60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Request for Determination of Possible Loss of United States Nationality

ACTION:

Notice of request for public comment.

SUMMARY:

The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment preceding submission of the collection to OMB.

DATES:

The Department will accept comments from the public up to December 24, 2019.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by any of the following methods:

• Web: Persons with access to the internet may comment on this notice by going to www.Regulations.gov . You can search for the document by entering “Docket Number: DOS-2019-0025” in the Search field. Then click the “Comment Now” button and complete the comment form.
• Email: RiversDA@state.gov.
• Regular Mail: Send written comments to: Send written comments to: U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/PMO, SA-17, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710.

You must include the DS form number (if applicable), information collection title, and the OMB control number in any correspondence.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Direct requests for additional information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and supporting documents, to Derek Rivers at SA-17, 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20522-1710, who may be reached on 202-485-6332 or at RiversDA@state.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

• Title of Information Collection: Request for Determination of Possible Loss of United States Nationality.
• OMB Control Number: 1405-0178.
• Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection.
• Originating Office: Bureau of Consular Affairs, Overseas Citizens Services (CA/OCS).
• Form Number: DS-4079.
• Respondents: United States Citizens.
• Estimated Number of Respondents: 3,250.
• Estimated Number of Responses: 3,250.
• Average Time Per Response: 15 minutes.
• Total Estimated Burden Time: 812 hours.
• Frequency: On Occasion.
• Obligation to Respond: Voluntary, but if not completed, may not obtain or retain benefits.

We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:

• Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
• Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used.
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected.
• Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

The purpose of the DS-4079 questionnaire is to assist in determining a person's nationality/nationalities and possible loss of United States nationality. The information provided assists consular officers and the Department of State in determining if the U.S. citizen has lost his or her nationality by voluntarily performing an expatriating act with the intention of relinquishing United States nationality. 8 U.S.C. 1501 grants authority to collect this information.

Methodology

The Bureau of Consular Affairs will post this form on Department of State websites to give respondents the opportunity to complete the form online, or print the form and fill it out manually and submit the form in person or by fax or mail.