposed rule would also clarify current regulations governing registration and imposes a new requirement that each TPS re-registrant submit a filing fee or a fee waiver request with Form I-821, Application for Temporary Protected Status. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS 2334-04 Agency Contact: Sophia Cox, Chief, Service Center Operations, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., 2nd Floor, Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1509 RIN: 1615-AB31 [[Page 22594]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1054. EMPLOYMENT BASED IMMIGRANTS--ELIMINATION OF BENEFICIARY SUBSTITUTION ON APPROVED LABOR CERTIFICATIONS AND VALIDITY PERIOD OF APPROVED LABOR CERTIFICATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: DHS and the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (DOL) are proposing changes to reduce the incentives and opportunities for fraud and abuse related to the permanent employment of aliens in the United States. DHS is considering the elimination of the current practice of allowing the substitution of alien beneficiaries on permanent labor certifications, among other options. In addition, DHS is proposing to reduce further the likelihood of the submission of malafide Form I-140, Immigration Petition for Alien Worker, which are employment-based petitions that are supported by fraudulent or stale labor certification applications for the permanent employment of aliens in the United States by proposing a 45-day period for employers to file approved permanent labor certifications in support of Form I-140 petitions with DHS after the issuance of an approved labor certification by DOL. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2347-05 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB34 _______________________________________________________________________ 1055. APPLICATION PROCESS FOR REPLACING FORMS I-551 WITHOUT AN EXPIRATION DATE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 211; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 246; 8 CFR 264; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issues Alien Registration Receipt Cards (I-551) to lawful permanent residents to serve as evidence of immigration status, registration, identity and employment authorization, and as an entry document upon return from a trip outside the United States. Currently there is a population of lawful permanent residents who possess cards that do not have expiration dates. USCIS will be terminating the validity of Forms I-551 that do not have expiration dates. This rule establishes a 120-day period for aliens with Forms I-551 that do not bear expiration dates to apply for replacement cards. This rule also amends the regulations to remove references to outdated application procedures for the I-551. The application process required by this rule will enable USCIS to issue more secure Forms I-551 to affected aliens, update cardholder information, conduct background checks, and electronically store applicants' biometric information that can be used for biometric comparison and authentication purposes consistent with the goals of the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002. In addition, this rule establishes the mechanism by which USCIS will notify the public of the termination date for forms I-551 that do not have expiration dates. This rule also amends the regulations to add two documents to the list of forms that constitute evidence of registration: Receipt for the Form I-90, Application to Replace Permanent Resident Card, and Receipt for pending Form N-400, Application for Naturalization. Finally, this rule amends the regulations to correct the title and edition date of form I-551 and Form I-90. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB36 _______________________________________________________________________ 1056. FOREIGN RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT IMPOSED ON CERTAIN PARTICIPANTS IN THE IRISH PEACE PROCESS CULTURAL AND TRAINING PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 108-449 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 ; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 248; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: A foreign residence requirement is a period of time that certain nonimmigrants are required to remain outside the United States in their home country or place of last habitual residence for a definite period of time until they are allowed to reenter the United States or apply for other U.S. immigration benefits. This proposed rule would amend the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations to impose a foreign residence requirement on certain participants of the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program (IPPCTP). This requirement is necessary to ensure that participants return home to apply the skills they received by participating in the IPPCTP toward the economic regeneration of their region. This rule would also implement the use of the Form I-928 to adjudicate requests from the affected participants to waive the foreign residence requirement on certain grounds. [[Page 22595]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB43 _______________________________________________________________________ 1057. HALTING CONCURRENT FILING OF FORM I-140 IMMIGRANT PETITION WITH A FORM I-485 APPLICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182 to 1182a; PL 105-277; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 205 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, is proposing to amend its regulations concerning employment-based immigrant status. Under the current regulations, published at 67 FR 49561, employers may file a Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status (I-485) concurrently with Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker (immigrant petition), while the immigrant petition is pending; or after the immigrant petition has been approved, as long as a visa number is immediately available to the alien. The Department is considering modifying the current system to disallow concurrent I-140 and I-485 filings and instead mandate that an alien worker applying for adjustment of status and be the beneficiary of an approved immigrant petition prior to filing the adjustment application. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2380-06 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB51 _______________________________________________________________________ 1058. ADJUSTMENT OF THE IMMIGRATION BENEFIT APPLICATION/PETITION AND BIOMETRIC FEE SCHEDULE Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1356(m) and (n); 31 USC 901 to 903; 31 USC 902 (a)(8) CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to adjust the immigration benefit application and petition fees of the Immigration Examinations Fee Account (IEFA), and the biometric fee for applicants/petitioners who apply for certain immigration benefits for fiscal years (FY) 2008 and FY 2009 biennial period. Fees collected from persons filing these benefits are deposited into the IEFA and used to fund the full cost of processing immigration benefit applications/petitions, biometric services, associated support services, and the cost of providing similar services to asylum and refugee applicants and other immigrants, at no charge. The fees that fund the IEFA were last updated on October 26, 2005, solely to reflect an increase in costs due to inflation. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) conducted a comprehensive review of the resources and activities funded by the IEFA and have determined that the current fees do not reflect current processes and do not recover the full costs of services. This rule proposes to adjust the immigration benefit application and petition fee schedule and increases the biometric fee in order to ensure sufficient funding to process incoming applications/petitions and biometric services while ensuring national security, enhancing customer service, and maintaining standard processing time goals in fiscal years 2008 and 2009. Without the additional fee revenues, USCIS would be forced to enact significant spending reductions resulting in a reversal of the considerable progress it has made over last several years to reduce the backlog of immigration benefit applications and petitions. If such reductions are necessary, USCIS will not curb any security-related activities in an effort to remain solvent. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/01/07 72 FR 4888 NPRM Comment Period End 04/02/07 Final Action 04/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2393-06 URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Paul Schlesinger, Office of Budget, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1930 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB53 _______________________________________________________________________ 1059. [bull] CLASSIFICATION OF ADOPTED ALIENS AS CHILDREN OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS BASED ON ADOPTIONS THAT ARE NOT GOVERNED BY THE HAGUE CONVENTION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department of Homeland Security [[Page 22596]] (DHS) regulations relating to intercountry adoptions in cases that are not governed by the Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption, signed at The Hague on May 29, 1993 (``Convention''). First, the rule proposes amendments to the rules governing adoption cases under section 101(b)(1)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (``the Act''). Second, it also proposes amendments to the rules governing the immigration of alien orphans under section 101(b)(1)(F) of the Act. These amendments are needed to clarify the rules for both case types, and to incorporate into the regulations recent statutory amendments. For the orphan cases, these amendments will also improve the ability to assure the protection of the best interests of alien orphans whose adoption is sought by U.S. citizens. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2406-07 Agency Contact: Lori Scialabba, Associate Chief, Refugee, Asylum International Operations Directorate, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1663 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB57 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule Stage U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1060. PETITION TO CLASSIFY ALIEN AS IMMEDIATE RELATIVE OF A U.S. CITIZEN OR AS A PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT; SELF-PETITIONING FOR CERTAIN BATTERED OR ABUSED ALIEN SPOUSES AND CHILDREN Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; PL 103-322; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1996, the Immigration and Naturalization Service published an interim rule on this subject at 61 FR 13061. The USCIS, formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service, received a number of comments in response to that rulemaking. Most of those comments have since been overcome by events, namely new legislation. In October 2000, the President signed the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, Public Law 106-386, which contained numerous amendments to the battered spouse provisions contained in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). More recently, the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005, Public Law 109-162 (January 5, 2006), made further amendments to the battered spouse provisions of the INA. The Department will now issue another interim final rule to make the changes required by the recent legislation and to provide an opportunity for notice and comment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/26/96 61 FR 13061 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/26/96 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/28/96 Interim Final Rule 11/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1705-95 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE04 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA03 _______________________________________________________________________ 1061. BATTERED AND ABUSED CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS; TERMINATION OF MARRIAGE BY CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 216; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Enacted on November 10, 1986, the Immigration Marriage Fraud Amendments of 1986, (IMFA) made a number of changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) to deter aliens from marrying solely to obtain immigration benefits. IMFA established a conditional resident status for aliens who obtained lawful permanent resident status based upon a marriage of less than 2 years duration. The interim rule published on May 16, 1991, established procedures to allow a conditional resident who married in good faith but whose marriage was terminated by the United States citizen or lawful permanent resident spouse to seek a waiver of the joint filing requirement. The interim rule published on May 16, 1991, also was necessary to provide a method by which a battered conditional resident, or a conditional resident parent of an abused conditional resident child, may apply for removal of the conditional basis of resident status without filing a joint petition. This final rule implements certain technical changes made by the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, and addresses comments received in response to the interim rule published on May 16, 1991. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/16/91 56 FR 22635 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 22597]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Interim Rule for CIS No. 1423-91 published on May 16, 1991. Transferred from RIN 1115-AF59 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ 1062. REVOKING GRANTS OF NATURALIZATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1443 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 340 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations by rescinding the regulations relating to administrative revocation of naturalization. This change is necessary since the previous regulations at 8 CFR 340.1 were invalidated on July 20, 2000, by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the class action lawsuit Gorbach v. Reno, 219 F.3d 1087 (9th Cir. 2000), and final injunction prohibiting the use of these regulations on February 14, 2001. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/31/00 65 FR 17127 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/30/00 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No.1858-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF63 Agency Contact: David Lester, Chief, Field Liaison Branch, Field Operations, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1849 RIN: 1615-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ 1063. CLASSIFICATION OF ALIENS AS CHILDREN OF UNITED STATES CITIZENS BASED ON INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS UNDER THE HAGUE CONVENTION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department proposes to amend its regulations regarding the immigration of children of foreign states adopted by United States citizens. The proposed rule would establish a new definition of child to include children adopted from countries that have implemented the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Cooperation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption. The proposed rule would also change evidentiary requirements for the immigration of adopted children to state that a certificate of adoption or custody issued by the Secretary of State of the United States is conclusive evidence of the relationship between an adoptive parent and the adoptive child. These changes are necessary to conform the regulations to the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA) (Pub. L. 106-279). The proposed rule would also make other technical changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2098-07. Transferred from RIN 1115-AF96 Agency Contact: Lori Scialabba, Associate Chief, Refugee, Asylum International Operations Directorate, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1663 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA43 _______________________________________________________________________ 1064. ESTABLISHING PREMIUM PROCESSING SERVICE FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PETITIONS AND APPLICATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule changes the premium processing time from 15 calendar days to 15 business days and adds additional circumstances that will stop the premium processing clock. This rule also clarifies that for e-filed petitions and applications, the 15 business day processing period begins when U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services receives the initial required supporting documentation to adjudicate the case at the Service Center with jurisdiction over that case. This interim rule also addresses public comments received in connection with the first interim rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/01/01 66 FR 29682 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/01/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/31/01 Interim Final Rule 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2108-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG03 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA49 [[Page 22598]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1065. NONIMMIGRANT CLASSES; SPOUSES AND CHILDREN OF LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENTS; V CLASSIFICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1102; PL 106-553 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204 -205; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 248; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 1102 of the LIFE Act of 2000 amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to create a new nonimmigrant classification V for the spouses and children of lawful permanent residents awaiting the availability of an immigrant visa number in the appropriate preference category in accordance with the State Department's monthly Visa Bulletin. Eligible spouses and children of lawful permanent residents residing abroad that obtain the V nonimmigrant visa from the Department of State may work and reside in the United States on the basis of the V classification until they can apply for adjustment of status to that of lawful permanent resident. Certain eligible spouses and children of lawful permanent residents already present in the United States may be granted V classification until they can apply to adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident. This rule sets forth eligibility criteria and procedures for obtaining the V visa classification and related employment authorization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/07/01 66 FR 46697 Interim Final Rule Effective 09/07/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/06/01 Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2117-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG08 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA53 _______________________________________________________________________ 1066. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO LAWFUL PERMANENT RESIDENT FOR ALIENS IN T AND U NONIMMIGRANT STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 to 1104; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1224; 8 USC 1225; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1227; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252a; 8 USC 1255; 22 USC 7101; 22 USC 7105; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2006, Regulations need to be promulgated by July 5, 2006. Abstract: This rule sets forth measures by which certain victims of severe forms of trafficking who have been granted T nonimmigrant status and victims of certain criminal activity who have been granted U nonimmigrant status may apply for adjustment to permanent resident status in accordance with Public Law 106-386, Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, and Public Law 109-162, Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2134-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG21 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA60 _______________________________________________________________________ 1067. NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR VICTIMS OF CERTAIN CRIMINAL ACTIVITY; ELIGIBILITY FOR THE U NONIMMIGRANT STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1101 note; 8 USC 1102; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, January 5, 2006, Regulations need to be promulgated by July 5, 2006. Public Law 109-162, Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005. Abstract: This rule sets forth application requirements for a new nonimmigrant status. The U classification is for non-U.S. Citizen/ Lawful Permanent Resident victims of certain crimes who cooperate with an investigation or prosecution of those crimes. There is a limit of 10,000 principals per year. This rule establishes the procedures to be followed in order to petition for the U nonimmigrant classifications. Specifically, the rule addresses: The essential elements that must be demonstrated to receive the nonimmigrant classification; procedures that must be followed to make an application; and evidentiary guidance to assist in the petitioning process. Eligible victims will be allowed to remain in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AG39 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 [[Page 22599]] Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA67 _______________________________________________________________________ 1068. WITHHOLDING OF ADJUDICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 552; 8 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356; 8 USC 1421; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1447; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 310; 8 CFR 335; 8 CFR 336 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule codifies the Secretary of Homeland Security's current discretionary authority, as delegated to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) directors, to manage the caseload of pending requests for immigration benefits in districts or regions over which the directors have jurisdiction. A component of this case management authority is the ability to withhold adjudication of any pending application or petition, particularly when an investigation is ongoing and background and security checks are still pending completion. This interim rule expands the circumstances under which DHS may withhold adjudication or toll any applicable regulatory deadline for completion of adjudication of an application or petition. This interim rule also modifies the regulations governing processing of naturalization applications to define when a naturalization examination will be deemed ``conducted'' for purposes of seeking administrative or judicial review under section 336 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act). The interim rule also requires that background and security checks be completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary before an alien may be found to have ``good moral character'' for naturalization and before the alien may be naturalized in accordance with title III of the Act. These changes will aid DHS in its efforts to improve case adjudication overall while simultaneously ensuring that no immigration or naturalization benefit is granted until any pending investigation or required background and security check is completed to the satisfaction of the Secretary. These changes also will ensure that no immigration benefit is provided to an ineligible individual or person who may pose a threat to public safety or national security. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2234-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG86 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA86 _______________________________________________________________________ 1069. REMOVAL OF STANDARDIZED REQUEST FOR EVIDENCE PROCESSING TIMEFRAME Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, September 1, 2003, NPRM Comment Period Ends January 31, 2005. Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department of Homeland Security regulations by removing the absolute requirement for, and the fixed regulatory time limitations on responses to a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services issued Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID). These changes will enable USCIS to set an appropriate deadline for responding to an RFE or NOID, specific to the type of case, benefit category, or classification, and thus improve the process of adjudication of applications and petitions by reducing the time a case is held awaiting evidence, and by reducing average case processing time. This rule will result in improved efficiency in the USCIS adjudication process. In addition, this rule includes certain organizational changes necessitated by the implementation of the Homeland Security Act of 2002, Public Law 107-296. This rule also removes obsolete regulatory language related to the Replenishment Agricultural Worker (RAW) program under section 210A of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act), which was repealed by section 219(ee)(1) of the Immigration and Technical Corrections Act of 1994, Public Law 103-416. The rule further removes references to the use of qualified designated entities for filing of applications for adjustment of status in the Seasonal Agricultural Workers (SAW) and legalization programs under section 210 and 245A of the Act. By including the organizational changes, the rule will also assist the public in understanding the delegation of authority for adjudicating cases. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/30/04 69 FR 69549 NPRM Comment Period End 01/31/05 Final Action 04/00/07 Final Action Effective 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2287-03 URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB13 [[Page 22600]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1070. CLASSIFICATION OF CERTAIN SCIENTISTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATES OF THE FORMER SOVIET UNION AND THE BALTIC STATES AS EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Soviet Scientists Immigration Act of 1992 (SSIA) provided for 750 visas to be provided to eligible scientists and engineers from the former Soviet Union. This Program expired on October 24, 1996. Recent legislation extended the eligibility deadline for filing under the SSIA to September 30, 2006, and raised the numerical limit on these visas from 750 to 950. It also required DHS to consult with the Department of State and other agencies regarding previous experiences with the program and their recommendations for making the program more effective. This rule improves administration of the program by requiring each applicant to submit a statement signed by the State Department's Bureau of Nonproliferation (Bureau) regarding his or her qualifications. Because the Bureau has been in close contact with this group of scientists and with the organizations that have employed them for a number of years, the Bureau is in a better position than DHS to assess the individual applicant's qualifications. Accordingly, this signed statement will be submitted for the evidence of qualifications previously required under the program. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/25/05 70 FR 21129 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/25/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/24/05 Final Action 02/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2277-03 URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1071. ESTABLISHMENT OF FEE FOR PROCESSING GENEALOGICAL RESEARCH REQUESTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252b CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Under the Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act, the Department of Homeland Security processes all requests for its records including historical and genealogical records. This rule proposes to amend the Department's regulations by establishing the Genealogy Program to process requests for historical records. The Department's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency will charge a fee to recover the cost of searching, locating, retrieving, copying, reviewing, and mailing these records to the requester. The Genealogy Program is necessary to provide a more timely response to requests for genealogical and historical records. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/20/06 71 FR 20357 NPRM Comment Period End 06/19/06 Final Action 07/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2074-00 Transferred from RIN 1680-AA01 URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Dominick Gentile, Chief, Records Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Records Management, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8686 RIN: 1615-AB19 _______________________________________________________________________ 1072. ADMINISTRATIVE APPEALS OFFICE: PROCEDURAL REFORMS TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1304; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 205; 8 CFR 210; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245a; 8 CFR 320; Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule revises the requirements and procedures for the filing of motions and appeals before the Department's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency and the Administrative Appeals Office. The proposed changes are intended to streamline the existing processes for filing motions and appeals and will reduce delays in the review and appellate process. This rule also makes additional changes necessitated by the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security and its resulting Agencies. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS 2311-04 Agency Contact: Robert Wiemann, Chief, Administrative Appeals Office, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 272-1212 Fax: 202 272-1262 RIN: 1615-AB29 [[Page 22601]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1073. INTERPRETATION AT ASYLUM INTERVIEWS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 208(d)(5)(B), Authority to Apply for Asylum, under the Immigration and Nationality Act, gives the Secretary the authority to provide by regulation any conditions in consideration of an asylum application. Current regulations require the asylum applicant to bring their interpreter to the asylum interview if the applicant is unable to speak English. This proposed rule would change that condition by requiring USCIS to provide interpreter services for applicants unable to speak English. This rule is necessary to help prevent misunderstanding of genuine asylum seekers' claims due to poor translation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/00/08 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ted Kim, Chief of Operations, Asylum Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Refugee, Asylum, and International Operations, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20259 Phone: 202 272-1615 RIN: 1615-AB35 _______________________________________________________________________ 1074. REMOVAL OF OBSOLETE SERVICE REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT AND THE PRIVACY ACT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 552; 8 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule is necessary to remove the Immigration and Naturalization Services (Service) regulations that were established while the Agency was under the Department of Justice. These regulations are obsolete with the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. Currently, USCIS is following the regulations set forth in 6 CFR part 5. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Final Action 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2386-06 Agency Contact: Tracy Bellisime, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, National Records Center USCIS FOIA Policy and Training Office, 150 Space Center Loop, Lee's Summit, MO 64064 Phone: 816 350-5524 RIN: 1615-AB38 _______________________________________________________________________ 1075. IRISH PEACE PROCESS CULTURAL AND TRAINING PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: PL 108-449; PL 107-234; PL 105-319 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 248; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program (IPPCTP) allows young people from Northern Ireland and certain designated counties in the Republic of Ireland to come to the United States temporarily for training, for employment, and to experience coexistence and conflict resolution in a diverse society. On December 10, 2004, legislation, amending and extending the Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program Act of 1998, was signed into law. This rule implements certain changes made by this legislation. Other technical and administrative changes have been made to correct or clarify certain sections that were in the initial interim rule published in the Federal Register on March 17, 2000, at 65 FR 14774 that implemented this program. This rule also addresses public comments received following the publication of the initial interim rule. Finally, some elements in the initial interim rule that were specifically related to program requirements, such as eligibility criteria for participation, have been removed and are in a separate Department of State (DOS) program rule (see DOS program rule published elsewhere in this issue of the Federal Register). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB42 _______________________________________________________________________ 1076. [bull] CHANGING THE PERIOD OF TIME FROM 30 TO 45 DAYS THAT A STUDENT WITH AN F-1 VISA MAY BE ADMITTED BEFORE ACADEMIC PROGRAM START DATE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101(a)(15)(F)(i). CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 214.2(f)(5)(i) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is amending its regulations to extend the amount of time a student with an F-1 visa may be admitted to the United States before beginning an academic program. Currently, F-1 visa holders may be admitted for a period up to 30 days before the report date or program start date. This rule will change the period of time F-1 visa holders may be admitted to 45 days before the report date or program start date. This change will allow earlier admission of students, which will provide students additional time to better prepare for the academic year. [[Page 22602]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Direct Final Rule 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2401-06 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB55 _______________________________________________________________________ 1077. [bull] REMOVING REFERENCES TO FILING LOCATIONS AND OBSOLETE REFERENCES TO LEGACY IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION SERVICE Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 8 CFR 2.1 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 100; 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 207 to 208; 8 CFR 211 to 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 216; 8 CFR 236; 8 CFR 244 to 245; 8 CFR 248; 8 CFR 264; 8 CFR 274a; 8 CFR 301; 8 CFR 316; 8 CFR 320; 8 CFR 322; 8 CFR 324; 8 CFR 327 to 329; 8 CFR 330; 8 CFR 334; 8 CFR 392 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule will amend the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigrations Services' (USCIS) regulations to: (1) Remove the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) organizational structure from regulations since INS no longer exists; and (2) Eliminate from USCIS regulations all references to filing locations so that USCIS may provide such information on petition and applications forms and through any other means. This rule will eliminate confusion and obsolete references from USCIS regulations and help the public determine where to file forms with USCIS. It will also result in a more efficient and streamlined process for USCIS to make future changes to filing instructions, allowing the agency to better manage its workload. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/00/07 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2405-07 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB56 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Long-Term Actions U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1078. REDUCTION OF THE NUMBER OF ACCEPTABLE DOCUMENTS AND OTHER CHANGES TO EMPLOYMENT VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1324a; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, March 31, 1998, An interim rule, published September 30, 1997, makes the minimal changes required by statute. The provisions will remain in effect until completion of this rulemaking. Abstract: On September 30, 1996, the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA) was enacted. Section 412(a) of IIRIRA requires a reduction in the number of documents that may be accepted in the employment verification process. Section 412(d) clarifies the applicability of section 274A to the Federal Government. Section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act requires Agencies to review rules that have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities every 10 years. The Department is conducting this review in conjunction with IIRIRA implementation. The Department of Justice published a proposed rulemaking on February 12, 1998, to implement sections 212(a) and (d) of IIRIRA and propose other changes to the employment verification process identified through that review. A revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, was included with the proposed rulemaking. The comment period closed on April 3, 1998. The Department of Homeland Security intends to publish a final rule this year. It should be noted that this action supersedes the previously published regulatory action titled ``Reduction in the Number of Documents Accepted for Employment Verification.'' In order to avoid confusion, this regulatory action is being referenced under the current RIN, which captures all prior actions related to employment verification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (No. 1399 Comment Period End 12/23/93) 11/23/93 58 FR 61846 NPRM (No. 1339S Comment Period End 07/24/95) 06/22/95 60 FR 32472 Notice (No. 1713 Applications Due 01/29/96) 11/30/95 60 FR 61630 Appl. Extension Through 3/8/96; Notice Pilot Demonstration Program (No. 1713) 02/06/96 61 FR 4378 Final Rule (No. 1399E) 09/04/96 61 FR 46534 Interim Final Rule (No. 1818) 09/30/97 62 FR 51001 NPRM (No. 1890-97 Comment Period End 04/03/98) 02/02/98 63 FR 5287 Final Action To Be Determined [[Page 22603]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal Additional Information: The deadline for implementing section 412(a) of IIRIRA was extended to March 31, 1998, by Public Law 105-54. This rulemaking has been delayed by the need to coordinate implementation with other provisions of IIRIRA, by several complex policy and regulatory issues that have taken time to resolve, and by the review required by section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act, and by the need to coordinate policy issues with the Border Security Act of 2002 and, more generally, the post-September 11th environment in which document security is of a paramount concern. Docket No. 1890-97; Public Law 104-208, title 4. Nos. 1399 and 1399S-94, Control of Employment of Aliens, Supplemental Rule; Action for Nos. 1399 and 1399S is canceled as a result of IIRIRA requirements. Docket No. 1399E is an extracted portion of No. 1399, published separately to allow for the production of a new, more secure Employment Authorization Document. Docket No. 1713-95, Demonstration Project for Electronic I-9. Interim Rule No. 1818 was published on September 30, 1997, at 62 FR 51001 to maintain the status quo as much as possible until the Agency completes the more comprehensive document reduction initiative designated by No. 1890-97. Transferred from RIN 1115-AB73 Agency Contact: Gerri Ratliff, Chief, Verification Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1714 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1079. DEFINITION OF THE TERM ``LAWFULLY PRESENT'' FOR PURPOSES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 31 USC 9701; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1252B; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 401(a) of the Personal Responsibility and Work Reconciliation Act of 1996 (PRWORA) provides that, with limited exceptions, only qualified aliens, as defined under section 431, may receive certain Federal public benefits. Section 401(b)(2) provides an exception that allows aliens who are ``lawfully present in the United States'' to receive Social Security benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. PRWORA, and other laws, use the term ``lawfully present'' in other benefit-related contexts as well. The Department of Justice published an interim final rule on September 6, 1996, which amended then-INS regulations to define the term ``an alien who is lawfully present in the United States'' so that the Social Security Administration may determine which aliens are eligible for benefits under title II of the Social Security Act. DHS now plans to issue a final rule to complete the rulemaking action. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/06/96 61 FR 47039 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/05/96 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: CIS No. 1792-96 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE51 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 1080. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS, CONTINUED VALIDITY OF NONIMMIGRANT STATUS, AND UNEXPIRED EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION FOR APPLICANTS MAINTAINING NONIMMIGRANT H OR L STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1282; 8 CFR 2; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1281 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department has issued numerous policy statements regarding its position on employment authorization, advance parole, and extension of nonimmigrant status for certain skilled nonimmigrant workers who have filed for adjustment to permanent resident status. This interim final rule codifies existing DHS policy statements by incorporating them into the Department's regulations; and eliminates the requirement for permission for overseas travel for adjustment applicants who are maintaining H-1 or L nonimmigrant status. The Department is publishing a final rule in response to public comments. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/01/99 64 FR 29208 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/02/99 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1881-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE96 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 [[Page 22604]] Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1081. FINGERPRINTING APPLICANTS AND PETITIONERS FOR IMMIGRATION BENEFITS; ESTABLISHING A FEE FOR FINGERPRINTING BY THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1252b; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299; 8 CFR 316; 8 CFR 335 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations relating to fingerprinting applicants and petitioners for benefits under the Immigration and Nationality Act by: 1) Canceling the Designated Fingerprinting Service program; 2) requiring applicants and petitioners for benefits to be fingerprinted at either a DHS Office, a State or local law enforcement agency, or at a United States consular or military office; 3) establishing a fee for fingerprinting by the Department; and 4) requiring confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that a full criminal background check has been completed before adjudication of a naturalization application is completed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/17/98 63 FR 12979 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/29/98 Interim Final Rule Correction 04/09/98 63 FR 17489 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/18/98 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Additional Information: CIS No. 1891-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF03 Agency Contact: Dan Neufel, Chief, Field Operations, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1017 RIN: 1615-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1082. SUSPENSION OF DEPORTATION AND SPECIAL RULE CANCELLATION OF REMOVAL FOR CERTAIN NATIONALS OF GUATEMALA, EL SALVADOR, AND FORMER SOVIET BLOC COUNTRIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1224; 8 USC 1225 to 1227; 8 USC 1251; 8 USC 1252 note; 8 USC 1252a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 240; 8 CFR 246; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule implements section 203 of the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), enacted as title II of Public Law No. 105-100, 111 Stat. 2160, 2193 (1997) (as amended by Technical Corrections to the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), Public Law 105-139, Stat. 2644 (1997)). Section 203 of NACARA provides that certain Guatemalans, Salvadorans, and nationals of former Soviet Bloc countries are eligible to apply for cancellation of removal under the standards for suspension of deportation similar to those that existed prior to enactment of Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act (IIRIRA). The rule establishes the authority of DHS asylum officers to adjudicate certain applications under section 203 of NACARA, provides application and adjudication procedures, identifies factors and standards relevant to eligibility, and establishes a rebuttable presumption of extreme hardship for certain NACARA beneficiaries. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1915-98) 11/24/98 63 FR 64895 NPRM Comment Period End (CIS No. 1915-98) 01/25/99 Interim Rule (CIS No. 1915-98) 05/21/99 64 FR 27856 Interim Rule Comment Period End 07/20/99 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1915-98 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF14 Agency Contact: Joanna Ruppel, Deputy Chief, Asylum Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1625 Fax: 202 272-1687 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ 1083. REGULATIONS CONCERNING THE CONVENTION AGAINST TORTURE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 3; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 235; 8 CFR 238; 8 CFR 240 to 8 CFR 241 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, February 18, 1999, Requirements promulgated under the Immigration and Nationality Act. Abstract: This rule implements Article 3 of the United Nations Convention Against Torture or Other Forms of Cruel, Inhuman, or Degrading Treatment or Punishment for persons who may be subject to removal from the United States under the provisions of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 02/19/99 64 FR 8478 Interim Final Rule Corrections 03/22/99 64 FR 13881 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/22/99 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/20/99 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 22605]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1976-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF39 Agency Contact: Ronald W. Whitney, Associate Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Chief Counsel, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1400 RIN: 1615-AA19 _______________________________________________________________________ 1084. INADMISSIBILITY AND DEPORTABILITY ON PUBLIC CHARGE GROUNDS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182 to 1183; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 237 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations to establish clear standards governing a determination that an alien is admissible or ineligible to adjust status, or has become deportable, on public charge grounds. This rule is necessary to alleviate growing public confusion over the meaning of the currently undefined term public charge in immigration law and its relationship to the receipt of Federal, State, or local public benefits. By defining public charge, DHS seeks to reduce the existing confusion and to provide aliens with better guidance as to the types of public benefits that will and will not be considered in public charge determinations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/26/99 64 FR 28676 NPRM Comment Period End 07/26/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1989-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF45 Agency Contact: Alice Smith, Office of the Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1400 Fax: 202 272-1405 RIN: 1615-AA22 _______________________________________________________________________ 1085. APPLICATION FOR REFUGEE STATUS; ACCEPTABLE SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT GUARANTY OF TRANSPORTATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1157 to 1158; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 207 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act authorizes the Attorney General to admit refugees to the United States under certain conditions, including those provided for by regulation. That authority was delegated to the Secretary of Homeland Security under the Homeland Security Act. DHS regulations require that sponsorship agreements be secured before an applicant is granted admission as a refugee at a U.S. port-of-entry. The determination of whether or not someone is classified as a refugee is described in the Act as a separate decision from whether a refugee may be admitted to the United States in refugee status. This rule amends DHS regulations by removing language that erroneously implies that DHS requires a sponsorship agreement and guaranty of transportation prior to determining whether an applicant is a refugee. This rule is necessary to clarify issues in the existing regulation, and provides more advantageous treatment for the limited number of applicants for refugee status who have their DHS interviews before sponsorship agreements have been secured. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/21/99 64 FR 27660 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/99 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1999-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF49 Agency Contact: Barbara Strack, Chief, Refugee Affairs Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1664 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 1086. NATIONAL INTEREST WAIVERS FOR SECOND PREFERENCE EMPLOYMENT-BASED IMMIGRANT PHYSICIANS SERVING IN MEDICALLY UNDERSERVED AREAS OR AT DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS FACILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-113; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On November 29, 1999, Public Law 106-113 was enacted. Section 117 amended the Immigration and Nationality Act at section 203 to provide national interest waivers to alien physicians agreeing to practice five years in designated medically underserved areas or at Veterans Affairs facilities. The Department of Justice issued two interim rules to amend 8 CFR parts 204 and 245 to implement the new statutory provisions and to allow applicants to begin to take advantage of the new provisions. The Department of Homeland Security now seeks to finalize the process by issuing a final rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 09/06/00 65 FR 53889 Correction to Interim Final Rule09/27/00 65 FR 57943 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/06/00 Correction to Interim Final Rule10/20/00 65 FR 63118 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/06/00 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 22606]] Additional Information: CIS No. 2048-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF75 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA34 _______________________________________________________________________ 1087. PETITIONING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE H-1C NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION UNDER PUBLIC LAW 106-95 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214.2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On November 12, 1999, the Nursing Relief for Disadvantaged Areas Act (NRDAA) was enacted creating a new H-1C nonimmigrant nurse category. This rule amends the Department's regulations in order to implement the NRDAA as it relates to the adjudication petitions for H- 1C classification. This rule will facilitate the hiring of alien registered nurses to reduce the shortage of nurses in certain areas of the United States while protecting the rights of U.S. nurses. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/11/01 66 FR 31107 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/10/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2050-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF76 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA35 _______________________________________________________________________ 1088. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE; TEMPORARY REMOVAL OF CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS OF ELIGIBILITY Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252b; 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 205; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department is amending its regulations governing eligibility for adjustment of status under section 245(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to conform the regulations to existing policy and procedures and to remove language that has been superseded by subsequent legislation. Specifically, this rule conforms the regulations to include the changes made by Public Law 105-119 and Public Law 106-544. It also provides for the changes contained in the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act of 2000 (LIFE Act). As required by the LIFE Act, this rule changes the sunset date of section 245(i) of the Immigration and Naturalization Act to the new date of April 30, 2001, for filing of qualifying petitions or applications that enable the applicant to apply to adjust status using section 245(i) and clarifies the effect of the new sunset date on eligibility. This means that in order to preserve the ability to apply for adjustment of status under section 245(i), an alien must be the beneficiary of a visa petition for classification under section 204 of the Act or application for labor certification properly filed on or before April 30, 2001, and determined to have approval when filed. This rule also provides guidance on the standard for review of filing for immigrant visa petitions and applications for labor certification on or before April 30, 2001. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/26/01 66 FR 16383 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/26/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/25/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2078-00; This rulemaking supersedes RIN 1615-AA85 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF91 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA40 _______________________________________________________________________ 1089. ASYLUM AND WITHHOLDING DEFINITIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1158; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1282; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 208 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department of Homeland Security regulations that govern asylum eligibility by providing guidance on certain issues that have arisen in the context of asylum adjudications. The amendments focus on portions of the regulations that deal with the definitions of membership in a particular social group, the requirements for failure of State protection, and determinations about whether persecution is inflicted on account of a protected ground. This rule codifies long-standing concepts of the definitions. It clarifies that gender can be a basis for membership in a particular social group. It also clarifies that a person who has suffered or fears domestic violence may under certain circumstances be eligible for asylum on that basis. The Department of Justice believed that this issue required further examination after the Board of Immigration Appeals decision, Matter of R-A-, Interim Decision 3403 (BIA 1999) and published a proposed rule. [[Page 22607]] Additionally, the rule clarifies the factors considered in cases in the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit regarding membership in a particular social group are not determinative. Hence, DHS, USCIS will publish a final rule which incorporates provisions contained in both an interim rule amending Department of Justice regulations to implement the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act, (62 FR 10312-1997), and the proposed past persecution rule, Executive Office for Immigration Review; New Rules Regarding Procedures for Asylum and Withholding of Removal (63 FR 31945-1998). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/07/00 65 FR 76588 NPRM Comment Period End 01/22/01 Final Action 04/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2092-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF92 Agency Contact: Barbara Strack, Chief, Refugee Affairs Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1664 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA41 _______________________________________________________________________ 1090. PETITION TO CLASSIFY ALIEN AS IMMEDIATE RELATIVE OF A U.S. CITIZEN OR PREFERENCE IMMIGRANT; ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF A PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends regulations of the Department of Homeland Security to provide an exception from the general prohibition against approval of immigration benefits based upon a marriage entered into during removal proceedings. The rule creates a good faith exception to the prohibition. This final rule completes the regulatory implementation of the Immigration Act of 1990. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/20/91 56 FR 28311 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/20/91 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: See CIS No. 1419-91 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF94 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA42 _______________________________________________________________________ 1091. ACADEMIC HONORARIUM FOR B NONIMMIGRANT ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-277; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: DHS is proposing to amend its regulations relating to the acceptance of academic honoraria by nonimmigrant aliens admitted to the United States as a B visa visitor status. This is necessary to implement changes to section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act made by the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act of 1998. The amendment outlines the proposed procedures necessary for a nonimmigrant alien visiting the United States in valid B visa status to accept honoraria in connection with usual academic activities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/30/02 67 FR 37727 NPRM Comment Period End 07/29/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2100-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF97 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA44 _______________________________________________________________________ 1092. CHILDREN BORN OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES; APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF CITIZENSHIP Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-395 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 299; 8 CFR 310; 8 CFR 320; 8 CFR 322; 8 CFR 338; 8 CFR 341; 8 CFR 499; Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 27, 2001, Child Citizenship Act of 2000. Abstract: This rule implements title I of the Child Citizenship Act of 2000, Public Law 106-395. First, it amends DHS regulations by adding a new part which addresses application procedures for foreign-born children residing in the United States pursuant to a lawful admission for permanent residence, who acquire citizenship automatically under section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act), as amended. This rule established procedures for these foreign-born children, including adopted children, to obtain certificates of citizenship. Second, this rule also addresses application procedures for foreign- born children residing outside the United States, who can acquire citizenship under section 322 of the Act, as amended, by approval of an application and taking the oath of allegiance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 06/13/01 66 FR 32138 [[Page 22608]] Interim Final Rule Effective 06/13/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/13/01 Final Action 04/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2101-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF98 Agency Contact: Ramona McGee, Office of Chief Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1431 RIN: 1615-AA45 _______________________________________________________________________ 1093. ALLOWING FOR THE FILING OF FORM I-140 VISA PETITION CONCURRENTLY WITH A FORM I-485 APPLICATION IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The current regulations provide that an alien worker who wants to apply for permanent residence by filing the appropriate Form I-485, Application To Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, cannot do so until he or she obtains approval of the underlying petition, Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker. This procedure has resulted in aliens experiencing unnecessary delays due to the heavy backlog created by increasing numbers of cases received by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). This rule amends DHS regulations by allowing the Forms I-140 and I-485 to be filed concurrently when a visa is immediately available, thereby improving the efficiency of the system, as well as customer service. This rule will also allow the alien worker to apply for employment authorization (Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization) and advance parole authorization (Form I-131, Application for Travel Document) while the Form I-485 is pending. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/31/02 67 FR 49561 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/31/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/30/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2104-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG00 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA46 _______________________________________________________________________ 1094. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN NATIONALS OF NICARAGUA, CUBA, AND HAITI Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1255 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 241; 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule implements the provisions of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE Act) and its technical amendments to both the Nicaraguan Adjustment and Central American Relief Act (NACARA), and the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act (HRIFA) of 1998. Specifically, section 1505 of the amendments to the LIFE Act states that section 241(a)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) does not apply to adjustment applicants under NACARA/HRIFA and that the grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(9)(A) and (C) of the INA may be waived for NACARA/HRIFA adjustment applicants. Section 241(a)(5) of the INA provides for the reinstatement of a removal order against any alien who illegally re-enters the United States after having been removed or after having departed voluntarily under an order of removal. It also bars any alien whose removal order has been reinstated from receiving any relief under the INA, including any waivers of grounds of inadmissibility necessary for the grant of adjustment of status. Sections 212(a)(9)(A) and 212(a)(9)(C) of the INA are grounds of inadmissibility relating to aliens previously removed and aliens who are unlawfully present in the United States after previous immigration violations, respectively. Section 1505 of the amendments to the LIFE Act also states that an alien who has become eligible for benefits under NACARA/HRIFA as a result of the enactment of the LIFE Act may file a motion to reopen his or her removal proceedings in order to apply for adjustment or to apply for cancellation of removal or suspension of deportation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/31/01 66 FR 29449 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/31/01 Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2113-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG05 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA51 _______________________________________________________________________ 1095. ADJUSTMENT TO LAWFUL RESIDENT STATUS OF CERTAIN CLASS ACTION PARTICIPANTS WHO ENTERED BEFORE JANUARY 1, 1982, UNDER THE LEGAL IMMIGRATION AND FAMILY EQUITY ACT (LIFE ACT) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1255a; 8 USC 1225a note [[Page 22609]] CFR Citation: 8 CFR 245a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule amends the Department's regulations by establishing procedures to apply for Family Unity benefits for certain spouses and unmarried children of aliens who adjusted to lawful permanent resident (LPR) status pursuant to section 1104 of the Legal Immigration Family Equity (LIFE) Act--known as the LIFE Legalization provision. It applies to those persons who are no longer present in the United States to allow them to apply for Family Unity benefits pursuant to section 1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments. This rule also establishes procedures for certain spouses and unmarried children who previously were granted Family Unity benefits pursuant to section 1504 of the LIFE Act Amendments to apply for an extension of their Family Unity benefits. This rule is necessary to ensure that those aliens eligible to apply for, and extend, Family Unity benefits under the provisions of the LIFE Act Amendments are able to do so in a timely manner. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule (CIS No. 2115) Life Legalization 06/01/01 66 FR 29661 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/31/01 Notice 08/29/01 66 FR 45694 Final Action (CIS No. 2115-01) 06/04/02 67 FR 38341 Final Action Effective 06/04/02 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2115-01 CIS No. 2145-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG06 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA52 _______________________________________________________________________ 1096. K NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATION; LEGAL IMMIGRATION FAMILY EQUITY ACT (LIFE) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-553 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 248; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 21, 2000. Abstract: Section 1103 of the Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE), Public Law 106-553, creates a new nonimmigrant classification under the Immigration and Nationality Act section 101(a)(15)(K) for the spouses and children of U.S. citizens who have pending immigrant visa applications. This rule establishes this classification in DHS regulations, including creating filing and adjudication procedures, as well as procedures for adjusting status from this new nonimmigrant classification to that of a lawful permanent resident. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 08/14/01 66 FR 42587 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 10/15/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: LIFE creates another separate nonimmigrant classification V and also amends the INA for other purposes. Each of these will be addressed in a separate rule. CIS No. 2127-01. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG12 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA56 _______________________________________________________________________ 1097. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS FOR CERTAIN SYRIAN NATIONALS GRANTED ASYLUM IN THE UNITED STATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1255 CFR Citation: None Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On October 27, 2000, the President signed into law Public Law 106-378, Adjustment of Status of Certain Syrian Nationals, which provides for the adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident of certain Syrian nationals, without regard to the annual numerical limitation requirement. This interim final rule discusses eligibility and sets forth application procedures for persons wishing to adjust status on the basis of Public Law 106-378. The Department issued this action as an interim rule because Public Law 106-378 provided for a one-year application period, which ended on October 26, 2001. Publication of the interim final rule ensured that applicants were provided with as much time as possible to apply for the benefits under Public Law 106-378. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/17/01 66 FR 27445 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/17/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/17/01 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 1115-AG13 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA57 [[Page 22610]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1098. NEW CLASSIFICATION FOR VICTIMS OF SEVERE FORMS OF TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ELIGIBLE FOR THE T NONIMMIGRANT STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 to 1104; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1224; 8 USC 1225; 8 USC 1226; 8 USC 1227; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252a; 22 USC 7101; 22 USC 7105; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 274a; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule sets forth application requirements for a new nonimmigrant classification. The T classification was created by 107(e) of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (VTVPA), Public Law 106-386. The T nonimmigrant classification was designed for eligible victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons who aid the Government with their case against the traffickers and who can establish that they would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if they were removed from the United States after having completed their assistance to law enforcement. The rule establishes application procedures and responsibilities for the Department of Homeland Security and provides guidance to the public on how to meet certain requirements to obtain T nonimmigrant status. There is a statutory cap for T nonimmigrant status for victims of a severe form of trafficking (principals), which is set at 5,000 per annum. The law also provides that certain family members can derive T status through the principal's application. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/31/02 67 FR 4784 Interim Final Rule Effective 03/04/02 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/01/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: CIS No. 2132-01; AG Order No. 2554-2002 There is a related rulemaking, CIS No. 2170-01, the new U nonimmigrant status (RIN 1615-AA67). Transferred from RIN 1115-AG19 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA59 _______________________________________________________________________ 1099. REMOVAL OF LIMITATIONS ON THE VALIDITY PERIOD FOR EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION DOCUMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations governing issuance of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) to give the Agency discretion to modify EAD validity periods for initial, renewal, and replacement EADs. This rule also amended the regulations to reflect that the Agency will issue EADs to aliens granted asylum by the Department of Justice, Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR), with validity periods of up to 5 years, unless otherwise appropriate. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/30/04 69 FR 45555 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/28/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2152-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG32 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA63 _______________________________________________________________________ 1100. REQUIRING CHANGE OF STATUS FROM B TO F-1 OR M-1 NONIMMIGRANT PRIOR TO PURSUING A COURSE OF STUDY Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1258 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214; 8 CFR 248 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The interim final rule amends Department regulations by eliminating the current provision allowing a nonimmigrant visitor for business or pleasure to enroll in a DHS-approved school without first obtaining approval of a change of nonimmigrant status request from the Department. The amendment will ensure that no B nonimmigrant is allowed to begin taking classes until the Department has approved the alien's request to change nonimmigrant status to that of F or M student. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/12/02 67 FR 18061 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/11/02 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2195-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG60 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA73 [[Page 22611]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1101. PETITIONS FOR ALIENS TO PERFORM TEMPORARY NONAGRICULTURAL SERVICES OR LABOR (H-2B) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; 8 USC 1186(a); 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1281; 8 USC 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security, after consulting with the Department of Labor and the Department of State, is proposing significant changes to its regulations that are designed to increase the effectiveness of the H-2B nonimmigrant classification. These proposals will increase the usefulness of the program for U.S. employers by eliminating certain regulatory barriers, by adding protections for foreign workers, and increasing Government efficiency and coordination. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/27/05 70 FR 3983 NPRM Comment Period End 02/28/05 Comment Period Extended 03/09/05 70 FR 11585 NPRM Comment Period End 04/08/05 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2228-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG78 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA82 _______________________________________________________________________ 1102. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE ON APPLICATIONS AND PETITIONS FOR IMMIGRATION AND NATURALIZATION BENEFITS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 1252 note; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: Other, Statutory, September 2003, Public Law 105-277. Abstract: This rule amends DHS regulations concerning the acceptance of electronic signatures on applications and petitions for immigration and naturalization benefits. The change is necessary to allow the Department to begin accepting electronically filed applications and petitions as required by law. By accepting electronically filed applications and petitions, the Department expects to streamline its information collection process, improve customer service, and move towards fulfilling the mandates of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 04/29/03 68 FR 23009 Interim Final Rule Effective 05/29/03 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2224-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG79 Agency Contact: Rebecca Watson, Lockbox Project Manager, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Room 1000, Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1001 RIN: 1615-AA83 _______________________________________________________________________ 1103. ELIMINATING THE NUMERICAL CAP ON MEXICAN TN NONIMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule eliminates the 5,500 annual limit on the number of Mexican professional admissions under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). It also eliminates the associated requirement of a petition on Form I-129 and the certified labor condition application. Rather than submit a petition to DHS, aliens seeking TN classification will apply for a TN visa from the State Department. This rule brings the treatment of Mexican TNs under NAFTA closer to that of Canadian TNs. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 03/10/04 69 FR 11287 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 05/10/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2266-03 Transferred from RIN 1115-AH02 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA96 _______________________________________________________________________ 1104. EXTENSION OF THE DEADLINE FOR CERTAIN HEALTH CARE WORKERS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN CERTIFICATES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department of Homeland Security regulations to extend the deadline by which certain health care workers from Canada and Mexico must obtain health care worker certifications. This rule applies only to affected health care workers, who, before September 23, 2003, were previously employed as TN nonimmigrant health care workers [[Page 22612]] (Canadian or Mexican citizens), and held a valid license from a U.S. jurisdiction. This interim rule does not change the licensing requirements for employment purposes. Publication of this rule ensures that the U.S. health care system is not adversely affected by the expiration of the transition period for certain health care workers to present the required certification. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 07/22/04 69 FR 43729 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 09/20/04 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB28 _______________________________________________________________________ 1105. ALLOCATION OF H-1B VISAS CREATED BY THE H-1B VISA REFORM ACT OF 2004 Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: PL 108-447; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule implements certain changes made by the Omnibus Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2005, to the numerical limits of the H-1B nonimmigrant visa category and the fees for filing of H-1B petitions. This interim rule also notifies the public of the procedures U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will use to allocate the additional H-1B numbers made available pursuant to that Act. This rule further modifies USCIS premium processing regulations by providing authority to delay, suspend, or set an alternate date on which the 15-calendar-day premium processing period commences. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/05/05 70 FR 23775 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/05/05 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB32 _______________________________________________________________________ 1106. AUTHORIZING SUSPENSION OF EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION REQUIREMENTS ON THE BASIS OF SEVERE ECONOMIC HARDSHIP FOR F-1 STUDENTS AND EMERGENT CIRCUMSTANCES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1187; 8 USC 1221; 8 USC 1281 to 1282 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amended DHS regulations applying to on-campus employment, off-campus employment authorization, and duration of status for nonimmigrant F-1 students. The rule permits the Secretary to suspend some or all of the requirements for on-campus or off-campus employment where emergent circumstances exist as provided through notice in the Federal Register. The rule also amends the regulations to provide that an F-1 student who carries less than a full course of study as a result of this special employment authorization will be deemed to be maintaining status for the duration of the authorization, as long as the student carries a minimum course load of 6 credit hours if the student is an undergraduate, or 3 credit hours if the student is in graduate school. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule-(CIS No. 1914-98) 06/10/98 63 FR 31871 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 08/10/98 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1914-98 (Employment Authorization for Certain F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Whose Means of Financial Support Comes From Indonesia, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines). Transferred from RIN 1615-AA99 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] Related RIN: Previously reported as 1115-AF15 RIN: 1615-AB44 _______________________________________________________________________ 1107. ELIGIBILITY OF ARRIVING ALIENS IN REMOVAL PROCEEDINGS TO APPLY FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS AND JURISDICTION TO ADJUDICATE APPLICATIONS FOR ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1225(b)(2) ; 8 USC 1229a(c)(2)(A); 8 USC 1101(a)(13)(B); CFR Citation: 8 CFR 1 ; 8 CFR 25 ; 8 CFR 1001; 8 CFR 1245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General publish these interim final rules to amend their respective agencies' regulations governing applications for adjustment of status filed by paroled arriving aliens seeking to become lawful permanent residents. The Secretary and the Attorney General are also amending the regulations to clarify when United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or the [[Page 22613]] immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals Executive Office for Immigration Review, have jurisdiction to adjudicate applications for adjustment of status by such aliens. In addition, the Secretary and the Attorney General are requesting comments on the possibility of adopting further proposals in the future to structure the exercise of discretion in adjudicating these applications for adjustment of status. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 05/12/06 71 FR 27585 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 06/12/06 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2387-06 URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB50 _______________________________________________________________________ 1108. AMENDMENTS TO REGULATORY PROVISIONS REGARDING REFUGEE AND ASYLEE RELATIVE PETITIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1157(c)(2); PL 107-208, sec 116 Stat 927 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 207 to 209 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations governing the adjudication of petitions for the spouses and children of refugees and asylees following to join the principal refugee or asylee. These changes are intended to eliminate vulnerabilities in the current system by enabling DHS to examine the eligibility of beneficiaries and create a mechanism to suspend the petition while DHS seeks to verify the validity of the petitioner's underlying grant of asylum or refugee admission. The rule proposes to allocate jurisdiction over derivative asylum claims among U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services and the Department of Justice, Executive Office for Immigration Review, and to clarify the distinction between approval of the petition and conveyance of status upon the beneficiary. The rule also proposes to amend the regulations to reflect changes in derivative eligibility following enactment of the Child Status Protection Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2372-06 Agency Contact: Joseph J Holliday, Branch Chief, Adjustment and Naturalization, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Domestic Operations, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1520 RIN: 1615-AB54 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Completed Actions U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1109. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS TO THAT OF PERSON ADMITTED FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE: CONDITIONAL RESIDENTS AND FIANCE(E)S Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1257; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule amends Department regulations by clarifying that an alien remains ineligible for adjustment of status after termination of conditional permanent resident status. The clarification is necessary in view of the determination by the Board of Immigration Appeals that the current regulations do not prohibit the adjustment of status of an alien whose conditional resident status has been terminated. This final rule would also modify provisions regulating the adjustment of status of nonimmigrant fiance(e)s to reflect the current statute and to eliminate hardships on certain persons who are unable, despite their good faith intentions, to marry until after the expiration of the alien spouse's period of admission as a nonimmigrant fiance(e). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/20/96 61 FR 43028 NPRM Comment Period End 10/21/96 Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1353-91 Transferred from RIN 1115-AC70 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA02 [[Page 22614]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1110. REGISTRATION AND FINGERPRINTING OF ALIENS IN THE UNITED STATES: CONTROL OF EMPLOYMENT OF ALIENS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201 to 1201a; 8 USC 1301; 8 USC 1305 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 264; 8 CFR 274a Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations governing applications for renewal of 10-year Permanent Resident Cards upon their expiration. This rule adds documents to the acceptable list of registration requirements and clarifies the requirements for lawful permanent residents to file Form I-90, Application to Replace Alien Registration Card, if they are also applying for naturalization. This rule also provides additional methods to verify employment eligibility for those in the process of renewing their expired or expiring Form I- 551, Permanent Resident Card. These changes are necessary to facilitate the 10-year Form I-551 renewal process. This rule also clarifies the fingerprinting requirements for lawful permanent residents who reach the age of 14 years. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No.2042-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF71 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA33 _______________________________________________________________________ 1111. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT VISA FOR FOURTH PREFERENCE EMPLOYMENT-BASED BROADCASTERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153 to 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim final rule amends Department regulations by establishing the procedure under which the International Broadcasting Bureau of the United States Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), or a BBG grantee organization, may file special fourth preference immigrant petitions for alien broadcasters. This rule explains the requirements the alien broadcaster must meet in order to be the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition. This regulatory change is necessary in order to assist the BBG in fulfilling its statutory obligation to hire alien broadcasters. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 10/11/01 66 FR 51819 Interim Final Rule Effective 11/13/01 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 12/10/01 Final Action 04/18/06 71 FR 19805 Final Action Effective 05/18/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2106-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG01 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA47 _______________________________________________________________________ 1112. WAIVER OF FEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552 to 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1201; 8 USC 1252; 8 USC 1252(b); 8 USC 1252(note); 8 USC 1304; 8 USC 1356 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 244 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department regulations concerning the adjudication of requests for fee waivers filed by applicants for DHS benefits pursuant to 8 CFR 103.7(c). This applies to a waiver of fees by an immigration judge for benefit applications, petitions, appeals, motions, or requests in any case when an alien substantiates that he or she cannot pay the fee. When implemented, this rule will facilitate the adjudication of these requests. This rule also proposes to amend 8 CFR 244.20, which is a waiver of fees for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) applicants, for the same reasons as stated in 8 CFR 103.7(c). The rule will also be implemented in conjunction with the new Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver Form. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2091-00 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG02 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 1113. MEDICAL GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY AND WAIVERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1157; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proposed rule describes the medical grounds of inadmissibility under section 212(a)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. It also describes which medical grounds of inadmissibility can be waived and the requirements for those waivers (including conditions for compliance). [[Page 22615]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: Split from CIS No. 1413 to move forward as a stand-alone rule. Transferred from RIN 1115-AG38 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AA66 _______________________________________________________________________ 1114. PROCEDURES FOR CONDUCTING EXAMINATIONS AND WAIVING THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE FOR NATURALIZATION APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1421; 8 USC 1443; 8 USC 1447; 8 CFR 2.1; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 310; 8 CFR 313; 8 CFR 316; 8 CFR 319; 8 CFR 333; Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation provides procedures for conducting examinations and waiving the oath of allegiance attachment requirement and the oath requirement for any individual who has a developmental, physical, or mental impairment that makes him or her unable to understand, or communicate an understanding of, the meaning of the oath. The rule incorporates changes made by Public Law 106-448, which authorized the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security to waive the oath requirement for such individuals. It also specifies who is authorized to act as a designated representative on behalf of applicants who qualify for the waiver and addresses how DHS will conduct examinations with such representatives to ensure that applicants with disabilities have the opportunity to establish eligibility for naturalization. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2191-02 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG77 Agency Contact: David Lester, Chief, Field Liaison Branch, Field Operations, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1849 RIN: 1615-AA81 _______________________________________________________________________ 1115. FILING OF PROPOSALS FOR DESIGNATION AS A REGIONAL CENTER APPROVED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE IMMIGRANT INVESTOR PILOT PROGRAM Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The regulation changes the location for the filing and adjudication of proposals to participate in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program from Headquarters, Office of Adjudication, to the Texas and California DHS Centers. This change is necessary to ensure the uniform and effective adjudication of these complex proposals related to economic development, export trade, and job creation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1944-98 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF27 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1116. PETITIONING REQUIREMENTS FOR THE O AND P NONIMMIGRANT CLASSIFICATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends the regulations of the Department of Homeland Security to enable certain petitioners to file O and P nonimmigrant petitions up to one year prior to the petitioners' need for the alien's services. Petitioners frequently plan for an event or performance more than one year in advance when seeking O and/or P nonimmigrant workers for employment in the United States. By extending the filing time requirement for O and P petitions from the current 6 months to one year, DHS hopes to provide relief and assurance to petitioners that, if approvable, such petitions will be approved prior to the date of the petitioners' need for the alien's services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/28/05 70 FR 21983 NPRM Comment Period End 07/27/05 Final Action 04/16/07 72 FR 18856 Final Action Effective 05/16/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Current filing times combined with processing times often result in an O or P petition being adjudicated at the same time or later than the date of the petitioner's stated need for the alien. This creates a hardship for employers who are seeking to hire the alien based on a scheduled performance, competition, or event, and who may have booked a venue and sold advance tickets. If the petition is not approved by the time of the petitioner's stated need, the petitioner may be required to cancel a scheduled [[Page 22616]] event or performance, may lose funds advanced for booking a venue, and may also be liable for the costs associated with ticket refunds. Since an O or P employer may plan for the competition, event, or performance more than one year in advance, DHS has determined that extending the filing time will provide relief to many such employers. Although this rule may have an impact on small entities, the rule has been drafted in a way to minimize the economic impact that it has on small businesses while meeting its intended objective. This rule will ensure that certain O and P nonimmigrant petitions are adjudicated well in advance of the date of the employers' stated need, and thus prevent employers from having to cancel an event, competition, or performance either because the petition was denied at the last minute, or because the petition was not adjudicated in advance of the need. Employers will be less likely to lose booking costs or have to issue refunds if they receive a decision on the petition well in advance of the event, competition, or performance. Extending the time requirements for the filing of O and P petitions will provide immediate relief to affected United States employers, and any economic impact on small entities is likely to be positive. URL For More Information: www.regulations.gov URL For Public Comments: www.regulations.gov Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB17 _______________________________________________________________________ 1117. REVISION OF PROCEDURES FOR PREMIUM PROCESSING SERVICE FOR EMPLOYMENT-BASED PETITIONS AND APPLICATIONS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552 to 552a; 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1304; PL 107-296; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This interim rule amends the Department of Homeland Security regulations by updating the procedures USCIS will follow when designating new petition and application types for the Premium Process Service, and giving notice to the public regarding when classifications or subcategories within designated applications and petition types may begin filing for the Premium Processing Service. Finally, this interim rule contains a notice of designation of Form I-140, Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker, Form I-539, Application to Extend or Change Status and Form I-765, Application for Authorization Document to the list of petitions and applications eligible for Premium Processing Service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS 2350-05 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Service Center Operations, 2nd Floor, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8411 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB40 _______________________________________________________________________ 1118. NEW ELECTRONIC ACCOUNT, ADJUDICATION, AND REPORTING SYSTEM; NEW PROCEDURES FOR FILING AND PROCESSING OF PETITIONS AND APPLICATIONS Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 552; 5 USC 552a; 6 USC 271; 8 USC 1101; CFR Citation: 8 CFR 100; 8 CFR 700 to 750 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is restructuring its entire business processes to implement new procedures for the filing, processing, and adjudication of all benefit applications and petitions. USCIS is moving toward complete electronic filing and adjudication of benefits to streamline processing, modernize adjudications, and facilitate efficient and effective data collection and reporting. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/13/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Daniel Renaud, USCIS Transformation Program Office, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1399 RIN: 1615-AB46 _______________________________________________________________________ 1119. RECEIPT OF CLASSIFIED DEROGATORY INFORMATION BEFORE OATH TO NATURALIZATION APPLICANT Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 8 CFR 335 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule modifies 8 CFR 335.5 to allow USCIS to withhold classified derogatory information from an applicant when the derogatory information is discovered after the applicant successfully completes their naturalization interview but before an individual has taken their oath of renunciation and allegiance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/12/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Regulations and Product Management Division, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-8350 [[Page 22617]] Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB48 _______________________________________________________________________ 1120. IMMIGRANT VISA SERVICE FEE Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 8 USC 1001; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1356; 31 USC 901; 31 USC 902; 31 USC 903 CFR Citation: 8 CRR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes charging a new immigrant visa service fee to every immigrant visa applicant. This action is necessary, because USCIS incurs significant operating costs in providing permanent resident maintenance services, such as Permanent Resident Card production, data entry, record creation, and other related services. Currently, USCIS is not charging immigrant visa applicants overseas the service fee that it charges to adjustment of status applicants in the United States. By charging a new immigrant visa service fee, USCIS will recover its full operating costs of providing maintenance services to all new permanent residents. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/13/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Paul Schlesinger, Office of Budget, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1930 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB49 _______________________________________________________________________ 1121. ADJUSTMENT OF THE PREMIUM PROCESSING FEE FOR INFLATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 106-553, sec 114 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 112 of the District of Columbia Appropriations Act of 2001 authorized the collection of a premium fee for employment-based petitions and applications. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) uses this fee to provide certain premium-processing services to business customers, and to make infrastructure improvements in the adjudications and customer-service processes. This proposed rule adjusts the premium processing fee for employment-based petitions and applications, and provides that all future fee adjustments for Premium Processing Service will be made annually through publication in the Federal Register as with other USCIS fees. The premium processing fee is paid in addition to the regular petition or application fee. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Withdrawn 02/16/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS 2376-06. Agency Contact: Paul Schlesinger, Office of Budget, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 272-1930 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1615-AB52 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) _______________________________________________________________________ 1122. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1995 AMENDMENTS TO THE INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION ON STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION, AND WATCHKEEPING (STCW) FOR SEAFARERS, 1978 (USCG-2004-17914) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 44 USC 3507; 46 USC 2103; 46 USC 7101; 46 USC 7107 CFR Citation: 46 CFR 10; 46 CFR 12; 46 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The International Maritime Organization (IMO) comprehensively amended the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978, in 1995. The amendments came into force on February 1, 1997. This project implements those amendments by revising current rules to ensure that the United States complies with their requirements on: The training of merchant mariners, the documenting of their qualifications, and watch- standing and other arrangements aboard seagoing merchant ships of the United States. In addition, the Coast Guard has identified the need for additional changes to the interim rule issued in 1997. This rulemaking has been amended to address the training and assessments necessary to obtain merchant mariner credentials, to propose streamlined regulations for the mariner credential issuance process, and to make several minor editorial and clarification changes throughout title 46 parts 10, 12 and 15. This project supports the Coast Guard's strategic goal of maritime safety. It also supports the goal of the Prevention Directorate by reducing deaths and injuries of crew members on domestic merchant vessels and eliminating substandard vessels from the navigable waters of the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Notice of Meeting 08/02/95 60 FR 39306 Comment Period End 09/29/95 Notice of Inquiry 11/13/95 60 FR 56970 Comment Period End 01/12/96 NPRM 03/26/96 61 FR 13284 Notice of Public Meetings 04/08/96 61 FR 15438 Comment Period End 07/24/96 Notice of Intent 02/04/97 62 FR 5197 Interim Final Rule 06/26/97 62 FR 34505 Interim Final Rule Effective 07/28/97 Supplemental NPRM 12/00/07 [[Page 22618]] Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Old Docket Number CGD 95-062. Transferred from RIN 2115-AF26 Agency Contact: Mark Gould, Project Manager, CG-3PSO-1, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001 Phone: 202 372-1409 RIN: 1625-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ 1123. FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PROPELLER INJURY AVOIDANCE MEASURES (USCG 2001-10163) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 46 USC 4302 CFR Citation: 33 CFR 175 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule would establish Federal requirements for non- planing recreational houseboats equipped with propeller driven propulsion located aft of the transom. This rule would require owners of these non-planing recreational houseboats to install either one or two propulsion unit measures (a propeller guard or a jet pump drive) or employ three combined measures (use of an ignition cut-off switch, where installed, and install a swim ladder interlock device and an aft- visibility device). Owners of rental houseboats would have to also install an ignition cut-off switch, if not already installed. These requirements would reduce the number of boaters who are seriously or fatally injured when struck by the propeller of a non-planing recreational houseboat. This rulemaking would implement recommendations made by the National Boating Safety Advisory Council. It supports the Coast Guard's strategic goal of marine safety. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/10/01 66 FR 63645 NPRM Comment Period End 03/11/02 NPRM Comment Period Extended 03/26/02 67 FR 13738 NPRM Comment Period End 05/11/02 Notice of Withdrawal 05/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Transferred from RIN 2115-AG18 URL For More Information: dms.dot.gov URL For Public Comments: dms.dot.gov Agency Contact: Jeff Ludwig, Project Manager, CG-3PCB, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1061 RIN: 1625-AA31 _______________________________________________________________________ 1124. RULES OF PRACTICE, PROCEDURE, AND EVIDENCE FOR ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COAST GUARD (USCG 1998-3472) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 46 USC 7701; 46 USC 7702; 33 USC 1321; 42 USC 9609 CFR Citation: 33 CFR 20; 46 CFR 5 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Coast Guard maintains two separate sets of procedural rules: (1) The administrative adjudication rules against merchant mariners' licenses, certificates of registry, and documents; (2) and those for the adjudication of class II civil penalties. The rules for suspension and revocation, contained in part 5 of title 46 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), date from 1948, and are based on criminal procedure. The rules for class II civil penalties, contained in part 20 of title 33 of the CFR, date from 1994, and are based on the Model Rules of Administrative Procedure and on other modern rules for civil procedure. Neither set implements the authority of the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90), which provides for the temporary suspension of a license, certificate of registry, or document for up to 45 days without a hearing, in certain circumstances, and a hearing within 30 days of any such suspension. This rulemaking would consolidate all procedural rules for administrative adjudications for class II civil penalties, and allow the Coast Guard to promulgate regulations implementing the OPA 90 authority. This project supports the strategic goal of the Coast Guard to promote marine safety. It would also align our rules with the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Act of 2004. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/06/98 63 FR 16731 NPRM Comment Period End 05/06/98 NPRM Comment Period Reopened 05/20/98 63 FR 27700 NPRM Comment Period End 06/19/98 Interim Final Rule 05/24/99 64 FR 28054 Interim Final Rule Effective 06/23/99 Interim Final Rule Correction 06/28/99 64 FR 34540 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 07/23/99 Interim Final Rule Comment Period Reopened 10/05/99 64 FR 53970 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 04/03/00 Supplemental NPRM 08/00/07 Final Rule 08/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: This rulemaking revises in part the previous docket of CGD 94-101, which was terminated on December 20, 1995. Transferred from RIN 2115-AF59 URL For More Information: dms.dot.gov URL For Public Comments: dms.dot.gov Agency Contact: Mr. George Jordan, Project Manager, CG-00J, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593-0001 Phone: 202 372-4442 RIN: 1625-AA59 _______________________________________________________________________ 1125. ADMINISTRATIVE CHANGES TO NUMBERING OF VESSELS AND REPORTING OF CASUALTIES (USCG-2003-14963) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 31 USC 9701; 46 USC 2110; 46 USC 4302; 46 USC 4310; 46 USC 6101; 46 USC 6102; 46 USC 12301; 46 USC 12302; 46 USC 12502; PL 100-710; DHS Security Delegation No. 0170.1 [[Page 22619]] CFR Citation: 33 CFR 173; 33 CFR 174; 33 CFR 181 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend the Coast Guard's rules on States' numbering of undocumented vessels and on the reporting of accidents. It would harmonize terminology governing the Standard Numbering System, the Vessel Identification System, and the Casualty or Accident Report to help us collect better data, process it more efficiently, and use it more effectively to prevent boating accidents. This project supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and maritime security. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeff Ludwig, Project Manager, CG-3PCB, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1061 RIN: 1625-AA70 _______________________________________________________________________ 1126. COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY VESSELS (USCG-2003-16158) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 46 USC 4502(a) to 4502(d); 46 USC 4506; 46 USC 6104; 46 USC 10603; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1(92) CFR Citation: 46 CFR 28 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would amend commercial fishing industry vessel requirements to enhance maritime safety. The proposed changes would affect vessel stability and watertight integrity, carriage of immersion suits, training, compliance documentation, and safety equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mr. Mike Rosecrans, Project Manager, CG-3PCV-3, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1245 RIN: 1625-AA77 _______________________________________________________________________ 1127. NAVIGATION EQUIPMENT; SOLAS CHAPTER V AMENDMENTS AND ELECTRONIC CHART SYSTEM (USCG-2004-19588) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 33 USC 1223(a)(3); 46 USC 3306(a)(1); 46 USC 3703; PL 108-293, sec 410 CFR Citation: 33 CFR 164; 46 CFR 37; 46 CFR 77; 46 CFR 78; 46 CFR 96; 46 CFR 97; 46 CFR 108; 46 CFR 111; 46 CFR 130; 46 CFR 159; 46 CFR 165; 46 CFR 195 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, January 1, 2007, Prescribe Electronic Charts Regulations before January 1, 2007. Abstract: This rulemaking project would add new, and clarify existing, navigation safety equipment regulations in 33 CFR part 164 including electronic chart system regulations. This project would also create a new 46 CFR part 165, and a new subpart: 46 CFR part 159, subpart 159.008. These new title 46 regulations would provide for specific type-approval procedures and quality assurance processes, respectively, to require uniform function and capability of equipment across a myriad of manufacturers. These changes would reconcile existing domestic safety navigation regulations with SOLAS Chapter V navigation safety regulations amended in 2000. By making these revisions to 33 CFR and 46 CFR, we would fulfill the United States' obligations as an International Maritime Organization Contracting Government to implement SOLAS Chapter V as amended for U.S. flag vessels and other vessels operating on navigable waters of the United States to which these SOLAS amendments apply. This project supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety and mobility. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: LCDR James Rocco, Project Manager, Office of Navigation Systems, Navigation Standards Division CG-3PWN-2, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1565 Ms. Dolores Mercier, Project Manager, Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Systems Engineering Division CG-3PSE-3, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1381 RIN: 1625-AA91 _______________________________________________________________________ 1128. ALTERNATE COMPLIANCE PROGRAM: VESSEL INSPECTION ALTERNATIVES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 33 USC 1903; 43 USC 1333; 46 USC 3703; CFR Citation: 46 CFR 2; 46 CFR 8; 46 CFR 189 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking would: Update the list in 46 CFR 2.01-25 of those SOLAS certificates that we issue; Add, in 46 CFR 8.320(b), the following safety certificates to the list of international certificates that can be issued by an authorized classification society: SOLAS Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) IMO High-Speed Craft (HSC) Safety Certificate; Add a condition to 46 CFR 8.420(c) stating that, in order for a recognized class society to be fully eligible to participate in the ACP, it must first be delegated issuing authority for the following certificates: SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Construction Certificate SOLAS Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate International Load Line Certificate International Tonnage Certificate [[Page 22620]] International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate; Extend eligibility in the ACP to Oceanographic Research Vessels by adding a new section 46 CFR 189.15-3 to reference part 8; and, remove references to the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) throughout the ACP regulations and replace them with references to ``authorized classification society.'' This rulemaking is intended to expand the benefits available under the ACP. This project supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of facilitating maritime safety and mobility. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/07 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Peters, Project Manager, Office of Design and Engineering Standards, Systems Engineering Division CG-3PSE-3, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1371 Email: [email protected] RIN: 1625-AA92 _______________________________________________________________________ 1129. NOTIFICATION OF ARRIVAL IN U.S. PORTS; CERTAIN DANGEROUS CARGOES; ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION (USCG-2004-19963) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 33 USC 1226; 46 USC ch 701; 50 USC 191; 33 CFR 1.05-1; 33 CFR 6.04-11; 33 CFR 6.14; 33 CFR 6.16; 33 CFR 6.19; DHS Delegation No. 0170.1; 33 USC 1223 CFR Citation: 33 CFR 160; 33 CFR 104; 33 CFR 105 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking project would permanently revise the Notice of Arrival (NOA) regulation, 33 CFR part 160, subpart C, by: 1) Adding to the list of certain dangerous cargo (CDC) ammonium nitrate and certain ammonium nitrate-based fertilizers, in bulk, as well as propylene oxide, alone or mixed with ethylene oxide, in bulk; and 2) adding two options for vessels to submit NOAs electronically. In addition, the proposed rule would clarify that foreign, but not U.S., recreational vessels must submit NOAs. The rulemaking would also permanently revise 33 CFR parts 104 and 105 as necessary. This project supports the Coast Guard's strategic goals of maritime safety, maritime security, and protection of natural resources. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Rule 12/16/05 70 FR 74663 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/17/06 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 03/16/06 NPRM 03/00/08 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: LTJG Julie Miller, Project Manager, Office of Vessel Activities, Foreign and Offshore Vessel Activities Div. CG-3PCV-2, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Coast Guard, 2100 Second Street SW., Washington, DC 20593 Phone: 202 372-1244 Related RIN: Related to 1625-AA41, Related to 1625-AA96, Related to 1625-AA99 RIN: 1625-AA93 _______________________________________________________________________