01-20686. Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

ACTION:

Request OMB Emergency Approval; Biographical Information/Program Eligibility Questionnaire.

The Department of Justice (DOJ), 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)(i) 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. INS is requesting emergency review from OMB of this information collection to enable the DOJ/INS to launch the INS practitioner Fraud Pilot Program. Emergency review and approval of this ICR provides safeguards to encourage undocumented alien victims of immigration practitioner fraud to come forward and file complaints. OMB approval has been requested by August 24, 2001. 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. Lauren Wittenberg, Department of Justice Desk Officer, 725 17th Street, NW., Suite 10102, Washington, DC 20503. Comments regarding the emergency submission of this information collection may also be submitted via facsimile to Ms. Wittenberg 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 public and affected agencies concerning this information collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until October 15, 2001. 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 4034, 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: New collection(s).

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Biographical Information/Program Eligibility Questionnaire; Practitioner Fraud Pilot Program Initial Interview form.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Forms I-908 and I-909. Office of Enforcement, Immigration and Naturalization Service.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. This information collection will be used by the INS to identify unscrupulous immigration practitioners who intentionally defraud undocumented alien victims.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 5,000 responses at 1 hour per response.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 5,000 annual burden hours.

If additional information is required contact: Mr. Robert B. Briggs, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Information and Security Staff, Justice Management Division, 1331 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Suite 1220, Washington, DC 20530.

Dated: August 9, 2001.

Richard A. Sloan,

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