02-2964. Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of Existing Collection; Comment Request

ACTION:

Notice of information collection under review; 60-day notice on fax request form from benefit agency to INS for confirmation of status of I-130 and fax request form from benefit agency to EOIR for confirmation of status.

The Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service has submitted the following information collection request for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The proposed information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for sixty days until [Insert date of the 60th day from the date that this notice is published in the Federal Register].

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 a currently approved collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Fax Request Form from Benefit Agency to INS for Confirmation of Status of I-130 and Fax Request Form from Benefit Agency to EOIR for Confirmation of Status.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: No Agency Form Number. Adjudications Division, Immigration and Naturalization Service.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: State, Local or Tribal Governments. The data collected on these fax request sheets will be used by the INS and EOIR to determine eligibility for immigration benefits. The fax request sheets permit the INS and EOIR to share information with state and federal benefit granting agencies, making determinations relating to battered aliens for whom an I-130 petition has been filed, or who have made a prima facie case for status.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 12,000 responses at 20 minutes (.333) per response.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 3,996 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, Policy Directives and Instructions Branch, Immigration and Naturalization Service, U.S. Department of Justice, Room 5307, 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.

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, Patrick Henry Building, Suite 1600, 601 D Street, NW., Washington, DC 20530.

Dated: January 31, 2002.

Richard A. Sloan,

Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service.