Agency information collection activities; proposals, submissions, and approvals,

[Federal Register: July 3, 2003 (Volume 68, Number 128)]

[Notices]

[Page 39957]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr03jy03-83]

[[Page 39957]]

DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services

Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

Action: Request OMB emergency approval; Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability, Form I-601.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) has submitted an emergency information collection request (ICR) utilizing emergency review procedures, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with section 1320.13(a)(1)(ii) and (a)(2)(iii) of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The BCIS has determined that it cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures under this part because normal clearance procedures are reasonably likely to prevent or disrupt the collection of information. BCIS is requesting emergency review from OMB of this information collection to ensure benefits of an applicant under section 212 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Therefore, OMB approval has been requested by June 30, 2003. If granted, the emergency approval is only valid for 180 days. All comments and/or questions pertaining to this pending request for emergency approval must be directed to OMB, Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Attention: Ms. Karen Lee, DHS Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503. Comments regarding the emergency submission of this information collection may also be submitted via facsimile to Ms. Lee at 202-395-6974.

During the first 60 days of this same period, a regular review of this information collection is also being undertaken. During the regular review period, the BCIS requests written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning this information collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until September 2, 2003. During the 60-day regular review, all comments and suggestions, or questions regarding additional information, to include obtaining a copy of the information collection instrument with instructions, should be directed to Mr. Richard A. Sloan, 202-514-3291, Director, Regulations and Forms Services Division, Room 4307, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information should address one or more of the following four points:

(1) Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;

(2) Evaluate the accuracy of the agencies estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;

(3) Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and

(4) Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

Overview of this information collection:

(1) Type of Information Collection: Extension of currently approved collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Application for Waiver of Ground of Excludability.

(3) Agency form number, iF any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form I-601. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or Households. The information collected on this form will be used by the BCIS to determine whether the applicant is eligible for a waiver of excludability under section 212 of the Act.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 3,000 responses at 30 minutes (.50 hours) per response.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 1,500 annual burden hours.

If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the proposed information collection instrument with instructions, or additional information, please contact Richard A. Sloan 202-514-3291, Director, Regulations and Forms Services Division, Room 4307, 425 I Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536. Additionally, comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time may also be directed to Mr. Richard A. Sloan.

Dated: June 27, 2003. Richard A. Sloan, Department Clearance Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services.

[FR Doc. 03-16797 Filed 7-2-03; 8:45 am]

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