Agency Information Collection Activities: Comment Request

ACTION:

Request OMB emergency approval; petition for alien relative, Form I-130.

The Department of Homeland Security, Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS) 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 BCIS 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. The BCIS is requesting emergency review from OMB of this information collection to ensure that certain immigration benefits are available to eligible applicants. OMB approval has been requested by May 30, 2003. 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. Karen Lee, Department of Homeland Security Desk Officer, 725—17th Street, NW., Suite 10235, Washington, DC 20503. Comments regarding the emergency submission of this information collection may also be submitted via facsimile to Ms. Lee 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 BCIS requests written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning this information collection. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until July 8, 2003. 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, Regulations and Forms Services Division, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Room 4304, 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: Extension of a currently approved collection.

(2) Title of the Form/Collection: Petition for Alien Relative.

(3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Justice sponsoring the collection: Form I-130. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.

(4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. The information collected on this form will be used by BCIS to determine eligibility for benefits sought for relatives of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

(5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 183.034 responses at 30 minutes (.50 hours) per response.

(6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 91,517 annual burden hours.

If additional information is required contact: Ms. Kathy Schultz, Clearance Officer, United States Department of Homeland Security, 1800 G Street, NW., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20530.