83 FR 17833 - Agency Information Collection Activities: Case Assistance Form (Ombudsman Form DHS-7001, and Instructions)
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 79 (April 24, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 79 (April 24, 2018)
| Page Range | 17833-17835 | |
| FR Document | 2018-08450 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 79 (Tuesday, April 24, 2018)] [Notices] [Pages 17833-17835] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-08450] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [DHS-2018-0021] Agency Information Collection Activities: Case Assistance Form (Ombudsman Form DHS-7001, and Instructions) AGENCY: Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ACTION: 60-Day notice and request for comments; Extension of a currently approved collection, 1601-0004. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: The DHS Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services (CIS) Ombudsman, will submit the following Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collected on this form will allow the CIS Ombudsman to identify the problem as either a case problem, which is a request for information about a case that was filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) (``case problem''); or a systemic issue that may or may not pertain to an individual case which the individual, attorney or employer is seeking to bring to the attention of the CIS Ombudsman (``trend''). DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until June 25, 2018. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1. [[Page 17834]] ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by DHS-2018-0021, at:Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Please follow the instructions for submitting comments. Instructions: All submissions received must include the agency name and docket number DHS-2018-0021. All comments received will be posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to http://www.regulations.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Raymond Mills, (202) 357-8100, [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The CIS Ombudsman was created under section 452 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296) to: (1) Assist individuals and employers in resolving problems with the USCIS; (2) to identify areas in which individuals and employers have problems in dealing with USCIS; and (3) to the extent possible, propose changes in the administrative practices of USCIS to mitigate problems. This form is used by an applicant who is experiencing problems with USCIS during the processing of an immigration benefit. The information collected on this form will allow the CIS Ombudsman to identify the problem as either: (1) A case problem which is a request for information about a case that was filed with USCIS (``case problem''); or (2) the identification of a systemic issue that may or may not pertain to an individual case which the individual, attorney or employer is seeking to bring to the attention of the CIS Ombudsman (``trend''). For case problems, the CIS Ombudsman will refer case specific issues to the Customer Assistance Office for USCIS for further research, and review. For trends received, the CIS Ombudsman notes the systemic issue identified in the correspondence which may or may not be incorporated into future recommendations submitted to the Director of USCIS pursuant to section 452(d)(4) of Public Law 107-296. The use of this form provides the most efficient means for collecting and processing the required data. The CIS Ombudsman also employs the use of information technology in collecting and processing information by offering the option for electronic submission of the DHS Form 7001 through the Ombudsman Online Case Assistance System. Per PRA requirements, a fillable PDF version of the form is provided on the CIS Ombudsman's website. The PDF form can be completed online, printed out and sent to the CIS Ombudsman's office at the address indicated on the form. It is noted on the form that using the paper method can result in significant processing delays for the CIS Ombudsman's office to provide the requested case assistance. After approval of the changes to the form detailed in this supporting statement, both the online form and PDF will be updated and posted on the Ombudsman's website at http://www.dhs.gov/case-assistance for submission of the form. The assurance of confidentiality provided to the respondents for this information collection is provided by: (a) The CIS Ombudsman authorizing legislation and mandate as established by Homeland Security Act of 2002 at Section 452; (b) the Privacy Impact Assessment and the (c) Systems of Records Notice titled ``Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman-001 Online Ombudsman Form DHS-7001 and Ombudsman Case Assistance Online System of Records''. The DHS Privacy Office will receive the entire package of documents for this information collection to assure authorization for renewal of the collection. The Ombudsman Form DHS-7001 (PDF) and the Ombudsman Case Assistance Online System are constructed in compliance with all applicable DHS Privacy Office, DHS CIO, DHS Records Management, and OMB regulations regarding data collection, use, storage, and retrieval. The proposed public use data collection system is therefore intended to be distributed for public use primarily by electronic means with limited paper distribution and processing of paper forms. The Ombudsman Form DHS-7001 (PDF) and the Online Ombudsman Form DHS-7001 (Ombudsman Case Assistance Online System) have been constructed in compliance with regulations and authorities under the purview of the DHS Privacy Office, DHS CIO, DHS Records Management, and OMB regulations regarding data collection, use, sharing, storage, information security and retrieval of information. There has been an increase of 3,200 in the estimated annual burden hours previously reported for this information collection. The increase in burden hours is a reflection of agency estimates. There is no change in the information being collected, however there have been cosmetic changes to the form including punctuation, formatting, and text changes to make the form more understandable and streamlined for use by respondents. In 2015, the following changes were made: a. Number of response fields was reduced from 13 to 12 and arranged in a way that streamlines completion, submission and processing of the form. b. The title of the form was changed from ``Case Problem Submission Worksheet (CIS Ombudsman Form DHS-7001)'' to ``Case Assistance Form (Ombudsman Form DHS-7001)''. c. The name of the system was changed from ``Virtual Ombudsman System'' to ``Ombudsman Case Assistance Online System''. The following narrative explains the changes made on the form in 2015 and the corresponding instructions. The ORIGINAL 7001 form had the sections arranged in the following order: 1. Name: Please identify the individual or employer encountering difficulties with USCIS (applicant/beneficiary/petitioner). 2. Contact Information: Please provide information on the individual or employer encountering difficulties with USCIS (applicant/ beneficiary/petitioner). 3. Date of Birth. 4. Country of Birth and Citizenship. 5. Alien Registration Number (A-Number); The A-number appears in the following format: A123-456-789. 6. Person Preparing This Form: Please indicate who is completing this form. 7. Applications/Petitions Filed: List all applications and/or petitions pending with USCIS related to your case inquiry. 8. Type of Immigration Benefit: Please provide the type of immigration benefit sought from USCIS. 9. Reason for Inquiry: Please indicate if any of the options apply. Provide a description in section 10. 10. Description: Describe the difficulties experienced with USCIS. Attach additional pages if needed. 11. Prior Actions Taken: Check all that apply: Please describe the response USCIS provided and attach any relevant correspondence. 12. Consent: If you are the beneficiary of an immigration petition, consent of the individual who submitted the petition on your behalf is required. The petitioner must sign. 13. Attorney or Accredited Representative: Please complete this section if you are an attorney, a representative of an organization, an accredited representative, or anyone [[Page 17835]] else preparing this form on behalf of the individual or employer encountering difficulties with USCIS. The AMENDED 7001 form has the sections arranged in the following order: 1. Name: Please identify the name of the individual or employer (applicant/beneficiary/petitioner) encountering or difficulties with USCIS. Do not enter the attorney/law firm's name here. 2. Date of Birth: Country of Birth: Country of Citizenship. 3. Alien Registration Number (A-Number); The A-number appears in the following format: A123-456-789. 4. Contact Information: Please provide the contact information of the individual or employer (applicant/beneficiary/petitioner) encountering difficulties with USCIS. Please include the primary E-Mail address for the CIS Ombudsman to provide updates. 5. Applications/Petitions Filed: List all applications and/or petitions pending with USCIS related to your case inquiry. 6. Type of Immigration Benefit Sought: Please provide the type of immigration benefit sought from USCIS. 7. Reason for Inquiry/Case Assistance Request: Check all that apply. Provide a description in section 8 and add documentation related to your inquiry. 8. Description of your Case Problem: Describe the difficulties experienced with USCIS including all responses USCIS provided. Attach relevant correspondence concerning actions taken to resolve the issue before submitting with the Ombudsman's Office including: Receipt notices; requests for evidence; decisions; notices and any other correspondence from USCIS about your case. Attach additional pages if needed. 9. Prior Actions Taken to Remedy the Problem: Check all that apply and provide the additional information requested for each selection in the space provided. Note that if selecting Option a ``Visited USCIS My Case Status at www.uscis.gov``, you must indicate what additional actions (b through g) were taken to remedy the problem before submitting the form to the Ombudsman. a. Visited USCIS My Case Status at http://www.uscis.gov/. b. Contacted the National Customer Service Center (NCSC) for information and/or assistance regarding this case at their toll-free number 1-800-375-5283. Provide SRMT Number. c. Attended an InfoPass Appointment with USCIS. Provide InfoPass Number. d. Sent an Email to USCIS. Provide date E-Mail sent: Provide USCIS Email address. e. Contacted a U.S. Government Department or Agency for assistance. Provide name and contact information. f. Contacted a U.S. Congressional Representative for assistance. Provide name and contact information. g. Other. Please describe. 10. Person Preparing This Form: Please indicate who is completing this form. 11. Attorney or Accredited Representative: Please complete this section if you are an attorney, a representative of an organization, an accredited representative, or anyone else preparing this form on behalf of the individual or employer encountering difficulties with USCIS. Please attach copy of your Form G-28. 12. Consent: Please note that if you are the beneficiary of an immigration petition, consent of the individual or employer that submitted the petition on your behalf is required. The petitioner must sign. The instructions have been updated to reflect the electronic submission options as detailed in the previous paragraphs. Instructions for electronic submission will be posted on the CIS Ombudsman website at www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman. The electronic version of the form was developed by DHS OCIO (Office of the Chief Information Officer) based upon the approved version of the amended 7001 form as described herein. Sample screenshots were provided with the 2015 submission. There is no change in the terms of clearance from the previously approved collection as addressed by the: (a) Privacy Impact Assessment and (b) Systems of Records Notice titled ``Department of Homeland Security Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman-001 Online Ombudsman Form DHS-7001 and Ombudsman Case Assistance Online System of Records''. This is an extension of a currently approved collection, 1601-0004. OMB is particularly interested in comments which: 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 agency's 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 submissions of responses. Analysis Agency: Office of the Citizenship and Immigration Services Ombudsman, DHS. Title: Case Assistance Form (Ombudsman Form DHS-7001, and Instructions). OMB Number: 1601-0004. Frequency: Annually. Affected Public: Individuals or Households. Number of Respondents: 12,000. Estimated Time per Respondent: 1 hour. Total Burden Hours: 12,000. Dated: April 13, 2018. . Melissa Bruce, Executive Director, Enterprise Business Management Office. [FR Doc. 2018-08450 Filed 4-23-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110-9B-P
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years after the end of the calendar year When seeking records about one from Privacy Act, 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3); (d);
in which the data is gathered. this system of records or any other (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H); and (f).
2. Records related to the analysis of Departmental system of records, the Exemptions from these particular
relationship patterns among individuals request must conform with the Privacy subsections are justified on a case-by-
and organizations that are indicative of Act regulations set forth in 6 CFR part case basis determined at the time a
violations of the customs and 5. The individual must first verify his or request is made. When this system
immigration laws including possible her identity, meaning that he or she receives a record from another system
terrorist threats from non-obvious must provide his or her full name, exempted in that source system under 5
relationships and specific leads and law current address, and date and place of U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), DHS will claim the
enforcement intelligence for active and birth. The individual must sign the same exemptions for those records that
new investigations. These records must request, and the signature must either be are claimed for the original primary
be destroyed or deleted 15 years after notarized or submitted under 28 U.S.C. systems of records from which they
the end of calendar year of last use of 1746, a law that permits statements to originated and claim any additional
individual’s data. be made under penalty of perjury as a exemptions set forth here.
The latent biometric retention substitute for notarization. While no HISTORY:
schedule is currently in development specific form is required, an individual Records in this System of Records
with OBIM Headquarters and will be may obtain forms for this purpose from were previously covered under DHS/
submitted thereafter to NARA for the Chief Privacy Officer and Chief US–VISIT–001 DHS Automated
approval. Freedom of Information Act Officer, Biometric Identification System
http://www.dhs.gov/foia or 1–866–431– (IDENT), 72 FR 31080 (June 5, 2007).
ADMINISTRATIVE, TECHNICAL, AND PHYSICAL
SAFEGUARDS:
0486. In addition, the individual
should: Philip S. Kaplan,
DHS safeguards records in this system
• Explain why he or she believe the Chief Privacy Officer, Department of
according to applicable rules and Homeland Security.
Department would have information
policies, including all applicable DHS
being requested; [FR Doc. 2018–08453 Filed 4–23–18; 8:45 am]
automated systems security and access
• Identify which Component(s) of the BILLING CODE 9110–9B–P
policies. DHS has imposed strict
Department he or she believes may have
controls to minimize the risk of
the information;
compromising the information that is • Specify when you believe the DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
being stored. Access to the computer records would have been created; and SECURITY
system containing the records in this • Provide any other information that
system is limited to those individuals [DHS–2018–0021]
will help the FOIA staff determine
who have a need to know the which DHS Component agency may
information for the performance of their Agency Information Collection
have responsive records; Activities: Case Assistance Form
official duties and who have appropriate If the request is seeking records (Ombudsman Form DHS–7001, and
clearances or permissions. pertaining to another living individual, Instructions)
RECORD ACCESS PROCEDURES: the person seeking the records must
include a statement from the subject AGENCY: Office of the Citizenship and
The Secretary of Homeland Security Immigration Services Ombudsman,
has exempted this system from the individual certifying his/her agreement
for the requestor to access his or her Department of Homeland Security
notification, access, and amendment (DHS).
procedures of the Privacy Act, and records.
Without the above information, the ACTION: 60-Day notice and request for
consequently the Judicial Redress Act if comments; Extension of a currently
applicable, because it is a law Component(s) may not be able to
conduct an effective search, and the approved collection, 1601–0004.
enforcement system. However, DHS will
consider individual requests to request may be denied due to lack of SUMMARY: The DHS Office of the
determine whether or not information specificity or lack of compliance with Citizenship and Immigration Services
may be released. Thus, individuals applicable regulations. (CIS) Ombudsman, will submit the
seeking access to and notification of any CONTESTING RECORD PROCEDURES: following Information Collection
record contained in this system of For records covered by the Privacy Request (ICR) to the Office of
records, or seeking to contest its Act or covered JRA records, see ‘‘Record Management and Budget (OMB) for
content, may submit a request in writing review and clearance in accordance
Access Procedures’’ above, and 6 CFR
to the Chief Privacy Officer and FOIA with the Paperwork Reduction Act of
part 5.
Officer, whose contact information can 1995. The information collected on this
be found at http://www.dhs.gov/foia NOTIFICATION PROCEDURES: form will allow the CIS Ombudsman to
under ‘‘Contacts Information.’’ If an See ‘‘Record Access Procedures.’’ identify the problem as either a case
individual believes more than one problem, which is a request for
Component maintains Privacy Act EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM: information about a case that was filed
records concerning him or herself, the The Secretary of Homeland Security, with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration
individual may submit the request to pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), has Services (USCIS) (‘‘case problem’’); or a
the Chief Privacy Officer and Chief exempted this system from the systemic issue that may or may not
Freedom of Information Act Officer, following provisions of the Privacy Act: pertain to an individual case which the
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Department of Homeland Security, 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (c)(4); (d); (e)(1), individual, attorney or employer is
Washington, DC 20528–0655. Even if (e)(2), (e)(3), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(5), seeking to bring to the attention of the
neither the Privacy Act nor the Judicial and (e)(8); (f); and (g)(1) through (5). CIS Ombudsman (‘‘trend’’).
Redress Act provide a right of access, Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland DATES: Comments are encouraged and
certain records about the individual Security, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2) will be accepted until June 25, 2018.
may be available under the Freedom of and (k)(5), has exempted this system This process is conducted in accordance
Information Act. from the following provisions of the with 5 CFR 1320.1.
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![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 79 / Tuesday, April 24, 2018 / Notices 17835
else preparing this form on behalf of the e. Contacted a U.S. Government use of appropriate automated,
individual or employer encountering Department or Agency for assistance. electronic, mechanical, or other
difficulties with USCIS. Provide name and contact information. technological collection techniques or
The AMENDED 7001 form has the f. Contacted a U.S. Congressional other forms of information technology,
sections arranged in the following order: Representative for assistance. Provide e.g., permitting electronic submissions
1. Name: Please identify the name of name and contact information. of responses.
the individual or employer (applicant/ g. Other. Please describe.
10. Person Preparing This Form: Analysis
beneficiary/petitioner) encountering or
difficulties with USCIS. Do not enter the Please indicate who is completing this Agency: Office of the Citizenship and
attorney/law firm’s name here. form. Immigration Services Ombudsman,
11. Attorney or Accredited DHS.
2. Date of Birth: Country of Birth:
Representative: Please complete this Title: Case Assistance Form
Country of Citizenship.
section if you are an attorney, a (Ombudsman Form DHS–7001, and
3. Alien Registration Number (A- representative of an organization, an Instructions).
Number); The A-number appears in the accredited representative, or anyone OMB Number: 1601–0004.
following format: A123–456–789. else preparing this form on behalf of the Frequency: Annually.
4. Contact Information: Please individual or employer encountering Affected Public: Individuals or
provide the contact information of the difficulties with USCIS. Please attach Households.
individual or employer (applicant/ copy of your Form G–28. Number of Respondents: 12,000.
beneficiary/petitioner) encountering 12. Consent: Please note that if you Estimated Time per Respondent: 1
difficulties with USCIS. Please include are the beneficiary of an immigration hour.
the primary E-Mail address for the CIS petition, consent of the individual or Total Burden Hours: 12,000.
Ombudsman to provide updates. employer that submitted the petition on
5. Applications/Petitions Filed: List Dated: April 13, 2018. .
your behalf is required. The petitioner
all applications and/or petitions must sign. Melissa Bruce,
pending with USCIS related to your case The instructions have been updated to Executive Director, Enterprise Business
inquiry. reflect the electronic submission options Management Office.
6. Type of Immigration Benefit as detailed in the previous paragraphs. [FR Doc. 2018–08450 Filed 4–23–18; 8:45 am]
Sought: Please provide the type of Instructions for electronic submission BILLING CODE 9110–9B–P
immigration benefit sought from USCIS. will be posted on the CIS Ombudsman
7. Reason for Inquiry/Case Assistance website at www.dhs.gov/cisombudsman.
Request: Check all that apply. Provide a The electronic version of the form was DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND
description in section 8 and add developed by DHS OCIO (Office of the URBAN DEVELOPMENT
documentation related to your inquiry. Chief Information Officer) based upon
the approved version of the amended [Docket No. FR–6098–N–01]
8. Description of your Case Problem:
Describe the difficulties experienced 7001 form as described herein. Sample
Notice of Final Determination for the
with USCIS including all responses screenshots were provided with the
MOWA Band of Choctaw Indian Tribe’s
USCIS provided. Attach relevant 2015 submission.
There is no change in the terms of Request for Expansion of Their
correspondence concerning actions Formula Area
taken to resolve the issue before clearance from the previously approved
submitting with the Ombudsman’s collection as addressed by the: (a) AGENCY: Office of the Assistant
Office including: Receipt notices; Privacy Impact Assessment and (b) Secretary for Public and Indian
requests for evidence; decisions; notices Systems of Records Notice titled Housing, HUD.
and any other correspondence from ‘‘Department of Homeland Security ACTION: Notice.
USCIS about your case. Attach Citizenship and Immigration Services
additional pages if needed. Ombudsman–001 Online Ombudsman SUMMARY: This notice advises the public
9. Prior Actions Taken to Remedy the Form DHS–7001 and Ombudsman Case that the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indian
Problem: Check all that apply and Assistance Online System of Records’’. Tribe has requested an expansion of
provide the additional information This is an extension of a currently their Formula Area that will overlap
requested for each selection in the space approved collection, 1601–0004. OMB with the Poarch Creek Tribe’s Formula
provided. Note that if selecting Option is particularly interested in comments Area. HUD made a preliminary
a ‘‘Visited USCIS My Case Status at which: determination that the MOWA Band of
1. Evaluate whether the proposed Choctaw Indian Tribe met the
www.uscis.gov‘‘, you must indicate what
collection of information is necessary requirements for expanding its Formula
additional actions (b through g) were
for the proper performance of the Area to include the balance of Mobile
taken to remedy the problem before
functions of the agency, including County, Alabama. Poarch Creek, an
submitting the form to the Ombudsman.
whether the information will have affected tribe was notified and had
a. Visited USCIS My Case Status at practical utility;
http://www.uscis.gov/. opportunity to comment. HUD received
2. Evaluate the accuracy of the no comments from the affected tribe.
b. Contacted the National Customer agency’s estimate of the burden of the
Service Center (NCSC) for information Consistent with HUD regulations, HUD
proposed collection of information, is announcing its final determination to
and/or assistance regarding this case at including the validity of the grant the request of MOWA Band of
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with NOTICES
their toll-free number 1–800–375–5283. methodology and assumptions used;
Provide SRMT Number. Choctaw Indian Tribe.
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and
c. Attended an InfoPass Appointment DATES: Applicability Date: April 24,
clarity of the information to be
with USCIS. Provide InfoPass Number. collected; and 2018.
d. Sent an Email to USCIS. Provide 4. Minimize the burden of the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
date E-Mail sent: Provide USCIS Email collection of information on those who Frederick Griefer, Director, Office of
address. are to respond, including through the Grants Management, Office of Native
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Document Created: 2018-04-24 00:39:03
Document Modified: 2018-04-24 00:39:03
| Category | Regulatory Information | |
| Collection | Federal Register | |
| sudoc Class | AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106: | |
| Publisher | Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration | |
| Section | Notices | |
| Action | 60-Day notice and request for comments; Extension of a currently approved collection, 1601-0004. | |
| Dates | Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until June 25, 2018. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.1. | |
| Contact | Raymond Mills, (202) 357-8100, [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 17833 |
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