96-14470. Screening Requirements of Carriers  

  • [Federal Register Volume 61, Number 112 (Monday, June 10, 1996)]
    [Proposed Rules]
    [Pages 29323-29327]
    From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
    [FR Doc No: 96-14470]
    
    
    
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    Proposed Rules
                                                    Federal Register
    ________________________________________________________________________
    
    This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
    the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
    notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
    the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
    
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    Federal Register / Vol. 61, No. 112 / Monday, June 10, 1996 / 
    Proposed Rules
    
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    DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
    
    Immigration and Naturalization Service
    
    8 CFR Part 273
    
    [INS No. 1697-95]
    RIN 1115-AD97
    
    
    Screening Requirements of Carriers
    
    AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.
    
    ACTION: Proposed rule.
    
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    SUMMARY: This rule proposes to amend the Immigration and Naturalization 
    Service (``the Service'') regulations by establishing procedures 
    carriers must undertake for the proper screening of passengers at the 
    ports of embarkation to become eligible for a reduction, refund, or 
    waiver of a fine imposed under section 273 of the Immigration and 
    Nationality Act (the Act). This rule is necessary to enable the Service 
    to reduce, refund, or waive fines for carriers that have taken 
    appropriate measures to properly screen passengers being transported to 
    the United States, while continuing to impose financial penalties 
    against those carriers that fail to properly screen passengers.
    
    DATES: Written comments must be submitted on or before August 9, 1996.
    
    ADDRESSES: Please submit written comments, in triplicate, to the 
    Director, Policy Directives and Instructions, Immigration and 
    Naturalization Service, 425 I Street, NW., Room 5307, Washington, DC 
    20536, Attention Public Comment Clerk. Please include INS number 1697-
    95 on your correspondence to ensure proper and timely handling. Also 
    include any written comments you may have concerning the proposed 
    Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and fines levels that are included as 
    an appendix to this proposed rule. Comments are available for public 
    inspection at the above address by calling 202-514-3048, to arrange for 
    an appointment.
    
    FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
    Robert F. Hutnick, Assistant Chief Inspector, Immigration and 
    Naturalization Service, 425 I Street, NW., Room 7216, Washington, DC 
    20536, telephone number (202) 616-7499.
    
    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    
    Background
    
        The imposition of administrative fines has long been an important 
    tool in enforcing the United States immigration laws and safeguarding 
    its borders. Both section 273 of the Act and prior law reflect a 
    similar Congressional purpose to compel carriers, under pain of 
    penalties, to ensure enforcement of, and compliance with, certain 
    provisions of the immigration laws. In enacting both section 273 of the 
    Act of 1952 and section 16 of the Immigration Act of 1924 (the 
    precursor to section 273(a) of the Act of 1952), Congress intended to 
    make the carrier ensure compliance with the requirements of the law. 
    The carriers have long sought relief from fines by having the Service 
    consider extenuating circumstances related to the imposition of fines.
        Prior to the enactment of section 209(a)(6) of the Immigration and 
    Nationality Technical Corrections Act of 1994, Public Law 103-416, 
    dated October 25, 1994, the Service, by statute, was not permitted to 
    reduce, refund, or waive fines imposed under section 273 of the Act 
    except pursuant to section 273(c) of the Act where the carrier could, 
    to the satisfaction of the Attorney General, demonstrate that it did 
    not know, and could not have ascertained by the exercise of reasonable 
    diligence, that the individual transported was an alien and that a 
    valid passport or visa was required.
        This proposed rule provides procedures carriers must undertake for 
    the proper screening of aliens at the port of embarkation to become 
    eligible for reduction, refund, or waiver of a fine imposed under 
    section 273 of the Act. Nevertheless, it is important to note that 
    these are voluntary procedures for carriers. This proposed rule further 
    prescribes conditions the Service will consider before reducing, 
    refunding, or waiving a fine. Of primary importance will be the 
    carrier's performance in screening passengers. The Service will 
    determine a carrier's performance record by analyzing statistics on the 
    number of improperly documented passengers transported to the United 
    States by each carrier compared to the number of alien passengers 
    transported.
        This proposed rule will enable the Service to reduce, refund, or 
    waive a fine imposed under section 273 of the Act for a carrier that 
    demonstrates successful screening procedures by achieving satisfactory 
    performance in the transportation of properly documented aliens to the 
    United States. This will enable the Service to reduce, refund, or waive 
    fines for carriers that have taken appropriate measures to properly 
    screen passengers while continuing to impose financial penalties on 
    carriers that fail to properly screen passengers. It is important to 
    note that the proposed rule does not impose any additional standards on 
    the carriers. Carriers are free to observe current fines procedures.
        The Service wishes to maintain flexibility in assessing the success 
    of a carrier's screening procedures. The Service has devised an initial 
    means of measurement, as set forth in the following paragraphs, but 
    will re-examine this strategy if such re-examination is appropriate. 
    The Service is committed to working with the carriers and will consult 
    with them on any contemplated changes in the method of assessment. This 
    methodology described, therefore, is not included in the regulatory 
    language.
        Under the proposed methodology, a carrier's performance level (PL) 
    will be determined by taking the number of each carrier's nonimmigrant 
    violations of section 273 of the Act for a fiscal year and dividing 
    this by the number of documented nonimmigrants transported by the 
    carrier and multiplying the result by 1000.
        The Service shall establish an Acceptable Performance Level (APL), 
    based on statistical analysis of the performance of all carriers, as a 
    means of evaluating whether the carrier has successfully screened all 
    of its passengers in accordance with 8 CFR 273.3. The APL shall be 
    determined by taking the total number of all carrier nonimmigrant 
    violations of section 273 of the Act for a fiscal year and dividing 
    this by the total number of documented nonimmigrants transported by all 
    carriers for the same fiscal year and multiplying the result by 1000.
        The Service shall establish a Second Acceptable Performance Level 
    (APL2),
    
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    based on statistical analysis of the performance of all carriers at or 
    better than the APL, as a means of further evaluating carrier success 
    in screening its passengers in accordance with 8 CFR 273.3. Using 
    carrier statistics for only those carriers which are at or better than 
    the APL, the APL2 shall be determined by taking the total number of 
    these carrier nonimmigrant violations of section 273 of the Act for a 
    fiscal year and dividing by the total number of documented 
    nonimmigrants transported by these carriers for the same fiscal year 
    and multiplying the result by 1000.
        Carriers which have achieved a satisfactory PL at or better than 
    the APL, as determined by the Service, will be eligible for a 25 
    percent fine reduction in the amount of any fine covered by this 
    provision if the carrier applies for a reduction, refund, or waiver of 
    fines according to the procedures listed in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 
    280.51. Carriers which have achieved a satisfactory PL at or better 
    than the APL2, as determined by the Service, will be eligible for a 50 
    percent fine reduction in the amount of any fine covered by this 
    provision if the carrier applies for a reduction, refund, or waiver of 
    fines according to the procedures listed in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 
    280.51. Additional factors the Service will consider in determining 
    whether the Service will reduce, refund, or waive a fine under section 
    273 of the Act and the amount of such reduction, refund, or waiver are 
    the carrier's history of fines violations, including fines, liquidated 
    damages, and user fee payment records and the existence of any 
    extenuating circumstances. In the future, the Service may consider 
    other factors in evaluating carrier performance including participation 
    in data sharing initiatives or evaluation of a carrier's performance by 
    particular port(s) of embarkation and/or route(s) to determine carrier 
    fines mitigation levels.
        To maintain flexibility in determining the success of a carrier's 
    screening procedures, the Service proposes to include in the regulation 
    neither the methodology it will use in determining a carrier's PL, the 
    APL, or the APL2 nor the fines reduction percentage levels. Both the 
    methodology in determining the success of a carrier's screening 
    procedures and the fines reduction percentages will be periodically 
    revisited by the Service to maximize carrier cooperation and vigilance 
    in their screening procedures. The Service shall compute all carrier 
    PLs, the APL, and the APL2 periodically but shall retain the 
    flexibility to use a past APL or APL2, if appropriate, in determining 
    carrier fines reduction, refunds, or waivers for a specific period(s). 
    The Service will publish any significant, adverse changes regarding 
    fines reduction in the Federal Register in accordance the 
    Administrative Procedure Act (APA) prior to implementation. Maintaining 
    a flexible approach allows the Service to work in partnership with the 
    carriers toward the mutual goal of decreasing the number of improperly 
    documented nonimmigrants transported to the United States.
        Carriers may elect to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 
    the Service for the broader application of the reduction, refund, or 
    waiver of fines imposed under section 273 of the Act by agreeing to 
    perform additional measures to intercept improperly documented aliens 
    at ports of embarkation to the United States. Carriers performing these 
    additional measures to the satisfaction of the Commissioner would be 
    eligible for automatic fine reductions, refunds, or waivers as 
    prescribed in the MOU. Carriers signatory to the MOU with the Service 
    would be eligible for an automatic fine reduction of 25 or 50 percent 
    depending on whether a carrier's PL is at or better than the APL or 
    APL2 respectively, as determined by the Service. Carriers not signatory 
    to an MOU would not be eligible for automatic fine reductions, refunds, 
    or waivers. Nevertheless, this rule does not preclude any carrier, 
    whether or not signatory to the MOU, from requesting fines reduction, 
    refund, or waiver according to the procedures listed in 8 CFR 280.12 
    and 8 CFR 280.51. Additionaly, if the carrier's PL is not at or better 
    than the APL, the carrier may receive an automatic fine reduction of 25 
    percent, if it meets certain conditions, including: (1) It is signatory 
    to and in compliance with the MOU; (2) it submits evidence that it has 
    taken extensive measures to prevent the transport of improperly 
    documented passengers to the United States. This evidence shall be 
    submitted to the Assistant Commissioner for Inspections for 
    consideration. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the 
    following: (a) Information regarding the carrier's document screening 
    training program, including attendance of the carrier's personnel in 
    any Service, Department of State, or other training programs, the 
    number of employees trained, and a description of the training program; 
    (b) information regarding the date and number of improperly documented 
    aliens intercepted by the carrier at the port(s) of embarkation, 
    including, but not limited to, the alien's name, date of birth, 
    passport nationality, passport number, other travel document 
    information, reason boarding was refused, and port of embarkation; and, 
    (c) any other evidence to demonstrate the carrier's efforts to properly 
    screen passengers destined for the United States; and (3) it appears to 
    the satisfaction of the Assistant Commissioner for Inspections that 
    other Service data and information, including the carrier's PL, 
    indicate the carrier has made a good faith effort to improve screening 
    of its passengers. The proposed MOU is attached as an appendix to this 
    proposed rule.
        The levels for fines mitigation are loosely based on the Canadian 
    fines mitigation system. Based on performance levels of the carriers, 
    the Canadian system provides for an automatic fines reduction of 25 
    percent upon the carrier signing an MOU with the Canadian Government. 
    Through attaining performance standards established in the Canadian 
    MOU, carriers can earn further reductions of 50, 75, or 100 percent of 
    their fines.
        This rule further clarifies fines imposed under section 273(d) of 
    the Act by stating that provisions of section 273(e) of the Act do not 
    apply to any fine imposed under section 273(d) of the Act, nor under 
    any provisions other than sections 273(a) and (b) of the Act.
    
    Regulatory Flexibility Act
    
        The Commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, in 
    accordance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 605(b)), has 
    reviewed this regulation and, by approving it, certifies that the rule 
    will not have significant economic impact on a substantial number of 
    small entities. This rule merely removes any ambiguity between the 
    current regulations and section 273 of the Act.
    
    Executive Order 12866
    
        This rule is considered by the Department of Justice, Immigration 
    and Naturalization Service, to be a ``significant regulatory action'' 
    under Executive Order 12866, section 3(f), Regulatory Planning and 
    Review, and has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget 
    for review under E.O. 12866.
    
    Executive Order 12612
    
        The regulation proposed herein will not have substantial direct 
    effects on the States, on the relationship between the National 
    Government and the States, or on the distribution of power and 
    responsibilities among the various levels of government. Therefore, in 
    accordance with Executive Order 12612, it is determined that this rule 
    does not have sufficient federalism implications
    
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    to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Assessment.
    
    List of Subjects in 8 CFR Part 273
    
        Administrative practice and procedure, Aliens, Carriers, Penalties.
    
        Accordingly, chapter I of title 8 of the Code of Federal 
    Regulations is proposed to be amended by adding a new part 273 as 
    follows:
    
    PART 273--CARRIER RESPONSIBILITIES AT FOREIGN PORTS OF EMBARKATION; 
    REDUCING, REFUNDING, OR WAIVING FINES UNDER SECTION 273 OF THE ACT
    
    Sec.
    273.1  General.
    273.2  Definition.
    273.3  Screening procedures.
    273.4  Demonstration by carrier that screening requirements were 
    met.
    273.5  General criteria used for reduction, refund, or waiver of 
    fines.
    273.6  Memorandum of Understanding.
    
        Authority: 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1323; 8 CFR part 2.
    
    
    Sec. 273.1  General.
    
        In any fines case in which a fine is imposed under section 273 of 
    the Act involving an alien brought to the United States after December 
    24, 1994, the carrier may seek a reduction, refund, or waiver of fine, 
    as provided for by section 273(e) of the Act, in accordance with this 
    part. The provisions of section 273(e) of the Act and of this part do 
    not apply to any fine imposed under section 273(d) of the Act, nor 
    under any provision other than sections 273(a) and (b) of the Act.
    
    
    Sec. 273.2  Definition.
    
        As used in this part, the term Carrier means an individual or 
    organization engaged in transporting passengers or goods for hire to 
    the United States.
    
    
    Sec. 273.3  Screening procedures.
    
        (a) Applicability. The terms and conditions contained in paragraph 
    (b) of this section apply to those owners, operators, or agents of 
    carriers which transport passengers to the United States.
        (b) Procedures at ports of embarkation. At each port of embarkation 
    carriers shall ensure that adequate steps are taken to prevent the 
    boarding of improperly documented aliens destined to the United States 
    by implementing the following procedures:
        (1) Screening passengers by carrier personnel prior to boarding and 
    examining their travel documents to ensure that:
        (i) The passport or travel document presented is not expired and is 
    valid for entry into the United States;
        (ii) The passenger is the rightful holder; and
        (iii) If the passenger requires a visa, that the visa is valid for 
    the holder and any other accompanying passengers named in the passport.
        (2) Refusing to board any passenger determined to be improperly 
    documented. Failure to refuse boarding when advised to do so by a 
    Service or Consular Officer may be considered by the Service as a 
    factor in its evaluation of applications under Sec. 273.5.
        (3) Implementing additional safeguards such as, but not necessarily 
    limited to, the following:
        (i) For instances in which the carrier suspects fraud, assessing 
    the adequacy of the documents presented by asking additional, pertinent 
    questions or by taking other appropriate steps to corroborate the 
    identity of passengers, such as requesting secondary identification.
        (ii) Conducting a second check of passenger documents, when 
    necessary at high-risk ports of embarkation, at the time of boarding to 
    verify that all passengers are properly documented consistent with 
    paragraph (b)(1) of this section. This includes a recheck of documents 
    at the final foreign port of embarkation for all passengers including 
    those originally boarded at a prior stop or who are being transported 
    to the United States under the Transit Without Visa (TWOV) or In-
    Transit Lounge (ITL) Programs.
        (iii) Providing an adequate level of security during the boarding 
    process so that passengers are unable to circumvent any carrier 
    document checks.
    
    
    Sec. 273.4  Demonstration by carrier that screening requirements were 
    met.
    
        (a) To be eligible to apply for reduction, refund, or waiver of a 
    fine, the carrier shall provide evidence that it screened all 
    passengers on the conveyance for the instant flight or voyage in 
    accordance with the procedures listed in Sec. 273.3
        (b) The Service may, at any time, conduct an inspection of a 
    carrier's document screening procedures at ports of embarkation to 
    determine compliance with the procedures listed in Sec. 273.3. If the 
    carrier's port of embarkation operation is found not to be in 
    compliance, the carrier will be notified by the Service that its fines 
    will not be eligible for refund, reduction, or waiver of fines under 
    section 273(e) of the Act unless the carrier can establish that lack of 
    compliance was beyond the carrier's control.
    
    
    Sec. 273.5  General criteria used for reduction, refund, or waiver of 
    fines.
    
        (a) Upon application by the carrier, the Service shall determine 
    whether circumstances exist which would justify a reduction, refund, or 
    waiver of fines pursuant to section 273(e) of the Act.
        (b) Applications for reduction, refund, or waiver of fine under 
    section 273(e) of the Act shall be made in accordance with the 
    procedures outlined in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 280.51.
        (c) In determining the amount of the fine reduction, refund, or 
    waiver, the Service shall consider:
        (1) The effectiveness of the carrier's screening procedures;
        (2) The carrier's history of fines violations, including fines, 
    liquidated damages, and user fee payment records; and,
        (3) The existence of any extenuating circumstances.
    
    
    Sec. 273.6  Memorandum of Understanding.
    
        (a) Carriers may apply to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding 
    (MOU) with the Service for an automatic reduction, refund, or waiver of 
    fines imposed under section 273 of the Act.
        (b) Carriers signatory to an MOU will to be required to apply for 
    reduction, refund, or waiver of fines in accordance with the procedures 
    outlined in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 280.51, but will follow procedures 
    as set forth in the MOU.
        (c) Carriers signatory to an MOU will have fines reduced, refunded, 
    or waived according to performance standards enumerated in the MOU or 
    as determined by the Service.
        (d) Carriers signatory to an MOU are not precluded from seeking 
    additional reduction, refund, or waiver of fines in accordance with the 
    procedures outlined in 8 CFR 280.12 and 8 CFR 280.51.
    
        Dated: May 29, 1996.
    Doris Meissner,
    Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
    
        Note: The appendixes A and B will not appear in the Code of 
    Federal Regulations.
    
    Appendix A--United States Immigration and Naturalization Service 
    Section 273(E) Memorandum of Understanding
    
        This voluntary Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is made between 
    ____________________ (hereafter referred to as the ``Carrier'') and 
    the United States Immigration and Naturalization Service (hereafter 
    referred to as the ``INS'').
        The purpose of this MOU is to identify the undertakings of each 
    party to improve the performance of the Carrier with respect to its
    
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    duty under section 273 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (the 
    Act) to prevent the transport of improperly documented aliens to the 
    United States. Based on the Carrier's Performance Level (PL) in 
    comparison to the Acceptable Performance Level (APL) or Second APL 
    (APL2) set by the INS, and based upon compliance with the other 
    stipulations outlined in the MOU, the INS may refund, reduce or 
    waive a part of the Carrier's section 273 of the Act administrative 
    penalties.
        The MOU cannot, by law, exempt the Carrier from liability for 
    civil penalties. Although taking the steps set forth below will not 
    relieve the Carrier of liability from penalties, the extent to which 
    the Carrier has complied with this MOU will be considered as a 
    factor in cases where the INS may reduce, refund, or waive a fine.
        It is understood and agreed by the parties that this MOU is not 
    intended to be legally enforceable by either party. No claims, 
    liabilities, or rights shall arise from or with respect to this MOU 
    except as provided for in the Act or the Code of Federal 
    Regulations. Nothing in this MOU relieves the Carrier of any 
    responsibilities with respect to United States laws, the Act, or the 
    Code of Federal Regulations.
        This document, once jointly endorsed, will serve as a working 
    agreement to be utilized for all fines cases relating to section 273 
    of the Act, and reflects the mutual understanding of the Carrier and 
    the INS. This MOU shall take effect immediately upon its approval by 
    the Assistant Commissioner for Inspections and shall be a valid 
    working document for three years from such date.
        The Carrier's compliance with the MOU shall be evaluated 
    periodically. The Carrier shall be notified in writing of its PL and 
    the overall APL for each rating period. Accordingly, the Carrier 
    agrees to begin prompt and complete implementation of all of the 
    terms listed in this MOU. The INS may terminate this MOU for the 
    Carrier's failure to abide by its terms. Either party may terminate 
    this MOU, for any reasons, with 30 days written notice. Any 
    subsequent fines will be imposed for the full penalty amount.
    
    Appendix B--Memorandum of Understanding
    
    1. Introduction
    
        1.1  The Assistant Commissioner for Inspections shall exercise 
    oversight regarding the Carrier's compliance with this MOU.
        1.2  The Carrier agrees to begin implementation of the 
    provisions set forth below immediately upon receipt of the MOU 
    signed by the Assistant Commissioner for Inspections.
        1.3  The Carrier agrees to permit the INS to monitor its 
    compliance with the terms of this MOU. The Carrier shall permit the 
    INS to conduct an inspection of the Carrier's document screening 
    procedures at ports of embarkation before arrival in the United 
    States, to determine compliance with the procedures listed in this 
    MOU.
        1.4  The Carrier agrees to designate a coordinator to be the 
    contact point for all issues arising from the implementation of this 
    MOU. The Carrier shall provide the INS with the coordinator's name, 
    title, address, telephone and facsimile number.
        1.5  The Carrier shall require that all of its employees, 
    including its representatives, follow the stipulations of this MOU, 
    and comply with all requirements of the Act. The Carrier also agrees 
    to cooperate with the INS by facilitating an open exchange of 
    information.
    
    2. Prompt Payment
    
        2.1  The INS agrees to authorize a reduction in fine penalties 
    based on compliance with this MOU only if the Carrier has paid all 
    administrative fines, liquidated damages and user fees. This 
    includes interest and penalties that have been imposed by either a 
    formal order or final decision, except cases on appeal.
        2.2  The Carrier agrees to promptly pay all administrative 
    fines, liquidated damages and user fees. This includes interest and 
    penalties that are imposed by a formal order or a final decision 
    during the time this MOU is in effect, except cases on appeal. 
    Prompt payment for the purposes of this MOU refers to payments made 
    within 30 days from the date of billing.
        2.3  The INS shall periodically review the Carrier's record of 
    prompt payment for administrative fines, liquidated damages, and 
    user fees including interest and penalties. Failure to make prompt 
    payment will result in the loss of benefits of the MOU for the 
    subsequent period.
        2.4  The Carrier agrees to select a person from its organization 
    as a contact point with the INS Office of Finance for the resolution 
    of payment issues. The Carrier shall provide the INS with the 
    contact person's name, title, address, telephone and facsimile 
    number.
    
    3. Carrier Agreement
    
        3.1  The Carrier shall refuse to carry any improperly documented 
    passenger.
        3.2  The Carrier agrees to verify that trained personnel examine 
    and screen passengers' travel documents to verify that the passport, 
    visa (if one is required) or other travel documents presented are 
    valid and unexpired, and that the passenger, and any accompanying 
    passenger named in the passport, is the rightful holder of the 
    document.
        3.3  The Carrier agrees to conduct additional document checks 
    when deemed appropriate, to verify that all passengers, including 
    transit passengers, are in possession of their own, and proper, 
    travel documents as they board the aircraft, and to identify any 
    fraudulent documents.
        3.4  The Carrier agrees to permit INS and State Department 
    Consular officials to screen passengers' travel documents before or 
    after the Carrier has screened those passengers for boarding, when 
    permitted by competent local authorities.
        3.5  In cases involving suspected fraud the Carrier shall assess 
    the adequacy of the documents presented by questioning individuals 
    or by taking other appropriate steps to corroborate the identity of 
    the passengers, such as requesting secondary identification.
        3.6  The Carrier shall refuse to knowingly transport any 
    individual who has been determined by an INS official not to be in 
    possession of proper documentation to enter or pass through the 
    United States. Transporting any improperly documented passenger so 
    identified may result in a civil penalty. At locations where there 
    is no INS presence, carriers may request State Department Consular 
    officials to examine and advise on authenticity of passenger 
    documentation. State Department Consular officials will act in an 
    advisory capacity only.
        3.7  Where the Carrier has refused to board a passenger based on 
    a suspicion of fraud or other lack of proper documentation, the 
    Carrier agrees to make every effort to notify other carriers at that 
    port of embarkation.
        3.8  The Carrier shall maintain an adequate level of security 
    designed to prevent passengers from circumventing any Carrier 
    document checks. The Carrier shall also maintain an adequate level 
    of security designed to prevent stowaways from boarding the 
    Carrier's aircraft or vessel.
        3.9  The Carrier agrees to participate in INS training programs 
    and utilize INS Information Guides and other information provided by 
    the INS to assist the Carrier in determining documentary 
    requirements and detecting fraud.
        3.10  The Carrier agrees to make the INS Information Guides and 
    other information provided by the INS readily available for use by 
    Carrier personnel, at every port of embarkation.
        3.11  The Carrier agrees to make appropriate use of 
    technological aids in screening documents including ultra violet 
    lights, magnification devices, or other equipment identified by the 
    INS to screen documents.
        3.12  The Carrier agrees to expeditiously respond to written 
    requests from the appropriate INS official(s) for information 
    pertaining to the identify, itinerary and seating arrangements of 
    individual passengers. The Carrier also agrees to provide manifests 
    and other information, when permitted by local law, required to 
    identify passengers, information and evidence regarding the identity 
    and method of concealment of a stowaway, and information regarding 
    any organized alien smuggling activity.
        3.13  Upon arrival at a Port-of-Entry (POE) and prior to 
    inspection, the Carrier agrees to notify INS personnel at the POE of 
    any unusual circumstances, incidents, or problems at the port of 
    embarkation involving the transportation of improperly documented 
    aliens to the United States.
    
    4. INS Agreement
    
        4.1  The INS agrees to develop an Information Guide to be used 
    by Carrier personnel at all ports of embarkation before the United 
    States. The Information Guide will function as a resource to assist 
    Carrier personnel in determining proper documentary requirements and 
    detecting fraud.
        4.2  The INS agrees to develop a formal, continuing training 
    program to assist carriers in their screening of passengers. 
    Carriers may provide input to the INS concerning specific training 
    needs that they have identified. Initial and annual refresher 
    training will be conducted by the INS or Carrier representatives 
    trained by the INS.
    
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        4.3  To the extent possible, INS and State Department Consular 
    officials will consult, support, and assist the Carrier's efforts to 
    screen passengers prior to boarding.
        4.4  The INS shall determine each Carrier's Performance Level 
    (PL) based on statistical analysis of the Carrier's performance, as 
    a means of evaluating whether the Carrier has successfully screened 
    all of its passengers in accordance with 8 CFR 273.3 and this MOU. 
    The PL is determined by taking the number of each Carrier's 
    violations of section 273 of the Act for a fiscal year \1\ and 
    dividing this by the number of documented nonimmigrants (i.e., those 
    nonimmigrants that submit an Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-94, I-
    94T, or I-94W) transported by the Carrier and multiplying the result 
    by 1000.
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        \1\ The total number of carrier violations of section 273 of the 
    Act for a fiscal year is determined by taking the total number of 
    violations minus violations for the transportation of improperly 
    documented lawful permanent residents and rejected cases. Rejected 
    cases include those cases where the INS has determined that either: 
    (1) No fine occurred; or, (2) sufficient evidence was not submitted 
    to support the imposition of a fine.
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        4.5  The INS shall establish an Acceptable Performance Level 
    (APL), based on statistical analysis of the performance of all 
    carriers, as a means of evaluating whether the Carrier has 
    successfully screened all of its passengers in accordance with 8 CFR 
    273.3 and this MOU. The APL shall be determined by taking the total 
    number of all carrier violations of section 273 of the Act for a 
    fiscal year \1\ and dividing this by the total number of documented 
    nonimmigrants (i.e., those nonimmigrants that submit an Arrival/
    Departure Record, Form I-94, I-94T, or I-94W) transported by all 
    carriers for a fiscal year and multiplying the result by 1000.
        4.6  The INS shall establish a Second Acceptable Performance 
    Level (APL2), based on statistical analysis of the performance of 
    all carriers at or better than the APL, as a means of further 
    evaluating carrier success in screening its passengers in accordance 
    with 8 CFR 273.3 and this MOU. Using carrier statistics for only 
    those carriers which are at or better than the APL, the APL2 shall 
    be determined by taking the total number of these carrier violations 
    of section 273 of the Act for a fiscal year \1\ and dividing by the 
    total number of documented nonimmigrants (i.e., those nonimmigrants 
    that submit an Arrival/Departure Record, Form I-94, I-94T, or I-94W) 
    transported by these carriers and multiplying the result by 1000.
        4.7  The PL, APL, and APL2 may be recalculated periodically as 
    deemed necessary, based on Carrier performance during the previous 
    period(s).
        4.8  Carriers whose PL is at or better than the APL are eligible 
    to receive an automatic 25 percent reduction, if signatory to and in 
    compliance with this MOU, on fines imposed under section 273 of the 
    Act for periods determined by the INS.
        4.9  Carriers whose PL is at or better than the APL2 are 
    eligible to receive an automatic 50 percent reduction, if signatory 
    to and in compliance with this MOU, on fines imposed under section 
    273 of the Act for periods determined by the INS.
        4.10  If the Carrier's PL is not at or better than the APL, the 
    Carrier may receive an automatic 25 percent reduction in fines, if 
    it meets certain conditions, including being signatory to and in 
    compliance with the MOU and the carrier submits evidence that it has 
    taken extensive measures to prevent the transport of improperly 
    documented passengers to the United States. This evidence shall be 
    submitted to the Assistant Commissioner for Inspections for 
    consideration. Evidence may include, but is not limited to, the 
    following: (1) Information regarding the Carrier's training program, 
    including participation of the Carrier's personnel in any INS, DOS, 
    or other training programs and the number of employees trained; (2) 
    information regarding the date and number of improperly documented 
    aliens intercepted by the Carrier at the port(s) of embarkation, 
    including, but not limited to, the aliens' name, date of birth, 
    passport nationality, passport number or other travel document 
    information, and reason boarding was refused; and (3) other 
    evidence, including screening procedure enhancements, technological 
    or otherwise, to demonstrate the Carriers good faith efforts to 
    properly screen passengers destined to the United States.
        4.11  The Carrier may defend against imposition or seek further 
    reduction of an administrative fine if the case is timely defended 
    pursuant to 8 CFR part 280, in response to the Form I-79, Notice of 
    Intent to Fine. The Carrier must establish that extenuating 
    circumstances existed at the time of the violation in order to 
    receive any further reduction in fine penalties.
        4.12  Nothing in this MOU precludes a carrier from seeking 
    reduction under 8 CFR 273.4.
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Representative's Signature)
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Title)
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    (Carrier Name)
    
    Dated:-----------------------------------------------------------------
    
    ----------------------------------------------------------------------
    Assistant Commissioner, Office of Inspections, United States 
    Immigration and Naturalization Service
    
    Dated:-----------------------------------------------------------------
    
    [FR Doc. 96-14470 Filed 6-7-96; 8:45 am]
    BILLING CODE 4410-10-M
    
    

Document Information

Published:
06/10/1996
Department:
Immigration and Naturalization Service
Entry Type:
Proposed Rule
Action:
Proposed rule.
Document Number:
96-14470
Dates:
Written comments must be submitted on or before August 9, 1996.
Pages:
29323-29327 (5 pages)
Docket Numbers:
INS No. 1697-95
RINs:
1115-AD97: Screening Requirements of Carriers for Reduction, Refund, or Waiver of Fines
RIN Links:
https://www.federalregister.gov/regulations/1115-AD97/screening-requirements-of-carriers-for-reduction-refund-or-waiver-of-fines
PDF File:
96-14470.pdf
CFR: (40)
8 CFR 1.1
8 CFR 1.2
8 CFR 1.3
8 CFR 1.4
8 CFR 1.5
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