Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request, 75970-75971 [E6-21582]

Download as PDF hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES 75970 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 19, 2006 / Notices 60557, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did not receive any comments for this information collection. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until January 18, 2007. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. Written comments and/or suggestions regarding the item(s) contained in this notice, especially regarding the estimated public burden and associated response time, should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) USCIS Desk Officer. Comments may be submitted to: USCIS, Director, Regulatory Management Division, Clearance Office, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529. Comments may also be submitted to DHS via facsimile to 202–272–8352 or via e-mail at rfs.regs@dhs.gov, and to the OMB USCIS Desk Officer via facsimile at 202–395– 6974 or via e-mail at kastrich@omb.eop.gov. When submitting comments by e-mail please make sure to add OMB Control Number 1615–0046 in the subject box. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies should address one or more of the following four points: (1) Evaluate whether the 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 agency’s estimate of the burden of the 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: Revision of an existing information collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Interagency Alien Witness and Informant Record. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Homeland Security VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:07 Dec 18, 2006 Jkt 211001 sponsoring the collection: Form I–854. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Individuals and Households. This information collection is used by law enforcement agencies to bring alien witnesses and informants to the United States in ‘‘S’’ nonimmigrant classification. (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 125 responses at 4.25 hours per response. (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 531 annual burden hours. If additional information is required contact: USCIS, Regulatory Management Division, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529, Telephone Number (202) 272–8377. Dated: December 13, 2006. Richard A. Sloan, Director, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E6–21540 Filed 12–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Affidavit of Support; Form I–134, OMB Control Number 1615–0014. ACTION: The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has submitted the following information collection request for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Comments are encouraged and will be accepted for sixty days until February 20, 2007. Written comments and suggestions regarding items contained in this notice, and especially with regard to the estimated public burden and associated response time should be directed to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS, Director, Regulatory Management Division, Clearance Office, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 3rd PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 floor, Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529. Comments may also be submitted to DHS via facsimile to 202– 272–8352, or via e-mail at rfs.regs@dhs.gov. When submitting comments by email add the OMB Control Number 1615–0014 in the subject box. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the 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 information collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Affidavit of Support. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: Form I–134. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. This information collection is used to determine if an applicant for an immigration benefit will become a public charge if admitted to the United States. (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 44,000 responses at 30 minutes (.50) per response. (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: 22,000 annual burden hours. If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the information collection instrument, please contact Richard A. Sloan, E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 71, No. 243 / Tuesday, December 19, 2006 / Notices Director, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529; Telephone 202–272–8377. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Dated: December 13, 2006. Richard A. Sloan, Director, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. E6–21582 Filed 12–18–06; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4410–10–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [CIS No. 2397–06; DHS Docket No. USCIS– 2006–0060] RIN 1615–ZA42 Proposed Revised Content for English, U.S. History and Government Test for Naturalization Applicants U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, DHS. ACTION: Notice. hsrobinson on PROD1PC76 with NOTICES AGENCY: SUMMARY: This notice announces that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will be conducting a pilot of a redesigned naturalization test. Applicants for naturalization must, among other things, demonstrate an understanding of the English language, a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and the principles and form of government in the United States. Currently the naturalization testing process and test content vary in each USCIS district office. USCIS plans to revise the naturalization testing process to ensure that the naturalization testing process is uniform. Thus, a newly redesigned English reading and writing test, as well as the U.S. history and government test, will be pilot tested in the following, randomly selected sites: Albany, New York sub-office; Boston, Massachusetts, District Office; Kansas City, Missouri, District Office; Charleston, South Carolina sub-office; El Paso, Texas District Office; San Antonio, Texas District Office; Miami, Florida District Office; Denver, Colorado District Office; Tucson, Arizona Sub-Office; and Yakima, Washington Sub-Office. Based on the evaluation of the pilot, the final test will be implemented nationally beginning in 2008. DATES: This notice is effective January 3, 2007. VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:07 Dec 18, 2006 Jkt 211001 Lynn L. Thai, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Office of Citizenship, 20 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Room 5200, Washington, DC, 20529, telephone (202) 272–1721. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Applicants for naturalization must, among other things, demonstrate an understanding of the English language including an ability to speak, read, and write, words in ordinary usage. 8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(1); 8 CFR 312.1(c)(1)–(c)(2). Another requirement is that applicants for naturalization must demonstrate a knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of the history, and the principles and form of government in the United States. Under USCIS regulations, an applicant for naturalization may satisfy these requirements by passing a citizenship test. 8 U.S.C. 1423(a)(2); 8 CFR 312.2(c). Certain applicants who meet specific age and length of residence thresholds or who have a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment may be exempt from the English and civics requirements. In 1997, the U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform (the Commission) recommended that the former Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS) 1 standardize the naturalization testing process. The Commission recommended that the naturalization tests be revised to better determine if applicants have a meaningful knowledge of U.S. history and government and can communicate in English. Also in 1997, the Department of Justice (DOJ) began to reengineer the naturalization process. With respect to naturalization testing, DOJ determined that it should develop a more uniform approach to testing, including standard and meaningful test content, standardized testing instruments and protocols, standard scoring, and standard levels of passing. The former INS began to redesign the testing process, with a goal of developing a new process that would be uniform, fair, and meaningful. The redesigned naturalization test USCIS plans to pilot is the culmination of test redesign efforts resulting from the Commission’s recommendations and work in this area since that time. 1 On March 1, 2003, INS transferred from the Department of Justice (DOJ) to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107–296). INS’ adjudication functions transferred to USCIS. PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 75971 Current Testing Procedures Currently USCIS District Adjudications Officers (DAOs) examine an applicant’s English language skills and knowledge of U.S. history and government during the naturalization interview. DAOs generally test an applicant’s ability to understand the English language while verifying that the information on his or her application for naturalization (Form N– 400) is correct. The preferred manner of testing an applicant’s reading ability by asking the applicant to read up to three sentences out loud and they test the applicant’s ability to write in English by dictating from one to three English sentences to the applicant and having that applicant write in English what was dictated. Test content for the reading and writing portion of the test is taken from either former INS textbooks (United States History—1600 to 1987 (former INS publication M–289) and U.S. Government Structure (former INS publication M–291)), and from sample sentences in the Guide to Naturalization (M–476), which is available on USCIS’ Web site, https://www.uscis.gov. DAOs test an applicant’s knowledge of U.S. history and government by asking up to 10 fundamental civics questions. For the U.S. history and government test, DAOs ask questions from either former INS textbooks or from a list of 96 questions published on the USCIS Web site. Each office’s testing method may vary in terms of how the test is prepared and administered, and how the results are collected and evaluated. Test formats also vary among offices, even among offices that use the same test methods. USCIS Plans To Revise the Tests and Testing Procedures USCIS has worked with communitybased organizations and other stakeholders to help ensure that the new test and testing procedures are developed and implemented fairly and consistently. USCIS’ redesign project revises the English and U.S. history test items, and the test administration procedures. During the redesign process of the U.S. history and government test, USCIS considered multiple perspectives, including views of U.S. history professors and experts, USCIS officers, and community-based organizations. It also reviewed State and local history standards, adult learning standards, citizenship preparation courses, and the current government authorized textbooks and other sound civics curricula. E:\FR\FM\19DEN1.SGM 19DEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 71, Number 243 (Tuesday, December 19, 2006)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75970-75971]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E6-21582]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services


Agency Information Collection Activities: Extension of a 
Currently Approved Information Collection; Comment Request

ACTION: 60-Day Notice of Information Collection Under Review: Affidavit 
of Support; Form I-134, OMB Control Number 1615-0014.

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    The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services has submitted the following information collection 
request for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995. The information collection is published to 
obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. Comments are 
encouraged and will be accepted for sixty days until February 20, 2007.
    Written comments and suggestions regarding items contained in this 
notice, and especially with regard to the estimated public burden and 
associated response time should be directed to the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS), USCIS, Director, Regulatory Management 
Division, Clearance Office, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., 3rd floor, 
Suite 3008, Washington, DC 20529. Comments may also be submitted to DHS 
via facsimile to 202-272-8352, or via e-mail at rfs.regs@dhs.gov. When 
submitting comments by email add the OMB Control Number 1615-0014 in 
the subject box.
    Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected 
agencies concerning the 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 information collection.
    (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Affidavit of Support.
    (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
Department of Homeland Security sponsoring the collection: Form I-134. 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
    (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as brief abstract: Primary: Individuals or households. This 
information collection is used to determine if an applicant for an 
immigration benefit will become a public charge if admitted to the 
United States.
    (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount 
of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: 44,000 
responses at 30 minutes (.50) per response.
    (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated 
with the collection: 22,000 annual burden hours.
    If you have additional comments, suggestions, or need a copy of the 
information collection instrument, please contact Richard A. Sloan,

[[Page 75971]]

Director, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, 111 Massachusetts Avenue, NW., Suite 3008, 
Washington, DC 20529; Telephone 202-272-8377.

    Dated: December 13, 2006.
Richard A. Sloan,
Director, Regulatory Management Division, U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security.
 [FR Doc. E6-21582 Filed 12-18-06; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-P

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