[October 31,2005 (Volume 70, Number 209)] [Unified Agenda] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [frwais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID: f:ua051009.wais] [Page 64630-64742] Department of Homeland Security ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part IX ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 64630]] 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 Regulations 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' sixth semiannual regulatory agenda since the Department's inception in January 2003. DHS' last semiannual regulatory agenda was published on May 16, 2005, at 70 FR 26892. DHS currently is comprised of five directorates: Border and Transportation Security; Emergency Preparedness and Response; Science and Technology; Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection; and Management.\1\ Several other critical agencies were transferred to the Department or were created under the Homeland Security Act of 2002, including the U.S. Coast Guard (Coast Guard), the U.S. Secret Service, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). In addition, the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) of the Department of Justice and the former U.S. Customs Service of the Department of the Treasury were transferred to DHS and reorganized to become the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), the Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Many of the agencies transferred to DHS had existing and active regulatory agendas. Those legacy regulatory agendas have been transferred to DHS and now are identified in the DHS regulatory agenda. Accordingly, some of the regulatory actions identified in this agenda may reference actions initiated by a predecessor Department or agency. DHS joined the Environmental Protection Agency Federal Partner On-line Electronic Docket System (EDOCKET) in September 2004. In September 2005, EDOCKET will be replaced by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) located at . 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 during fiscal year 2006. The semiannual agenda of the Department conforms to the Unified Agenda format developed by the Regulatory Information Service Center. Dated: September 23, 2005. Mary Kate Whalen, Deputy Associate General Counsel for Regulations. \1\. On July 13, 2005, the Secretary of Homeland Security announced a proposed reorganization of the Department. Pursuant to the reorganization, the directorates listed above may be subject to change during fiscal year 2006, and any changes will be updated in the Spring Unified Agenda for 2006. Office of the Secretary--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1234 Supplemental Standards of Conduct for Employees of the Department of Homeland Security 1601-AA17 1235 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements; 1601-AA18 Administration of Grants and Agreements With Institutions of Higher Ed., Hospitals, and Other Nonprofit Orgs.............................................................. 1236 Identifying, Safeguarding, and Sharing Sensitive Homeland Security Information........ 1601-AA25 1237 Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR): Conformance to the Federal 1601-AA28 Acquisition Circulars (FACs).......................................................... 1238 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program.............................................. 1601-AA30 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64631]] Office of the Secretary--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1239 Classified National Security Information.............................................. 1601-AA02 1240 Enforcement of Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Disability in Department of Homeland 1601-AA03 Security Programs or Activities....................................................... 1241 Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Sex in Education Programs or Activities Receiving 1601-AA04 Federal Financial Assistance.......................................................... 1242 Regulations Regarding Nondiscrimination on the Basis of Race, Color, or National 1601-AA05 Origin in Programs or Activities Receiving Federal Financial Assistance............... 1243 Authority of the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security; Delegations of 1601-AA06 Authority; Immigration Laws........................................................... 1244 Program Fraud Civil Remedies.......................................................... 1601-AA11 1245 Regulations Imposing Restrictions Upon Lobbying....................................... 1601-AA12 1246 National Environmental Policy Act Procedures.......................................... 1601-AA13 1247 Procedures for Handling Critical Infrastructure Information (Reg Plan Seq No. 56)..... 1601-AA14 1248 Regulations Implementing the Support Antiterrorism by Fostering Effective Technologies 1601-AA15 Act of 2002 (the SAFETY Act) (Reg Plan Seq No. 57).................................... 1249 Homeland Security Acquisition Regulation (HSAR)....................................... 1601-AA16 1250 Protection of Human Subjects (Reg Plan Seq No. 58).................................... 1601-AA29 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. Office of the Secretary--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1251 Freedom of Information Act and Privacy Act Procedures................................. 1601-AA00 1252 Production or Disclosure of Official Information in Connection With Legal Proceedings. 1601-AA01 1253 Governmentwide Debarment and Suspension (Nonprocurement) and Governmentwide 1601-AA10 Requirements for Drug-Free Workplace.................................................. 1254 Procedures Relating to Awards Under the Equal Access to Justice Act................... 1601-AA22 1255 Collection of Nontax Debts Owed to the Department of Homeland Security................ 1601-AA23 1256 Right to Financial Privacy............................................................ 1601-AA24 1257 Department of Homeland Security Labor Relations Board................................. 1601-AA27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1258 Revised Grounds of Inadmissibility; Exceptions and Waivers for Immigrants and 1615-AA00 Nonimmigrants......................................................................... 1259 International Matchmaking Organizations............................................... 1615-AA11 1260 Immigrant and Nonimmigrant; Religious Workers......................................... 1615-AA16 1261 Special Immigrant Status for Certain NATO Civilian Employees.......................... 1615-AA21 1262 Inadmissibility To Enter the United States for Former U.S. Citizens Who Renounced 1615-AA32 Citizenship To Avoid Taxation......................................................... 1263 Intercountry Adoptions................................................................ 1615-AA43 1264 Waiver of Fees........................................................................ 1615-AA48 1265 Adjustment of Status Under Section 245(k)............................................. 1615-AA54 1266 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............................................................... 1267 Construction Work and the B Nonimmigrant Visa Classification.......................... 1615-AA58 1268 Consent To Reapply for Admission After Removal........................................ 1615-AA61 1269 Waivers of the Two-Year Foreign Residence Requirement for Certain Exchange Visitors... 1615-AA62 1270 Medical Grounds of Inadmissibility and Waivers........................................ 1615-AA66 1271 Waiver of Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility for Immigrants.......................... 1615-AA94 1272 Establishment of Fee for Processing Genealogical Research Requests.................... 1615-AB19 1273 Petitions for Employment Creation Aliens.............................................. 1615-AB20 1274 Administrative Appeals Office: Procedural Reforms To Improve Efficiency............... 1615-AB29 1275 After-Sales Service and After-Lease Service for B-1 Temporary Visitors for Business... 1615-AB33 [[Page 64632]] 1276 Employment Based Immigrants--Elimination of Beneficiary Substitution on Approved Labor 1615-AB34 Certifications and Validity Period of Approved Labor Certifications................... 1277 Authorization for the Collection of Biometric Data.................................... 1615-AB36 1278 Adjustment of the Immigration Benefit Application Fee Schedule........................ 1615-AB37 1279 Experience Requirements for Essential Support Aliens in the O and P Nonimmigrant 1615-AB39 Classifications....................................................................... 1280 Foreign Residence Requirement Imposed on Certain Participants in the Irish Peace 1615-AB43 Process Cultural and Training Program................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1281 Adjustment of Status to That of Person Admitted for Permanent Residence: Conditional 1615-AA02 Residents and Fiance(e)s.............................................................. 1282 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. 1283 Definition of the Term ``Lawfully Present'' for Purposes of Eligibility for Public 1615-AA05 Benefits.............................................................................. 1284 Affidavit of Support on Behalf of Immigrants.......................................... 1615-AA06 1285 Fingerprinting Applicants and Petitioners for Immigration Benefits; Establishing a Fee 1615-AA14 for Fingerprinting by the Department of Homeland Security............................. 1286 Regulations Concerning the Convention Against Torture................................. 1615-AA19 1287 Inadmissibility and Deportability on Public Charge Grounds............................ 1615-AA22 1288 Application for Refugee Status; Acceptable Sponsorship Agreement Guaranty of 1615-AA24 Transportation........................................................................ 1289 Battered and Abused Conditional Residents; Termination of Marriage by Conditional 1615-AA29 Residents............................................................................. 1290 Revoking Grants of Naturalization..................................................... 1615-AA30 1291 Registration and Fingerprinting of Aliens in the United States: Control of Employment 1615-AA33 of Aliens............................................................................. 1292 National Interest Waivers for Second Preference Employment-Based Immigrant Physicians 1615-AA34 Serving in Medically Underserved Areas or at Department of Veterans Affairs Facilities 1293 Petitioning Requirements for the H-1C Nonimmigrant Classification Under Public Law 106- 1615-AA35 95.................................................................................... 1294 Adjustment of Status to That of Person Admitted for Permanent Residence; Temporary 1615-AA40 Removal of Certain Restrictions of Eligibility........................................ 1295 Asylum and Withholding Definitions.................................................... 1615-AA41 1296 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.. 1297 Academic Honorarium for B Nonimmigrant Aliens......................................... 1615-AA44 1298 Children Born Outside the United States; Applications for Certificate of Citizenship.. 1615-AA45 1299 Allowing for the Filing of Form I-140 Visa Petition Concurrently With a Form I-485 1615-AA46 Application in Certain Circumstances.................................................. 1300 Special Immigrant Visa for Fourth Preference Employment-Based Broadcasters............ 1615-AA47 1301 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).. 1302 Nonimmigrant Classes; Spouses and Children of Lawful Permanent Residents; V 1615-AA53 Classification........................................................................ 1303 K Nonimmigrant Classification; Legal Immigration Family Equity Act (LIFE)............. 1615-AA56 1304 Adjustment of Status for Certain Syrian Nationals Granted Asylum in the United States. 1615-AA57 1305 New Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons Eligible for 1615-AA59 the T Nonimmigrant Status............................................................. 1306 Adjustment of Status for Victims of Trafficking....................................... 1615-AA60 1307 Removal of Limitations on the Validity Period for Employment Authorization Documents.. 1615-AA63 1308 New Classification for Victims of Certain Criminal Activity; Eligibility for the U 1615-AA67 Nonimmigrant Status................................................................... 1309 Documentary Requirements for Certain Temporary Residents.............................. 1615-AA69 1310 Requiring Change of Status From B to F-1 or M-1 Nonimmigrant Prior To Pursuing a 1615-AA73 Course of Study....................................................................... 1311 Restructuring the Nonimmigrant Regulations............................................ 1615-AA74 1312 Waivers for Nonimmigrants Under Section 212(d)(3)(A) of the Immigration and 1615-AA75 Nationality Act....................................................................... 1313 Clarification of Regulations Relating to Aliens That Are Employment Authorized 1615-AA78 Incident to Status.................................................................... 1314 Procedures for Conducting Examinations and Waiving the Oath of Allegiance for 1615-AA81 Naturalization Applicants With Disabilities........................................... 1315 Withholding of Adjudication........................................................... 1615-AA86 1316 Implementation of Amendments Affecting Petitions for Employment Creation Aliens....... 1615-AA90 1317 Implementation of the Age Out Protections Afforded Under the Child Status Protection 1615-AA95 Act................................................................................... [[Page 64633]] 1318 Eliminating the Numerical Cap on Mexican TN Nonimmigrants............................. 1615-AA96 1319 Filing of Proposals for Designation as a Regional Center Approved To Participate in 1615-AB00 the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.................................................. 1320 Application for Naturalization by Alternative Application if Citizen Parent Has Died.. 1615-AB08 1321 Requiring Completion of Security Checks Before Issuance of Evidence of Alien 1615-AB12 Registration.......................................................................... 1322 Removal of Standardized Request for Evidence Processing Timeframe..................... 1615-AB13 1323 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.............. 1324 Petitioning Requirements for the O and P Nonimmigrant Classifications................. 1615-AB17 1325 Change or Extension of Nonimmigrant Status Under the Chile and Singapore Free Trade 1615-AB22 Agreements............................................................................ 1326 Petitions for Employment Based Immigrants............................................. 1615-AB27 1327 Extension of the Deadline for Certain Health Care Workers Required To Obtain 1615-AB28 Certificates.......................................................................... 1328 Adding a Filing Fee for Re-Registration and Extension of Temporary Protected Status... 1615-AB31 1329 Allocation of H-1B Visas Created by the H-1B Visa Reform Act of 2004.................. 1615-AB32 1330 Interpretation at Asylum Interviews................................................... 1615-AB35 1331 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............ 1332 Revision of Procedures for Premium Processing Service for Employment-Based Petitions 1615-AB40 and Applications...................................................................... 1333 Standards for Rejection of Petitions or Applications Lacking Improperly Completed 1615-AB41 Forms and Required Initial Evidence................................................... 1334 Irish Peace Process Cultural and Training Program..................................... 1615-AB42 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1335 Reduction of the Number of Acceptable Documents and Other Changes to Employment 1615-AA01 Verification Requirements............................................................. 1336 Adjustment of Status, Continued Validity of Nonimmigrant Status, and Unexpired 1615-AA12 Employment Authorization for Applicants Maintaining Nonimmigrant H or L Status........ 1337 Suspension of Deportation and Special Rule Cancellation of Removal for Certain 1615-AA17 Nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Former Soviet Bloc Countries................. 1338 Establishing Premium Processing Service for Employment-Based Petitions and 1615-AA49 Applications.......................................................................... 1339 Adjustment of Status for Certain Nationals of Nicaragua, Cuba, and Haiti.............. 1615-AA51 1340 Petitions for Aliens To Perform Temporary Nonagricultural Services or Labor (H-2B).... 1615-AA82 1341 Electronic Signature on Applications and Petitions for Immigration and Naturalization 1615-AA83 Benefits.............................................................................. 1342 Authorizing Suspension of Employment Authorization Requirements on the Basis of Severe 1615-AB44 Economic Hardship for F-1 Students and Emergent Circumstances......................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1343 Temporary Protected Status Notices and Regulations.................................... 1615-AA04 1344 Special Immigrant Juvenile Petitions.................................................. 1615-AA15 1345 Dismissal of Asylum Application for Unexcused Failure To Appear and Affect on 1615-AA18 Eligibility for Employment Authorization.............................................. 1346 Implementation of the Numerical Limit on Asylum Grants and Refugee Admissions Based on 1615-AA37 Resistance to Coercive Population Control Measures.................................... 1347 Illegal Entries, Unlawful Presence, and Automatic Voiding of Nonimmigrant Visas....... 1615-AA64 1348 Medical Examination Requirements and Designation of Civil Surgeons.................... 1615-AA65 1349 Adjustment of the Appeal and Motion Fee To Recover Full Costs......................... 1615-AA88 1350 Changes to Employment Authorization Eligibility for Certain Applicants and to 1615-AA89 Standards for Determining a Frivolous Asylum Application.............................. 1351 Criminal Grounds of Inadmissibility, Exceptions and Waivers for Immigrants and 1615-AB15 Nonimmigrants, Refugees and Asylees................................................... [[Page 64634]] 1352 Eligibility Pilot Program (Precertification of Certain I-129 and I-140 Petitioners)... 1615-AB25 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1353 Claims Procedures Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (USCG-2004-17697)............... 1625-AA03 1354 Implementation of the 1995 Amendments to the International Convention on Standards of 1625-AA16 Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping (STCW) for Seafarers, 1978 (CGD 95-062)..... 1355 Wearing of Personal Flotation Devices by Persons Operating or Riding on Personal 1625-AA40 Watercraft or Being Towed Behind Recreational Vessels (USCG-2002-11421)............... 1356 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)..................................................................... 1357 Rules of Practice, Procedure, and Evidence for Administrative Proceedings of the Coast 1625-AA59 Guard (USCG 1998-3472)................................................................ 1358 Administrative Changes To Numbering of Vessels and Reporting of Casualties (USCG-2003- 1625-AA70 14963)................................................................................ 1359 Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels (USCG-2003-16158)................................. 1625-AA77 1360 Dry Cargo Residue Discharges in the Great Lakes (USCG-2004-19621)..................... 1625-AA89 1361 Pollution Prevention Equipment (USCG-2004-18939)...................................... 1625-AA90 1362 Alternate Compliance Program: Vessel Inspection Alternatives.......................... 1625-AA92 1363 Vessel Documentation: Lease Financing for Vessels Engaged in the Coastwise Trade...... 1625-AA95 1364 Waiver for Marking Sunken Vessels With Light at Night (USCG-2005-20488)............... 1625-AA97 1365 Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund Consumer Price Index (CPI) Adjustment of Vessel Limits 1625-AA98 of Liability.......................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1366 Reporting Marine Casualties (USCG-2000-6927).......................................... 1625-AA04 1367 Limited Service Domestic Voyage Load Lines for River Barges on Lake Michigan (USCG- 1625-AA17 1998-4623)............................................................................ 1368 Deepwater Ports (USCG-1998-3884)...................................................... 1625-AA20 1369 Vessel and Facility Response Plans for Oil: 2003 Removal Equipment Requirements and 1625-AA26 Alternative Technology Revisions (USCG-2001-8661)..................................... 1370 Marine Casualties and Investigations; Chemical Testing Following Serious Marine 1625-AA27 Incidents (USCG-2001-8773) (Reg Plan Seq No. 59)...................................... 1371 Drawbridge Operations Regulations; Revisions (USCG-2001-10881)........................ 1625-AA36 1372 Protection for Whistleblowers in the Coast Guard (USCG-2002-13016).................... 1625-AA50 1373 Review and Update of Standards for Marine Equipment (USCG-2003-16630)................. 1625-AA83 1374 Validation of Merchant Mariners' Vital Information and Issuance of Coast Guard 1625-AA85 Merchant Mariner's Licenses and Certificates of Registry (USCG-2004-17455) (Reg Plan Seq No. 60)........................................................................... 1375 Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes; Electronic 1625-AA93 Submission (USCG-2004-19963).......................................................... 1376 Vessel Requirements for Notices of Arrival and Departure, and Carriage of Automatic 1625-AA99 Identification System (USCG-2005-21869) (Reg Plan Seq No. 61)......................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- References in boldface appear in the Regulatory Plan in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. U.S. Coast Guard--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1377 Safety Zone Regulations............................................................... 1625-AA00 1378 Special Anchorage Areas/Anchorage Grounds Regulations................................. 1625-AA01 1379 Discharge-Removal Equipment for Vessels Carrying Oil (CGD 90-068)..................... 1625-AA02 1380 State Access to the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund (USCG-2004-19123).................. 1625-AA06 [[Page 64635]] 1381 Regatta and Marine Parade Regulations................................................. 1625-AA08 1382 Drawbridge Regulations................................................................ 1625-AA09 1383 Escort Vessels in Certain U.S. Waters (CGD 91-202a)................................... 1625-AA10 1384 Regulated Navigation Areas............................................................ 1625-AA11 1385 Marine Transportation-Related Facility Response Plans for Hazardous Substances (USCG- 1625-AA12 1999-5705)............................................................................ 1386 Tank Vessel Response Plans for Hazardous Substances (USCG-1998-4354).................. 1625-AA13 1387 Numbering of Undocumented Barges (USCG-1998-3798)..................................... 1625-AA14 1388 Outer Continental Shelf Activities (USCG-1998-3868)................................... 1625-AA18 1389 Salvage and Marine Firefighting Requirements; Vessel Response Plans for Oil (USCG-1998- 1625-AA19 3417)................................................................................. 1390 Commercial Diving Operations (USCG-1998-3786)......................................... 1625-AA21 1391 Improvements to Maritime Safety in Puget Sound-Area Waters (USCG-1998-4501)........... 1625-AA22 1392 Cargo Securing on Vessels Operating in U.S. Waters (USCG-2000-7080)................... 1625-AA25 1393 Federal Requirements for Propeller Injury Avoidance Measures (USCG 2001-10163)........ 1625-AA31 1394 Standards for Living Organisms in Ships' Ballast Water Discharged in U.S. Waters (USCG- 1625-AA32 2001-10486)........................................................................... 1395 Rates for Pilotage on the Great Lakes (USCG-2002-11288)............................... 1625-AA38 1396 Notifications of Arrival and Departure in Ports or Places in the United States (USCG- 1625-AA41 2001-11865)........................................................................... 1397 Vessel Traffic Service Lower Mississippi River (USCG-1998-4399)....................... 1625-AA58 1398 Validation of Merchant Mariners' Vital Information and Issuance of Coast Guard 1625-AA81 Merchant Mariner's Documents (MMDs) (USCG-2003-14500)................................. 1399 Security Zone Regulations............................................................. 1625-AA87 1400 Navigation Equipment; SOLAS Chapter V Amendments (USCG-2004-19588).................... 1625-AA91 1401 Notification of Arrival in U.S. Ports; Certain Dangerous Cargoes; Electronic 1625-AA96 Submission (USCG-2003-16688).......................................................... 1402 Long Range Identification and Tracking of Vessels..................................... 1625-AB00 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- U.S. Coast Guard--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1403 Escort Vessels for Certain Tankers (CGD 91-202)....................................... 1625-AA05 1404 Anchorage Ground; Safety Zone; Speed Limit; Tongass Narrows and Ketchikan, Alaska 1625-AA23 (CGD17-99-002)........................................................................ 1405 Electronic Chart Display and Information System (ECDIS) (USCG-2001-8826).............. 1625-AA29 1406 Marine Events: Permit Procedures (USCG-2001-10713).................................... 1625-AA35 1407 Escort Vessels for Certain Tankers--Crash Stop Criteria (USCG-2003-14734)............. 1625-AA65 1408 Tank Level or Pressure Monitoring Devices on Single-Hull Tank Ships and Single-Hull 1625-AA94 Tank Barges Carrying Oil or Oil Residue As Cargo...................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate of Border and Transportation Security--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1409 United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT); 1650-AA00 Authority To Collect Biometric Data From Additional Travelers......................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate of Border and Transportation Security--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1410 US VISIT: Enrollment of Additional Categories of Aliens in US-VISIT After Notice...... 1650-AA06 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64636]] Directorate of Border and Transportation Security--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1411 Implementation of the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology 1650-AA04 Program (US-VISIT); Biometric Requirements for Exit at Air and Sea Ports.............. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate of Border and Transportation Security--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1412 United States Visitor and Immigration Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT); 1650-AA01 Automatic Identification of Certain Nonimmigrants Exiting the United States at Select Land Border Ports of Entry............................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Prerule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1413 Documents Required for Travel Within the Western Hemisphere........................... 1651-AA66 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1414 Advance Notice Requirements for Aircraft Landings and Arrivals; Revisions to the 1651-AA41 Private Aircraft Overflight Program................................................... 1415 Prior Disclosure and Lost Duty or Revenue Demands When Penalty Claim Not Issued....... 1651-AA42 1416 Cargo Information (Manifest) Discrepancy Reporting Requirements and Penalty Guidelines 1651-AA45 1417 Air Transit Program................................................................... 1651-AA50 1418 Changes to the Administrative Process for Petitions for Relief Regarding Seizures and 1651-AA58 Forfeitures Resulting From Violations of Immigration and Naturalization Laws.......... 1419 Container Seals....................................................................... 1651-AA61 1420 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................................................................................ 1421 Use of Sampling Methods in CBP Audits and Offsetting of Overpayments and Over- 1651-AA64 Declarations in 19 U.S.C. 1592 Penalty Cases.......................................... 1422 Consolidation of Collections for Reimbursable Services................................ 1651-AA65 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1423 Elimination of Immigration and Naturalization Service-Issued Mexican and Canadian 1651-AA08 Border Crossing Cards................................................................. 1424 Extension of 25-Mile Limit at Select Arizona Ports-of-Entry........................... 1651-AA11 1425 Access to Customs Security Areas at Airports.......................................... 1651-AA38 1426 Passenger Name Record Information Required for Passengers on Flights in Foreign Air 1651-AA40 Transportation To or From the United States........................................... 1427 Confidentiality of Commercial Information............................................. 1651-AA47 1428 Letters and Documents; Advance Electronic Presentation of Cargo Data.................. 1651-AA55 1429 Remittance of Immigration User Fee.................................................... 1651-AA57 1430 Extension of Time Limit on Admission of Certain Mexican Nationals..................... 1651-AA60 1431 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.................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 64637]] Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1432 Visa Waiver Program................................................................... 1651-AA00 1433 Inspection and Expedited Removal of Aliens; Detention and Removal of Aliens; Conduct 1651-AA04 of Removal Proceedings................................................................ 1434 Establishment of Preinspected Automated Lane (PAL) Program............................ 1651-AA06 1435 Amendment of the Regulatory Definition of Arriving Alien.............................. 1651-AA07 1436 Removal of Visa and Passport Waiver for Certain Permanent Residents of Canada and 1651-AA23 Bermuda............................................................................... 1437 Nonimmigrant Visa Exemption for Nationals of the British Virgin Islands Entering the 1651-AA29 United States Through St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands................................. 1438 Procedures Governing the Border Release Advanced Screening and Selectivity (BRASS) 1651-AA35 Program............................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Customs and Border Protection--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1439 Conditional Release Period and Customs Bond Obligations for Food, Drugs, Devices, and 1651-AA39 Cosmetics............................................................................. 1440 Western Hemisphere Travel Document Requirements....................................... 1651-AA63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1441 Aircraft Repair Station Security...................................................... 1652-AA38 1442 Foreign Air Carriers.................................................................. 1652-AA40 1443 Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) Maritime....................... 1652-AA41 1444 Modification of the Aviation Security Infrastructure Fee (ASIF)....................... 1652-AA43 1445 Due Process for FAA Certificate Holders and for Other Threat Assessments.............. 1652-AA44 1446 Registered Traveler (RT).............................................................. 1652-AA47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1447 Imposition and Collection of Passenger Civil Aviation Security Service Fees........... 1652-AA00 1448 Aviation Security Infrastructure Fees (ASIF).......................................... 1652-AA01 1449 Air Cargo Security Requirements....................................................... 1652-AA23 1450 Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Intelligence, Enforcement, Internal 1652-AA34 Investigation, and Background Investigation Records................................... 1451 Flight Training for Aliens and Other Designated Individuals; Security Awareness 1652-AA35 Training for Flight School Employees.................................................. 1452 Secure Flight Program................................................................. 1652-AA45 1453 Technical Amendment: Administrative Organizational Changes............................ 1652-AA46 1454 Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Secure Flight Records.............. 1652-AA48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1455 Civil Aviation Security Rules......................................................... 1652-AA02 1456 Security Programs for Aircraft Weighing 12,500 Pounds or More......................... 1652-AA03 1457 Private Charter Security Rules........................................................ 1652-AA04 1458 Background Checks for Airport Workers................................................. 1652-AA06 1459 Protection of Sensitive Security Information.......................................... 1652-AA08 [[Page 64638]] 1460 Security Compliance Program for Aircraft Operators.................................... 1652-AA09 1461 Security Compliance Program for Airports.............................................. 1652-AA10 1462 Criminal History Records Checks....................................................... 1652-AA11 1463 Transportation of Explosives From Canada to the United States Via Commercial Motor 1652-AA16 Vehicle and Railroad Carrier.......................................................... 1464 Security Threat Assessment for Individuals Applying for a Hazardous Materials 1652-AA17 Endorsement for a Commercial Drivers License.......................................... 1465 Surface Transportation Security Directives............................................ 1652-AA26 1466 Enhanced Security Procedures for Operations at Certain Airports in the Washington, DC, 1652-AA39 Metropolitan Area Flight Restricted Zone.............................................. 1467 Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport: Enhanced Security Procedures for Certain 1652-AA49 Operations............................................................................ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Transportation Security Administration--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1468 Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Registered Traveler Operations 1652-AA36 Files................................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1469 Procedures for Detainee Hunger Strikes................................................ 1653-AA12 1470 Interest Payments on Cancelled Cash Bonds............................................. 1653-AA20 1471 SEVIS Reporting Requirements of Academic Institutions at the Start of Each Term or 1653-AA28 Session............................................................................... 1472 Removal of Companies Holding a Certificate From the Secretary of the Treasury as an 1653-AA38 Acceptable Surety on Immigration Bonds................................................ 1473 Transfer of Flight Training Programs Under the Department of State Oversight to the 1653-AA43 Department of Homeland Security....................................................... 1474 Strengthening Control Over Immigration Surety Bonds................................... 1653-AA45 1475 Centralized Filing of Bond Appeals.................................................... 1653-AA48 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1476 Requiring Aliens Ordered Removed From the United States To Surrender to the Department 1653-AA05 of Homeland Security for Removal...................................................... 1477 Early Release for Removal of Criminal Aliens in State Custody for Nonviolent Offenses. 1653-AA06 1478 Power of Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security To Terminate Deportation 1653-AA08 Proceedings and Initiate Removal Proceedings.......................................... 1479 Protection and Assistance for Victims of Trafficking.................................. 1653-AA09 1480 Detention of Aliens Subject to Final Orders of Removal................................ 1653-AA13 1481 Custody Procedures.................................................................... 1653-AA14 1482 Powers and Authorities of Officers and Employees...................................... 1653-AA27 1483 Changes in Registration Policies and Monitoring of Certain Nonimmigrants.............. 1653-AA29 1484 Extending the Period of Duration of Status for Certain F and J Nonimmigrant Aliens.... 1653-AA30 1485 Requiring Certification of All Service-Approved Schools for Enrollment in the Student 1653-AA31 and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS)....................................... 1486 Denial and Withdrawal for Approval of Schools for Attendance by Nonimmigrant Students. 1653-AA33 1487 Change in Business Practices; Acceptance of Payments of Fees By Credit Card and Other 1653-AA36 Electronic Means Where Possible....................................................... 1488 Implementation of the Border Commuter Student Act of 2002............................. 1653-AA37 [[Page 64639]] 1489 Civil Monetary Penalties Inflation Adjustment......................................... 1653-AA39 1490 Establishing Procedures for Recertification of Schools Approved by the Student and 1653-AA42 Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) to Enroll F or M Nonimmigrant Students................ 1491 Establish Compliance Criteria and Comprehensive Fee for Recertification of Schools 1653-AA44 Approved by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) To Enroll F or M Nonimmigrant Students................................................................. 1492 Duties of Officers; Administrative Control of Removal Orders.......................... 1653-AA46 1493 Electronic Signature and Storage of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification..... 1653-AA47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1494 Employer Sanctions Modifications...................................................... 1653-AA01 1495 Agreement Promising Nondeportation or Other Immigration Benefits...................... 1653-AA02 1496 Address Notification To Be Filed With Designated Applications......................... 1653-AA15 1497 Abbreviation or Waiver of Training for State or Local Law Enforcement Officers 1653-AA18 Authorized To Enforce Immigration Law During a Mass Influx of Aliens.................. 1498 Reduced Course Load for Certain F and M Nonimmigrant Students at Border Communities... 1653-AA32 1499 Authorizing Suspension of Employment Authorization Requirements on the Basis of Severe 1653-AA34 Economic Hardship for F-1 Students and Emergent Circumstances......................... 1500 Requirements for Admission, Extension, and Maintenance of Nonimmigrant Status; Effect 1653-AA40 of Visa Revocation.................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response/FEMA--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1501 Disaster Assistance; Fire Management Assistance Grant Program......................... 1660-AA26 1502 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.............................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response/FEMA--Final Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1503 National Flood Insurance Program; Appeal of Decisions Relating to Flood Insurance 1660-AA41 Coverage.............................................................................. 1504 Special Community Disaster Loans Program.............................................. 1660-AA44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Directorate of Emergency Preparedness and Response/FEMA--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identifier Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1505 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program................................................... 1660-AA00 1506 Criminal and Civil Penalties Under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and 1660-AA01 Emergency Assistance Act.............................................................. 1507 Disaster Assistance; Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.................................. 1660-AA02 1508 Debt Collection....................................................................... 1660-AA05 1509 National Urban Search and Rescue Response System...................................... 1660-AA07 1510 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Insurance Coverage and Rates................. 1660-AA09 1511 Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program........................ 1660-AA17 1512 Disaster Assistance; Federal Assistance to Individuals and Households................. 1660-AA18 1513 Management Costs...................................................................... 1660-AA21 1514 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Group Flood Insurance Policy (GFIP).......... 1660-AA22 [[Page 64640]] 1515 Disaster Assistance; Crisis Counseling Regular Program; Amendment to Regulation....... 1660-AA23 1516 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA28 Insurers.............................................................................. 1517 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); Assistance to Private Sector Property 1660-AA29 Insurers; Extension of Term of Arrangement............................................ 1518 Disaster Assistance; Public Assistance Insurance Requirements......................... 1660-AA32 1519 Estimating Eligible Cost.............................................................. 1660-AA33 1520 Assistance Program Under the 9/11 Heroes Stamp Act of 2001............................ 1660-AA34 1521 National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP); State Renewal of Group Flood Insurance Policy 1660-AA35 1522 Pilot Program for the Mitigation of Severe Repetitive Loss Properties................. 1660-AA36 1523 Flood Mitigation Assistance Program and Mitigation Planning........................... 1660-AA37 1524 Grants for Repetitive Insurance Claim Properties...................................... 1660-AA38 1525 Disaster Assistance; Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.................................. 1660-AA39 1526 Predisaster Mitigation Program........................................................ 1660-AA40 1527 Conduct at the Mt. Weather Emergency Operations Center, the Olney Federal Support 1660-AA42 Center, the National Emergency Training Center, and the Noble Training Center......... 1528 Hazard Mitigation Planning and Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Funding................ 1660-AA43 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1234. SUPPLEMENTAL STANDARDS OF CONDUCT FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Priority: Info./Admin./Other. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. 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 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Robert E. Coyle, Designated Agency Ethics Official, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4248 Fax: 202 772-9728 RIN: 1601-AA17 _______________________________________________________________________ 1235. UNIFORM ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS FOR GRANTS AND COOPERATIVE AGREEMENTS; ADMINISTRATION OF GRANTS AND AGREEMENTS WITH INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER ED., HOSPITALS, AND OTHER NONPROFIT ORGS. 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Local, State Agency Contact: Van Pace, Chief Procurement Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-3608 Email: van.pace@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA18 _______________________________________________________________________ 1236. IDENTIFYING, SAFEGUARDING, AND 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 establish procedures for sharing, identifying and safeguarding, processing and handling, Homeland [[Page 64641]] Security Information between agencies and appropriate State, tribal, local and private sector personnel. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State Federalism: This action may have federalism implications as defined in EO 13132. Agency Contact: Grace Mastalli, Deputy Director, ISCO, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 282-9415 Fax: 202 282-8828 Email: grace.l.mastalli@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA25 _______________________________________________________________________ 1237. [bull] HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR): CONFORMANCE TO THE FEDERAL ACQUISITION CIRCULARS (FACS) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 41 USC 418b(a) and 41 USC 418 (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 USC 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. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/06 Final Action 05/00/07 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: 202 205-0141 RIN: 1601-AA28 _______________________________________________________________________ 1238. [bull] ASSISTANCE TO FIREFIGHTERS GRANT PROGRAM Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 USC 2229) as amended. CFR Citation: 44 CFR 152 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: To update existing guidance on program that makes grants directly to fire departments and nonaffiliated emergency medical services (EMS) organizations of a State for the purpose of enhancing their ability to protect the health and safety of the public as well as that of firefighting personnel facing fire and fire-related hazards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Tom Harrington, Program Specialist, Department of Homeland Security, Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, 810 7th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20531 Phone: 202 786-9791 Fax: 202 786-9938 Email: tom.harrington@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA30 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Final Rule Stage Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1239. CLASSIFIED NATIONAL SECURITY INFORMATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; EO 12958; EO 13142; 3 CFR ch 1 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 7.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule will implement Executive Order 12958, ``Classified National Security Information,'' as amended, by establishing elements of the Department of Homeland Security's classified national security information regulations, specifically the Secretary of Homeland Security's designation of a Senior Agency Official to direct and administer the classified information program at the Department of Homeland Security. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 01/27/03 68 FR 4073 Interim Final Rule Effective 01/27/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 02/26/03 Final Action 12/00/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: John J. Young, Department of Homeland Security, Office of Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 358-1438 Fax: 202 772-9741 Email: john.young@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA02 [[Page 64642]] _______________________________________________________________________ 1240. 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 Interim Final Rule 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Tim Keefer, Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4529 Fax: 202 772-9738 Email: timothy.keefer@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA03 _______________________________________________________________________ 1241. 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 Final Action 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Tim Keefer, Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4529 Fax: 202 772-9738 Email: timothy.keefer@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA04 _______________________________________________________________________ 1242. 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 Final Action 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Tim Keefer, Department of Homeland Security, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4529 Fax: 202 772-9738 Email: timothy.keefer@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA05 _______________________________________________________________________ 1243. 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 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 Final Action 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal [[Page 64643]] Agency Contact: Daniel Brown, Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 282-9111 Email: daniel.brown@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA06 _______________________________________________________________________ 1244. 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 USC 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 Interim Final Rule Effective 10/12/05 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 11/14/05 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1245. 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 USC 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 Final Action 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA12 _______________________________________________________________________ 1246. NATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY ACT PROCEDURES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296; 5 USC 301; 42 USC 4321 et seq; 40 CFR 1500 to 1508; EO 12114; EO 12898 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 1, 2003. Abstract: The purpose of this action is to establish the procedures that the Department of Homeland Security shall use to comply with section 102(2) of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) of 1969, as amended (42 U.S.C. 4332(2)); the Council on Environmental Quality's (CEQ) regulations for implementing the procedural provisions of NEPA (40 CFR parts 1500 to 1508); Executive Order 12114, ``Environmental Effects Abroad of Major Federal Actions,'' dated January 4, 1979; and Executive Order 12898, ``Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations,`` dated February 11, 1994. This publication is to be used in conjunction with the CEQ regulations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Case Opened 06/14/04 69 FR 33043 Comment Period End 07/14/04 Final Action 12/00/05 Final Action Effective 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: David Reese, Director, Office of Safety and Environment, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 692-4224 Email: david.reese@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA13 _______________________________________________________________________ 1247. PROCEDURES FOR HANDLING CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE INFORMATION Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 56 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1601-AA14 _______________________________________________________________________ 1248. REGULATIONS IMPLEMENTING THE SUPPORT ANTITERRORISM BY FOSTERING EFFECTIVE TECHNOLOGIES ACT OF 2002 (THE SAFETY ACT) Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 57 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1601-AA15 _______________________________________________________________________ 1249. HOMELAND SECURITY ACQUISITION REGULATION (HSAR) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Unfunded Mandates: Undetermined Legal Authority: 41 USC 418b(a); 41 USC 418(b) CFR Citation: 48 CFR ch 30 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This final rule revises the Homeland Security Acquisition [[Page 64644]] Regulation published in the December 4, 2003, Federal Register (69 FR 67868) as an interim rule. It addresses public comments received as a result of the December 4, 2003, interim rule. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Interim Final Rule 12/04/03 68 FR 67868 Interim Final Rule Effective 12/04/03 Interim Final Rule Comment Period End 01/05/04 Final Action 12/00/05 Final Action Effective 01/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Kathy Strouss, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Chief of Procurement, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-0141 RIN: 1601-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ 1250. [bull] PROTECTION OF HUMAN SUBJECTS Regulatory Plan: This entry is Seq. No. 58 in part II of this issue of the Federal Register. RIN: 1601-AA29 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Long-Term Actions Office of the Secretary (OS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1251. 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; 5 USC 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 USC 552) (FOIA) and the Privacy Act (5 USC 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 Final Action To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Elizabeth Withnell, Chief Counsel to the Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 772-5015 Fax: 202 772-5036 Email: elizabeth.withnell@dhs.gov Tony Kendrick, Director, Departmental Disclosure, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 772-9848 Email: tony.kendrick@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1252. 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; 5 USC 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. 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 Interim Final Rule To Be Determined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA01 _______________________________________________________________________ 1253. GOVERNMENTWIDE DEBARMENT AND SUSPENSION (NONPROCUREMENT) AND GOVERNMENTWIDE REQUIREMENTS FOR DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; PL 100-690; 41 USC 701 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 27.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action establishes new procedures under Executive Order 12549, signed February 18, 1986, and Executive Order 12689, signed August 16, 1989. This regulation is similar to rules of other Federal agencies as part of a uniform system of nonprocurement debarment and suspension. The rules are intended to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse in Federal nonprocurement transactions. [[Page 64645]] Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA10 _______________________________________________________________________ 1254. PROCEDURES RELATING TO AWARDS UNDER THE EQUAL ACCESS TO JUSTICE ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 107-296, 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 301; 5 USC 504(c)(1) CFR Citation: 6 CFR 13.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action implements the provisions of the Equal Access to Justice Act, which provides for the award of attorney fees and other expenses to eligible individuals, and entities who are parties to certain administrative proceedings before agencies of the Federal Government, including the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The purpose of these rules is to establish procedures for the submission and consideration of applications for awards before DHS. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA22 _______________________________________________________________________ 1255. 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; 31 USC 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 USC et seq.), and regulations, policies, and procedures issued by the Internal Revenue Service 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 setoff of an employee's pay under 5 USC 5705. DHS entities and other Federal agencies may simultaneously use multiple collection remedies to collect a debt, except as prohibited by law. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA23 _______________________________________________________________________ 1256. RIGHT TO FINANCIAL PRIVACY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 107-296; 116 Stat 2135; 5 USC 3012; 12 USC 3401 et seq, Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978; . . . CFR Citation: 6 CFR 25.1 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This regulation establishes procedures for requesting information under the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 (12 USC 3401 et seq.). The Act provides for the protection of financial records and information from disclosure by financial institutions. Under certain limited circumstances and procedures, the Act permits law enforcement agencies to request financial records from the holding financial institution. These proposed provisions will authorize departmental units to request such information under the format request procedure established by section 1108 of the Act. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Michael Russell, Acting Deputy Associate General Counsel, Department of Homeland Security, Office of the General Counsel, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 205-4634 Fax: 202 772-9735 Email: michael.d.russell@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA24 _______________________________________________________________________ 1257. [bull] DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY LABOR RELATIONS BOARD Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 301; 5 USC 9701 CFR Citation: 6 CFR 23 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 64646]] Abstract: The Department of Homeland Security is issuing initial interim rules for the operation of the Homeland Security Labor Relations Board, as authorized by the Homeland Security Act of 2002. These rules are designed to provide fair, impartial, and expeditious assignment and disposition of cases. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Lynn Heirakuji, Director of Operations, Homeland Security Labor Relations Board, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528 Phone: 202 357-8239 Fax: 202 357-8295 Email: lynn.heirakuji@dhs.gov RIN: 1601-AA27 _______________________________________________________________________ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposed Rule Stage U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) _______________________________________________________________________ 1258. REVISED GROUNDS OF INADMISSIBILITY; EXCEPTIONS AND WAIVERS FOR IMMIGRANTS AND NONIMMIGRANTS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 8 USC 1158 to 1160; 8 USC 1182 to 1184; 5 USC 552a; 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1157 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 103; 8 CFR 207; 8 CFR 208; 8 CFR 210; 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 240; 8 CFR 241; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 245a; 8 CFR 249; 8 CFR 274a; 8 CFR 299; . . . Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking covers several grounds of inadmissibility applicable to those aliens seeking admission to the United States temporarily or permanently--criminal, security, labor certification, licensure requirements for foreign medical graduates and health care workers, failure to attend a removal proceeding, fraud, improperly issued immigrant visa, permanent ineligibility for U.S. citizenship, and miscellaneous grounds. It implements several pieces of legislation. The most significant is the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), signed on September 30, 1996, which substantially revised most grounds of inadmissibility under section 212 of the Act and the waivers available to both immigrants and nonimmigrants. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CIS No. 1413-92 Transferred from RIN 1115-AB45 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Residence and Status Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: pearl.chang@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA00 _______________________________________________________________________ 1259. INTERNATIONAL MATCHMAKING ORGANIZATIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1375; PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 207; 28 CFR 68 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule requires international matchmaking organizations doing business in the United States to provide certain immigration information to any person recruited for matchmaking through these entities. This provision implements section 652 of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996, Public Law 104-208. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM (CIS No. 1838-97) 07/16/97 62 FR 38041 ANPRM Comment Period End 09/15/97 NPRM (CIS No. 1838-97) 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1838-97 Transferred from RIN 1115-AE77 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Residence and Status Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: pearl.chang@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA11 _______________________________________________________________________ 1260. IMMIGRANT AND NONIMMIGRANT; RELIGIOUS WORKERS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 CFR 2 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On June 8, 1995, at 60 FR 29751, the Department of Justice published a final rule that provided that all persons, other than ministers immigrating to the United States as religious workers must immigrate or adjust status to permanent residence before October 1, 1997. By statute, this special immigrant category for religious workers expired on October 1, 2000. Congress extended the category again for an additional three years, until October 1, 2003. DHS is promulgating this regulation to implement the extension of this category and modify qualifying employment experience requirements for those persons affected by this provision of immigration regulations. In order to maintain consistency in the adjudication of [[Page 64647]] nonimmigrant and special immigrant religious worker classifications, the nonimmigrant religious workers classification will, where appropriate, reflect the special immigration religious worker changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM (CIS No. 1436-94) 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 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, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 353-8177 Email: efran.hernandez@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA16 _______________________________________________________________________ 1261. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT STATUS FOR CERTAIN NATO CIVILIAN EMPLOYEES 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 214; 8 CFR 245; 8 CFR 274 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations by establishing procedures for certain North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) civilian employees and their family members to receive special immigrant status in the United States and become lawful permanent residents of this country. This rule also offers nonimmigrant status to any parent or child of a NATO civilian employee who has been granted special immigrant status. This rule is intended to ensure the qualifying NATO employees and their family members are aware of their opportunity to acquire special immigrant status and adjustment of status or otherwise obtain corresponding nonimmigrant status. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 03/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 1984-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF44 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 353-8177 Email: efran.hernandez@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA21 _______________________________________________________________________ 1262. INADMISSIBILITY TO ENTER THE UNITED STATES FOR FORMER U.S. CITIZENS WHO RENOUNCED CITIZENSHIP TO AVOID TAXATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1182(a)(10); PL 104-208 CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule amends Department regulations by establishing procedures to be followed by DHS personnel and Department of State personnel in determining whether or not an expatriate alien is inadmissible to the United States under Section 212(a)(10)(E) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. This ground of inadmissibility relates to former U.S. citizens who renounced U.S. citizenship on or after September 30, 1996, and the Secretary has determined that such renunciation was done for the purpose of avoiding taxation by the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/00/05 NPRM Comment Period End 02/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2039-99 Transferred from RIN 1115-AF69 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Residence and Status Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: pearl.chang@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA32 _______________________________________________________________________ 1263. INTERCOUNTRY ADOPTIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101; 8 USC 1103; 8 USC 1151; 8 USC 1153; 8 USC 1154; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1186a; 8 USC 1255; 8 USC 1641; 8 CFR 2 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 Co-operation 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 05/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No [[Page 64648]] Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2098-00. Transferred from RIN 1115-AF96 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Residence and Status Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: pearl.chang@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA43 _______________________________________________________________________ 1264. WAIVER OF FEES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 5 USC 552; 5 USC 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 ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 09/00/06 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, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 353-8177 Email: efran.hernandez@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA48 _______________________________________________________________________ 1265. ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS UNDER SECTION 245(K) Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: PL 105-119 CFR Citation: 9 CFR 245 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes amending Department regulations for persons using Section 245(k) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to adjust status to that of lawful permanent resident (LPR). Section 245(k) of the Act allows an alien with an approved employment-based petition to adjust status to LPR despite violations of status if those violations have lasted no longer than 180 days since the alien's last entry. This rule proposes eligibility criteria and adjustment procedures for persons wishing to use this section of the Act to become an LPR without leaving the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 06/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2120-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG10 Agency Contact: Pearl Chang, Chief, Residence and Status Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: pearl.chang@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA54 _______________________________________________________________________ 1266. 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; 8 USC 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 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 09/00/06 [[Page 64649]] NPRM Comment Period End 11/00/06 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 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, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 353-8177 Email: efran.hernandez@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA55 _______________________________________________________________________ 1267. CONSTRUCTION WORK AND THE B NONIMMIGRANT VISA CLASSIFICATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: Not Yet Determined CFR Citation: 8 CFR 214 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Department of Justice previously solicited comments from the public on the issue of aliens admitted to the United States as B nonimmigrant visitors whose intent is to engage in construction work during the alien's stay. In particular, the Department sought to explore the feasibility of defining the term construction as it relates to B nonimmigrant visitors. A standard definition of construction may assist both the public and Federal Government in determining if an alien admitted as a B nonimmigrant visitor may engage in construction during his or her period of authorized stay. DHS is revising the proposed bill for additional public comment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/19/01 66 FR 48223 ANPRM Comment Period End 11/19/01 NPRM 04/00/06 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: CIS No. 2126-01 Transferred from RIN 1115-AG15 Agency Contact: Efren Hernandez, Chief, Business and Trade Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 353-8177 Email: efran.hernandez@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA58 _______________________________________________________________________ 1268. 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 02/00/06 NPRM Comment Period End 04/00/06 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, Residence and Status Branch, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Room 3214, Office of Program and Regulations Development, (ULLICO) 3rd Floor, 111 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529 Phone: 202 514-4754 Email: pearl.chang@dhs.gov RIN: 1615-AA61 _______________________________________________________________________ 1269. WAIVERS OF THE TWO-YEAR FOREIGN RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT FOR CERTAIN EXCHANGE VISITORS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 8 USC 1101 to 1103; 8 USC 1182; 8 USC 1184; . . . CFR Citation: 8 CFR 212; 8 CFR 299 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rule proposes to amend Department regulations relating to the two-year foreign residence requirement under section 212(e) of the Immigration [[Page 64650]] and Nationality Act (Act). The proposed changes would conform to the requirements of the Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 (IIRIRA), and the Department of Justice Appropriations Act, 2000. The proposed rulemaking would affect aliens who enter the United States as J-1 or J-2 nonimmigrant exchange visitors and who are subject to the requirement of section 212(e) of the Act, which stipulates that they must return to their home country for a period of two years before they are eligible to change to a different nonimmigrant classification or apply for lawful permanent residence in the United States. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/00/0