Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 194 (Thursday, October 7, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Page 54646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-26132]



[[Page 54646]]

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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Immigration and Naturalization Service


Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request

ACTION: Request OMB emergency approval; H-1B data collection and filing 
fee exemption.

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    The Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service 
(INS) 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 INS 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. Therefore, OMB approval has been requested by October 
15, 1999. 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: Mr. Stuart Shapiro, 202-395-7316, 
Department of Justice Desk Officer, Washington, DC 20503 before October 
15, 1999. Comments regarding the emergency submission of this 
information collection may also be submitted via facsimile to Mr. 
Shapiro 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 INS requests written comments and 
suggestions from the pubic and affected agencies concerning this 
information collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted 
until December 6, 1999. 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, Policy Directives and Instructions Branch, Immigration and 
Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice, Room 5307, 435 I 
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20536. Written comments and suggestions 
from the pubic 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: Revision of a currently approved 
collection.
    2. Title of the Form/Collection: H-1B Data Collection and Filing 
Fee Exemption.
    3. Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form I-129W. 
Adjudications Division, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
    4. Affected pubic who will be asked or required to respond, as well 
as a brief abstract: Primary: Business or other for-profit. This 
addendum to Form I-129 will be used by the INS to determine if an H-1B 
petitioner is exempt from the additional filing fee of $500, as 
provided by the American Competitiveness and Workforce Improvement Act 
of 1998.
    5. An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of 
time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 190,000 responses 
at 30 minutes per response.
    6. An estimate of the total pubic burden (in hours) associated with 
the collection: 95,000 annual burden hours.
    If additional information is required contact: Mr. Robert B. 
Briggs, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, 
Information Management and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, 
Suite 850, Washington Center, 1001 G Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530.

    Dated: September 29, 1999.
Richard A. Sloan,
Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, 
Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 99-26132 Filed 10-6-99; 8:45 am]
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