Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of Homeland Security/United States Citizenship and Immigration Services-009 Compliance Tracking and Management System of Records, 51619-51623 [2010-20856]
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51619
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
Vol. 75, No. 162
Monday, August 23, 2010
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER
contains regulatory documents having general
applicability and legal effect, most of which
are keyed to and codified in the Code of
Federal Regulations, which is published under
50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
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new books are listed in the first FEDERAL
REGISTER issue of each week.
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND
SECURITY
Office of the Secretary
6 CFR Part 5
[Docket No. DHS–2010–0054]
Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of
Exemptions; Department of Homeland
Security/United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services—009
Compliance Tracking and Management
System of Records
Privacy Office, DHS.
Final rule.
AGENCY:
ACTION:
The Department of Homeland
Security is issuing a final rule to amend
its regulations to exempt portions of a
Department of Homeland Security/
United States Citizenship and
Immigration system of records entitled
the ‘‘United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services—009 Compliance
Tracking and Management System of
Records’’ from certain provisions of the
Privacy Act. Specifically, the
Department proposes to exempt
portions of the Department of Homeland
Security/United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services—009 Compliance
Tracking and Management System of
Records from certain provisions of the
Privacy Act because of criminal, civil,
and administrative enforcement
requirements.
SUMMARY:
This final rule is effective August
23, 2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
general questions please contact
Monitoring and Compliance Branch
Chief (202–358–7777), Verification
Division, U.S. Citizenship and
Immigration Services, Department of
Homeland Security, 470 L’Enfant Plaza
East, SW., Suite 8204, Washington, DC
20529. For privacy issues please
contact: Mary Ellen Callahan (703–235–
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DATES:
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0780), Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy
Office, Department of Homeland
Security, Washington, DC 20528.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Department of Homeland
Security (DHS) published a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the
Federal Register, 74 FR 23957, May 22,
2009, proposing to exempt portions of
the DHS/United States Citizenship and
Immigration Services (USCIS)—009
Compliance Tracking and Management
System (CTMS) of Records from certain
provisions of the Privacy Act because of
criminal, civil, and administrative
enforcement requirements. The DHS/
USCIS—009 Compliance Tracking and
Management system of records notice
(SORN) was published concurrently in
the Federal Register, 74 FR 24022, May
22, 2009 and comments were invited on
both the NPRM and SORN. Comments
were received on both the NPRM and
SORN.
Comments on the Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (74 FR 23957, May 27,
2009)
DHS/USCIS received seven comments
on the NPRM (74 FR 23957, May 22,
2009) and twelve on the SORN (74 FR
24022, May 22, 2009). One set of
comments relates to a potential
operational concern with the SAVE
program that pertains to the DHS/
USCIS—004 Verification Information
System (VIS). While CTMS does deal
with SAVE data, the comments in
question did not relate to compliance
and monitoring issues. These comments
are being addressed by the SAVE
program. Another set of comments
concerned corporate hiring practices
and did not relate to CTMS or
compliance and monitoring issues
generally.
Below is an analysis of each comment
that specifically relate to this NPRM that
is not addressed directly above.
Comments were received from the
National Immigration Law Center
(NILC) regarding several elements of the
CTMS SORN and corresponding Notice
of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM)
Comment: NILC stated that law
enforcement exemptions were
overbroad and unwarranted.
Response: The Department notes that
Congress has stated its understanding
that the USCIS employment verification
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system may be used for law enforcement
purposes when necessary to prevent
violations of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA), and in cases of
document fraud, counterfeiting and
perjury (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)(2)(F)). EVerify was originally established for the
purpose of serving as a ‘‘confirmation
system through which [DHS]—
(1) Responds to inquiries made by
electing persons and other entities
[* * *] at any time through a toll-free
telephone line or other toll-free
electronic media concerning an
individual’s identity and whether the
individual is authorized to be
employed, and
(2) Maintains records of the inquiries
that were made, of confirmations
provided (or not provided), and of the
codes provided to inquirers as evidence
of their compliance with their
obligations under the pilot programs.’’.
(8 U.S.C. 1324a note (at § 404(a)) ‘‘The
confirmation system shall be designed
and operated—
(1) To maximize its reliability and
ease of use by persons and other entities
making elections under section 402(a) of
this division consistent with insulating
and protecting the privacy and security
of the underlying information;
(2) To respond to all inquiries made
by such persons and entities on whether
individuals are authorized to be
employed and to register all times when
such inquiries are not received;
(3) With appropriate administrative,
technical, and physical safeguards to
prevent unauthorized disclosure of
personal information; and
(4) To have reasonable safeguards
against the system’s resulting in
unlawful discriminatory practices based
on national origin or citizenship status,
including—
(A) The selective or unauthorized use
of the system to verify eligibility;
(B) The use of the system prior to an
offer of employment; or
(C) The exclusion of certain
individuals from consideration for
employment as a result of a perceived
likelihood that additional verification
will be required, beyond what is
required for most job applicants.’’. (8
U.S.C. 1324a note (at § 404(d))
CTMS serves as a vehicle by which
USCIS can comply with its statutory
mandate to ensure the integrity of the
verification system as outlined above.
Information in CTMS may provide
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evidence of the improper use of the EVerify system which directly supports
the statutory mandate to prevent the
misuse, discriminatory or fraudulent
use of the system. Furthermore, every
request for access to information in
CTMS will be evaluated with the
predisposition to releasing the
information. USCIS will only claim the
exemption if it determines that releasing
the information would be contrary to a
law enforcement purpose.
Comments were received from the
American Immigration Lawyer
Association (AILA) regarding several
points.
Comment: AILA objected to the 30day comment period.
Response: The Department notes that
the Administrative Procedure Act
(‘‘APA’’), 5 U.S.C. 553(c), provides that
‘‘each agency that maintains a system of
records shall at least 30 days prior to
publication of information under
paragraph (4)(D) of this subsection,
publish in the notice in the Federal
Register any new use or intended use of
the information in the system, and
provide an opportunity for interested
persons to submit written data, views,
or arguments to the agency.’’ In the
absence of a demonstration of a
compelling need to extend this period,
such as numerous requests for
additional time or when the subject of
the proposed governmental action is
complex or exceedingly controversial,
the 30 days provided for under the APA
provides an opportunity for thorough,
well-informed rulemaking. While
AILA’s comments were the only
comments submitted past the 30-day
time period, USCIS did consider their
comments. Based on the public
comments received thus far, there is
nothing to suggest that there was a need
for additional time.
Comment: AILA commented that the
use of CTMS for law enforcement
support is contrary to Congressional
intent.
Response: Congress has stated its
understanding that the USCIS
employment verification system may be
used for law enforcement purposes
when necessary to prevent violations of
the INA, and in cases of document
fraud, counterfeiting, and perjury in the
INA 8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)(2)(F). 8 U.S.C.
1324a note (at § 404(d)) requires that
E-Verify have ‘‘reasonable safeguards
against the system resulting in unlawful
discriminatory practices based on
national origin or citizenship status,
including—(A) The selective or
unauthorized use of the system to verify
eligibility; (B) the use of the system
prior to an offer of employment; or (C)
the exclusion of certain individuals
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from consideration for employment as a
result of a perceived likelihood.’’
CTMS serves as a vehicle by which
USCIS can comply with its statutory
mandate to ensure the integrity of the
verification system by preventing the
fraudulent use of E-Verify and SAVE
and violation of the INA, as well as any
misuse or discriminatory use of the
system (8 U.S.C. 1324a note (at
§ 404(d))).
Comment: AILA expressed concern
that because E-Verify is only a pilot, any
results from the system should be used
only for education and outreach, not
law enforcement purposes.
Response: The Department
acknowledges that as long as E-Verify is
operational, there is the potential that it
will be misused or abused. The
monitoring and compliance
functionality has been established to
identify and resolve noncompliance.
This is particularly important,
regardless of the programs’ status as a
pilot, where misuse of the system has an
immediate effect on a person’s ability to
work. CTMS is an integral component of
these monitoring and compliance
activities, as it allows for compliance
activity management and storage of the
information supporting the compliance
determinations surrounding use of the
program.
Comment: AILA expressed concern
that CTMS is not an effective way to
reduce identity theft, and recommends
that all multiple uses of A-Number or
SSN should result in a Tentative NonConfirmation (TNC) rather than
additional further research into the
employer.
Response: The Department is aware of
the potential for fraudulently used
identity documents to be verified
through the system. The USCIS
Verification Division, the component of
DHS responsible for the E-Verify
Program and CTMS, meets with AILA
annually. During a meeting held May 7,
2009, AILA and representatives from the
Verification Division discussed the
monitoring of multiple SSNs. USCIS is
researching solutions to this potential
problem. However, multiple uses of ANumber or SSN identifications do not
warrant automatic TNCs since it is
feasible for one individual to be
accurately verified in the system
multiple times, where they may hold
multiple jobs or change jobs frequently.
Hence, multiple uses of an A-Number or
SSN are not necessarily fraudulent and
should not result in a TNC in all cases.
In fact, the inconvenience that would be
caused to individuals who are rightly
verified multiple times would outweigh
the benefit of automatic TNCs. CTMS
would be used to determine under
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which circumstances such incidents of
multiple uses would indicate a need for
further compliance research and would
be the tool to manage any resulting
compliance activity.
Comment: AILA expressed concern
that an employer might try to protect
itself from law enforcement activities by
only selecting employees the employer
perceives to be without any potential for
immigration-related violations, thereby
increasing immigration-related
discrimination.
Response: The Department agrees that
E-Verify users may try to insulate
themselves from law enforcement
activities by discriminatory use of these
systems. As the Department has already
developed a relationship for forwarding
potential violations to the Department of
Justice (DOJ) Office of Special Counsel
(OSC) as required by law, it is vital that
the monitoring and compliance
activities be well developed and
managed to ensure that E-Verify is
looking carefully at these issues.
Comment: AILA suggested that there
are better methods for reducing
discrimination and misuse of E-Verify
including: (1) Improving posters and
providing alternative means of
notification; (2) involving OSC more
directly in E-Verify education and
outreach efforts; (3) modifying E-Verify
case resolution functionality; (4)
enhancing E-Verify user reports; and (5)
providing better training and reporting
tools to corporate and program
administrators.
Response: The Department agrees that
there should be an ongoing process of
evaluating and improving the methods
that are used to prevent and detect
misuse. In fact, AILA’s suggestion
regarding improving posters is
supported by the compliance activity of
determining whether the posters are
actually being used by employers. The
development of the USCIS Verification
Division Monitoring and Compliance
Branch and the appropriate use of the
CTMS tracking and managing tool are
central to this ongoing initiative, and
will be used in conjunction with other
program enhancements to involve
employers in the compliance assistance
elements of E-Verify. In addition, EVerify continuously evaluates and
improves the means of educating users
about the correct way to use E-Verify,
and of informing the individuals being
verified of their rights. E-Verify works
closely with OSC, as appropriate, using
the CTMS to guide referrals to the
appropriate enforcement agency. Recent
changes have included significant
enhancements to the training processes
and additional means of notification,
including adding privacy information
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on the E-Verify Web site. The
Department is currently evaluating the
E-Verify case resolution functionality,
determining additional ways to involve
the users in the integrity of the programs
and is investigating enhancements to
the program’s reporting capabilities, to
address user’s ability to evaluate and
train individual users, and to use other
means to assist users in the E-Verify
processes. Further, USCIS signed a
Memorandum of Agreement with the
Department of Justice’s Office of Special
Counsel (OSC) for Unfair ImmigrationRelated Employment practices on March
17, 2010 that formally establishes the
relationship and process for referrals
between the agencies, and continued
collaboration efforts, including E-Verify
education and outreach.
Comments on the System of Records
Notice (74 FR 24022, May 22, 2009)
Comment: NILC expressed concern
that the CTMS SORN does not
adequately address how monitoring and
compliance will be conducted given the
expanded use of SAVE by States and
localities.
Response: The Department
acknowledges that the expanded use of
SAVE, as required by section 642(c) of
the Illegal Immigration Reform and
Immigrant Responsibility Act (Pub. L.
104–208, 110 Stat. 3009), will increase
the number and types of SAVE users.
These users will pose different
monitoring and compliance challenges.
However, all SAVE user agencies are
subject to the policies and procedures
governing use of the system. The
Department is aligning the SAVE
monitoring and compliance activities
with the various agencies, whether
federal, state, or local, in order to
identify non-compliant behaviors
regardless of the specific purpose of the
SAVE query. In fact, in the vast majority
of cases, the same type of SAVE query
is conducted using the same
information and documentation
regardless of the purpose of the query.
CTMS will be used to track and manage
these monitoring and compliance
activities and provide support for SAVE
monitoring and compliance deliberative
processes.
Comment: NILC expressed concern
that E-Verify focusing on an employer’s
election not to use E-Verify after
registering for the program would be a
waste of resources as it does not actually
indicate misuse of the system.
Response: The Department
appreciates NILC concern that E-Verify
not waste resources on a behavior that
does not indicate a misuse of the
system. However, once enrolled in
E-Verify, employers are required to
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either verify all new hires through the
system, or withdraw from E-Verify. This
is required in order to minimize the
potential of an employer using the
system in a potentially discriminatory
manner by verifying some employees
but not others. The Department also
notes that this is a good example of a
misuse that would be resolved in almost
all cases by E-Verify providing
compliance assistance to employers to
help them understand what their
responsibilities are. Although CTMS is
used for identifying potentially illegal
activities, compliance activities are
primarily focused on education,
training, and awareness to assist
employers to better understand the
purpose of E-Verify and their role in the
process.
Comment: NILC expressed concerns
that, despite DHS’ stated intentions,
CTMS is designed to investigate
immigration offenses by employees
rather than misuse by employers.
Response: The Department
understands the NILC’s concern, but in
both the SAVE and E-Verify programs
the Department is mandated to focus on
the relationship with the agency or
employer in its operational activities not
on the applicant or employee being
verified. Employers are the direct users
of E-Verify as are SAVE agencies the
direct users of SAVE, and it is with
E-Verify employers and SAVE agencies
that the E-Verify or SAVE Memoranda
of Understandings (MOUs) are signed.
The subject of E-Verify or SAVE
verification would only be contacted if
the compliance activity is based on a
specific lead or tip first provided
voluntarily to DHS by that subject.
However, if in the course of research
USCIS discovers evidence of fraud by an
individual verified by SAVE or E-Verify,
USCIS will evaluate those matters and
may refer them to the appropriate law
enforcement agency.
Comment: NILC expressed concern
that if CTMS is used for immigration
enforcement and Privacy Act
exemptions are granted, employees,
those most likely to be able to witness
and report on misuse, will be unwilling
to make such reports.
Response: Employee information is
vital to compliance analysts for
interpreting various user behaviors and
the monitoring and compliance effort is
essential to protecting the rights of the
employee from abuse by employers and
other employees, as well as determining
if employer or agency users are in
compliance with the program terms of
use. Currently, as required by law, EVerify forwards information that
suggests illegal activities to appropriate
law enforcement organizations. The
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Department acknowledges the risk that
some employees may be unwilling to
report cases of misuse of E-Verify or
SAVE because of their concerns
regarding CTMS’s immigration
enforcement capability and its Privacy
Act exemptions. This risk however, is
one that must be accepted in order to
effectively and adequately protect the
integrity of any law enforcement
investigations that result from
monitoring and compliance activities
within CTMS.
Comments were received from the
American Council on International
Personnel (ACIP) regarding two points.
Comment: ACIP requested that
E-Verify should work directly with
employers before any effort is made to
refer potential issues to law enforcement
organizations.
Response: The Department agrees
with ACIP and E-Verify has developed
an escalating approach to compliance in
which noncompliance is resolved by
contacting and working with the
employer directly when possible. The
purpose of collecting information in the
CTMS is to allow compliance analysts
to determine the correct approach to
involving the employer or agency in the
compliance process. E-Verify begins
from a position of ‘‘compliance
assistance,’’ which is to educate
employers and ensure proper policies
and procedures are followed. If, after the
employer has been contacted,
noncompliance is ongoing or more
egregious, E-Verify may escalate to
compliance activities that involve more
direct interaction with employers,
which may include collecting additional
information from the employer for
analysis. For those situations where
USCIS believes there is more egregious
noncompliance, E-Verify may make a
referral to a law enforcement agency for
the appropriate enforcement action.
CTMS tracks and manages this process.
Comment: ACIP suggested the use of
additional advanced technologies to
prevent fraud and misuse.
Response: The Department
appreciates ACIP’s comment and is
continuing to investigate a number of
technologies and processes that would
increase the integrity of the SAVE and
E-Verify program, but believes that as no
technology will be able to stop all cases
of misuse, DHS must develop a system
and process for researching, tracking,
and managing potential cases of misuse,
abuse, fraud, or discrimination.
Comment: AILA expressed concern
that CTMS is beyond the scope of
authority for E-Verify established by
IIRIRA, but that if CTMS is to be used
it should be used as a tool to focus
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attention on employees who might be
misusing documentation.
Response: The Department is aware of
the need to ensure that that E-Verify and
SAVE are not misused. However,
because these programs work directly
with the employers and SAVE agencies,
and do not have a direct relationship
with the individuals being verified, it is
necessary to focus on the users of the
programs. Thus, the employers and
SAVE agency users create a contractual
relationship with DHS through their
registration and signing of the program
Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)
which establish the parameters of their
use. In light of this relationship, the
Department can work to train users on
the correct use of the programs. Until
Congress directs otherwise, these
programs must focus on the E-Verify
and SAVE users.
Comment: AILA expressed concern
that DHS failed to consult with
employer representatives in the
development and implementation of
E-Verify as required by IIRIRA, Section
402(d)(1).
Response: E-Verify works with the
user population on changes to
continuously improve the program,
through outreach and interaction with
employers and agencies by conducting
training sessions, Webinars, and
outreach events throughout the United
States. These outreach initiatives have
resulted in changes to E-Verify, for
example changes have been made to
simplify E-Verify language and to
change data handling procedures to
make it more convenient for employers
and employees using E-Verify. E-Verify
also evaluates and implements, where
possible, the suggestions of employer
advocacy organizations, for example the
program is currently evaluating changes
to the program that would increase
enhanced program authentication
methods. The Westat Reports, the
statutorily mandated third party review
of E-Verify, are published to the Web to
inform employers of recommendations
for improving the integrity of the
program. These efforts meet the
requirements of IIRIRA § 402 (d)(1)
which provide that DHS ‘‘shall closely
consult with representatives of
employers (and recruiters and referrers)
in the development and implementation
of the pilot programs, including the
education of employers (and recruiters
and referrers) about such programs.’’
Comment: AILA recommended that
DHS not devote resources to the CTMS
system until release of the pending
Westat Report.
Response: The Westat Reports of 2002
and 2007 recommended that USCIS
develop monitoring and compliance
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capability. The USCIS Verification
Division Monitoring and Compliance
Branch has developed CTMS as a
support tool for its operations.
Recommendations from the next Westat
Report, along with experience from
monitoring and compliance activities,
will be an input to this continuous
improvement function.
USCIS Verification Division
Monitoring and Compliance Branch
operations have been developed based
on best practices, as well as knowledge
of the E-Verify system and the ways in
which it could potentially be misused or
abused. The previous Westat Reports
served as a reference while the USCIS
Verification Division Monitoring and
Compliance Branch was being
formulated; future Westat Reports will
likewise be leveraged. However, the
absence of a ‘‘perfect’’ E-Verify system
should not preclude the establishment
of a monitoring and compliance
component, along with the associated
tools, such as CTMS. As long as the
system is being used, USCIS has a
responsibility to ensure that the system
is being used appropriately and in
accordance with program rules and
regulations. The USCIS Verification
Division Monitoring and Compliance
Branch, and associated management
tools, fulfill that function.
Having taken into consideration and
addressed public comments resulting
from this NPRM and SORN, as well as
the Department’s position on these
public comments, DHS will implement
the rulemaking as proposed.
List of Subjects in 6 CFR Part 5
Freedom of information; Privacy.
For the reasons stated in the preamble,
DHS amends Chapter I of Title 6, Code
of Federal Regulations, as follows:
■
PART 5—DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS
AND INFORMATION
1. The authority citation for Part 5
continues to read as follows:
■
Authority: Pub. L. 107–296, 116 Stat. 2135,
6 U.S.C. 101 et seq.; 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart A
also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552. Subpart B
also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a.
2. Add at the end of Appendix C to
Part 5, the following new paragraph
‘‘49’’:
■
Appendix C to Part 5—DHS Systems of
Records Exempt From the Privacy Act
*
*
*
*
*
49. The DHS/USCIS—009 Compliance
Tracking and Management System of Records
consists of electronic and paper files that will
be used by DHS and its components. This
system of records will be used to perform a
range of information management and
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analytic functions involving minimizing
misuse, abuse, discrimination, breach of
privacy, and fraudulent use of SAVE and EVerify. The Secretary of Homeland Security
has exempted this system from the following
provisions of the Privacy Act, subject to the
limitation set forth in 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (d),
(e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(4)(I), and (f)
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2). Exemptions
from these particular subsections are
justified, on a case-by-case basis to be
determined at the time a request is made, for
the following reasons:
(a) From subsection (c)(3) (Accounting for
Disclosures) because release of the
accounting of disclosures could alert the
subject of an investigation of an actual or
potential criminal, civil, or regulatory
violation to the existence of the investigation,
and reveal investigative interest on the part
of DHS as well as the recipient agency.
Disclosure of the accounting would therefore
present a serious impediment to law
enforcement efforts and/or efforts to preserve
national security. Disclosure of the
accounting would also permit the individual
who is the subject of a record to impede the
investigation, to tamper with witnesses or
evidence, and to avoid detection or
apprehension, which would undermine the
entire investigative process.
(b) From subsection (d) (Access to Records)
because access to the records contained in
this system of records could inform the
subject of an investigation of an actual or
potential criminal, civil, or regulatory
violation, to the existence of the
investigation, and reveal investigative
interest on the part of DHS or another agency.
Access to the records could permit the
individual who is the subject of a record to
impede the investigation, to tamper with
witnesses or evidence, and to avoid detection
or apprehension. Amendment of the records
could interfere with ongoing investigations
and law enforcement activities and would
impose an impossible administrative burden
by requiring investigations to be
continuously reinvestigated. In addition,
permitting access and amendment to such
information could disclose security-sensitive
information that could be detrimental to
homeland security.
(c) From subsection (e)(1) (Relevancy and
Necessity of Information) because in the
course of investigations into potential
violations of Federal law, the accuracy of
information obtained or introduced
occasionally may be unclear or the
information may not be strictly relevant or
necessary to a specific investigation. In the
interest of effective law enforcement, it is
appropriate to retain all information that may
aid in establishing patterns of unlawful
activity.
(d) From subsections (e)(4)(G), (H), and (I)
(Agency Requirements), and (f) (Agency
Rules) because portions of this system are
exempt from the individual access provisions
of subsection (d) for the reasons noted above,
and therefore DHS is not required to establish
requirements, rules, or procedures with
respect to such access. Providing notice to
individuals with respect to existence of
records pertaining to them in the system of
records or otherwise setting up procedures
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pursuant to which individuals may access
and view records pertaining to themselves in
the system would undermine investigative
efforts and reveal the identities of witnesses,
and potential witnesses, and confidential
informants.
Mary Ellen Callahan,
Chief Privacy Officer, Department of
Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2010–20856 Filed 8–20–10; 8:45 am]
Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency, Treasury (OCC); Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve
System (Board); Federal Deposit
Insurance Corporation (FDIC); Office of
Thrift Supervision, Treasury (OTS);
Farm Credit Administration (FCA); and
National Credit Union Administration
(NCUA).
ACTION: Final rule.
AGENCY:
BILLING CODE 9111–97–P
The OCC, Board, FDIC, OTS,
FCA, and NCUA (collectively, the
Agencies) are adopting final rules to
implement the Secure and Fair
Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act
(the S.A.F.E. Act). The S.A.F.E. Act
requires an employee of a bank, savings
association, credit union or Farm Credit
System (FCS) institution and certain of
their subsidiaries that are regulated by
a Federal banking agency or the FCA
(collectively, Agency-regulated
institutions) who acts as a residential
mortgage loan originator to register with
the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing
System and Registry, obtain a unique
identifier, and maintain this
registration. The final rule further
provides that Agency-regulated
institutions must: require their
employees who act as residential
mortgage loan originators to comply
with the S.A.F.E. Act’s requirements to
register and obtain a unique identifier,
and adopt and follow written policies
and procedures designed to assure
compliance with these requirements.
DATES: This final rule is effective on
October 1, 2010. Compliance with
§ __.103 (registration requirement) of the
final rule is required by the end of the
180-day period for initial registrations
beginning on the date the Agencies
provide in a public notice that the
Registry is accepting initial
registrations.
SUMMARY:
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of the Comptroller of the
Currency
12 CFR Part 34
[Docket ID OCC–2010–0007]
RIN 1557–AD23
FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM
12 CFR Parts 208 and 211
[Docket No. R–1357]
FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
CORPORATION
12 CFR Part 365
RIN 3064–AD43
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY
Office of Thrift Supervision
12 CFR Part 563
[Docket No. 2010—0021]
RIN 1550–AC33
FARM CREDIT ADMINISTRATION
12 CFR Part 610
RIN 3052–AC52
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
NATIONAL CREDIT UNION
ADMINISTRATION
12 CFR Parts 741 and 761
RIN 3133–AD59
Registration of Mortgage Loan
Originators
sroberts on DSKD5P82C1PROD with RULES
Correction
In rule document 2010–18148
beginning on page 44656 in the issue of
Wednesday, July 28, 2010, make the
following corrections:
On pages 44656 through 44684, in
Separate Part IV, footnotes 1 through 67
were not correctly numbered. The entire
preamble is being reprinted to include
the correctly numbered footnotes.
VerDate Mar<15>2010
15:54 Aug 20, 2010
Jkt 220001
OCC: Michele Meyer, Assistant
Director, Heidi Thomas, Special
Counsel, or Patrick T. Tierney, Senior
Attorney, Legislative and Regulatory
Activities, (202) 874–5090, and Nan
Goulet, Senior Advisor, Large Bank
Supervision, (202) 874–5224, Office of
the Comptroller of the Currency, 250 E
Street SW., Washington, DC 20219.
Board: Anne Zorc, Counsel, Legal
Division, (202) 452–3876, Virginia
Gibbs, Senior Supervisory Analyst,
(202) 452–2521, and Stanley Rediger,
Supervisory Financial Analyst, (202)
452–2629, Division of Banking
Supervision and Regulation, Board of
Governors of the Federal Reserve
System, 20th and C Streets, NW.,
Washington, DC 20551.
PO 00000
Frm 00005
Fmt 4700
Sfmt 4700
51623
FDIC: Thomas F. Lyons, Examination
Specialist, (202) 898–6850, Victoria
Pawelski, Senior Policy Analyst, (202)
898–3571, or John P. Kotsiras, Financial
Analyst, (202) 898–6620, Division of
Supervision and Consumer Protection;
or Richard Foley, Counsel, (202) 898–
3784, or Kimberly A. Stock, Counsel,
(202) 898–3815, Legal Division, Federal
Deposit Insurance Corporation, 550 17th
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20429.
OTS: Charlotte M. Bahin, Special
Counsel (Special Projects), (202) 906–
6452, Vicki Hawkins-Jones, Special
Counsel, Regulations and Legislation
Division, (202) 906–7034, Debbie
Merkle, Project Manager, Credit Risk,
(202) 906–5688, and Rhonda Daniels,
Senior Compliance Program Analyst,
Consumer Regulations, (202) 906–7158,
Office of Thrift Supervision, 1700 G
Street, NW., Washington, DC 20552.
FCA: Gary K. Van Meter, Deputy
Director, Office of Regulatory Policy,
(703) 883–4414, TTY (703) 883–4434, or
Richard A. Katz, Senior Counsel, or
Jennifer Cohn, Senior Counsel, Office of
General Counsel, (703) 883–4020, TTY
(703) 883–4020, Farm Credit
Administration, 1501 Farm Credit Drive,
McLean, VA 22102–5090.
NCUA: Regina Metz, Staff Attorney,
Office of General Counsel, 703–518–
6561, or Lisa Dolin, Program Officer,
Division of Supervision, Office of
Examination and Insurance, 703–518–
6360, National Credit Union
Administration, 1775 Duke Street,
Alexandria, VA 22314–3428.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Background
A. Statutory Requirements
The S.A.F.E. Act,1 enacted on July 30,
2008, mandates a nationwide licensing
and registration system for mortgage
loan originators. Specifically, the Act
requires all States to provide for a
licensing and registration regime for
mortgage loan originators who are not
employed by Agency-regulated
institutions within one year of
enactment (or two years for States
whose legislatures meet biennially). In
addition, the S.A.F.E. Act requires the
OCC, Board, FDIC, OTS and NCUA,2
through the Federal Financial
Institutions Examination Council
(FFIEC), and the FCA to develop and
1 The S.A.F.E. Act was enacted as part of the
Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008,
Public Law 110–289, Division A, Title V, sections
1501–1517, 122 Stat. 2654, 2810–2824 (July 30,
2008), codified at 12 U.S.C. 5101–5116. Citations in
this Supplementary Information section are to the
‘‘S.A.F.E. Act’’ by section number in the public law.
2 The OCC, Board, FDIC, OTS, and NCUA are
referred to both in the S.A.F.E. Act and in this
rulemaking as the ‘‘Federal banking agencies.’’
E:\FR\FM\23AUR1.SGM
23AUR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 75, Number 162 (Monday, August 23, 2010)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 51619-51623]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2010-20856]
========================================================================
Rules and Regulations
Federal Register
________________________________________________________________________
This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains regulatory documents
having general applicability and legal effect, most of which are keyed
to and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations, which is published
under 50 titles pursuant to 44 U.S.C. 1510.
The Code of Federal Regulations is sold by the Superintendent of Documents.
Prices of new books are listed in the first FEDERAL REGISTER issue of each
week.
========================================================================
Federal Register / Vol. 75, No. 162 / Monday, August 23, 2010 / Rules
and Regulations
[[Page 51619]]
DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Office of the Secretary
6 CFR Part 5
[Docket No. DHS-2010-0054]
Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of
Homeland Security/United States Citizenship and Immigration Services--
009 Compliance Tracking and Management System of Records
AGENCY: Privacy Office, DHS.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security is issuing a final rule to
amend its regulations to exempt portions of a Department of Homeland
Security/United States Citizenship and Immigration system of records
entitled the ``United States Citizenship and Immigration Services--009
Compliance Tracking and Management System of Records'' from certain
provisions of the Privacy Act. Specifically, the Department proposes to
exempt portions of the Department of Homeland Security/United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services--009 Compliance Tracking and
Management System of Records from certain provisions of the Privacy Act
because of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement
requirements.
DATES: This final rule is effective August 23, 2010.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions please contact
Monitoring and Compliance Branch Chief (202-358-7777), Verification
Division, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of
Homeland Security, 470 L'Enfant Plaza East, SW., Suite 8204,
Washington, DC 20529. For privacy issues please contact: Mary Ellen
Callahan (703-235-0780), Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy Office,
Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) published a notice of
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) in the Federal Register, 74 FR 23957, May
22, 2009, proposing to exempt portions of the DHS/United States
Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)--009 Compliance Tracking
and Management System (CTMS) of Records from certain provisions of the
Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement
requirements. The DHS/USCIS--009 Compliance Tracking and Management
system of records notice (SORN) was published concurrently in the
Federal Register, 74 FR 24022, May 22, 2009 and comments were invited
on both the NPRM and SORN. Comments were received on both the NPRM and
SORN.
Comments on the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (74 FR 23957, May 27,
2009)
DHS/USCIS received seven comments on the NPRM (74 FR 23957, May 22,
2009) and twelve on the SORN (74 FR 24022, May 22, 2009). One set of
comments relates to a potential operational concern with the SAVE
program that pertains to the DHS/USCIS--004 Verification Information
System (VIS). While CTMS does deal with SAVE data, the comments in
question did not relate to compliance and monitoring issues. These
comments are being addressed by the SAVE program. Another set of
comments concerned corporate hiring practices and did not relate to
CTMS or compliance and monitoring issues generally.
Below is an analysis of each comment that specifically relate to
this NPRM that is not addressed directly above. Comments were received
from the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) regarding several
elements of the CTMS SORN and corresponding Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking (NPRM)
Comment: NILC stated that law enforcement exemptions were overbroad
and unwarranted.
Response: The Department notes that Congress has stated its
understanding that the USCIS employment verification system may be used
for law enforcement purposes when necessary to prevent violations of
the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), and in cases of document
fraud, counterfeiting and perjury (8 U.S.C. 1324a(d)(2)(F)). E-Verify
was originally established for the purpose of serving as a
``confirmation system through which [DHS]--
(1) Responds to inquiries made by electing persons and other
entities [* * *] at any time through a toll-free telephone line or
other toll-free electronic media concerning an individual's identity
and whether the individual is authorized to be employed, and
(2) Maintains records of the inquiries that were made, of
confirmations provided (or not provided), and of the codes provided to
inquirers as evidence of their compliance with their obligations under
the pilot programs.''. (8 U.S.C. 1324a note (at Sec. 404(a)) ``The
confirmation system shall be designed and operated--
(1) To maximize its reliability and ease of use by persons and
other entities making elections under section 402(a) of this division
consistent with insulating and protecting the privacy and security of
the underlying information;
(2) To respond to all inquiries made by such persons and entities
on whether individuals are authorized to be employed and to register
all times when such inquiries are not received;
(3) With appropriate administrative, technical, and physical
safeguards to prevent unauthorized disclosure of personal information;
and
(4) To have reasonable safeguards against the system's resulting in
unlawful discriminatory practices based on national origin or
citizenship status, including--
(A) The selective or unauthorized use of the system to verify
eligibility;
(B) The use of the system prior to an offer of employment; or
(C) The exclusion of certain individuals from consideration for
employment as a result of a perceived likelihood that additional
verification will be required, beyond what is required for most job
applicants.''. (8 U.S.C. 1324a note (at Sec. 404(d))
CTMS serves as a vehicle by which USCIS can comply with its
statutory mandate to ensure the integrity of the verification system as
outlined above. Information in CTMS may provide
[[Page 51620]]
evidence of the improper use of the E-Verify system which directly
supports the statutory mandate to prevent the misuse, discriminatory or
fraudulent use of the system. Furthermore, every request for access to
information in CTMS will be evaluated with the predisposition to
releasing the information. USCIS will only claim the exemption if it
determines that releasing the information would be contrary to a law
enforcement purpose.
Comments were received from the American Immigration Lawyer
Association (AILA) regarding several points.
Comment: AILA objected to the 30-day comment period.
Response: The Department notes that the Administrative Procedure
Act (``APA''), 5 U.S.C. 553(c), provides that ``each agency that
maintains a system of records shall at least 30 days prior to
publication of information under paragraph (4)(D) of this subsection,
publish in the notice in the Federal Register any new use or intended
use of the information in the system, and provide an opportunity for
interested persons to submit written data, views, or arguments to the
agency.'' In the absence of a demonstration of a compelling need to
extend this period, such as numerous requests for additional time or
when the subject of the proposed governmental action is complex or
exceedingly controversial, the 30 days provided for under the APA
provides an opportunity for thorough, well-informed rulemaking. While
AILA's comments were the only comments submitted past the 30-day time
period, USCIS did consider their comments. Based on the public comments
received thus far, there is nothing to suggest that there was a need
for additional time.
Comment: AILA commented that the use of CTMS for law enforcement
support is contrary to Congressional intent.
Response: Congress has stated its understanding that the USCIS
employment verification system may be used for law enforcement purposes
when necessary to prevent violations of the INA, and in cases of
document fraud, counterfeiting, and perjury in the INA 8 U.S.C.
1324a(d)(2)(F). 8 U.S.C. 1324a note (at Sec. 404(d)) requires that E-
Verify have ``reasonable safeguards against the system resulting in
unlawful discriminatory practices based on national origin or
citizenship status, including--(A) The selective or unauthorized use of
the system to verify eligibility; (B) the use of the system prior to an
offer of employment; or (C) the exclusion of certain individuals from
consideration for employment as a result of a perceived likelihood.''
CTMS serves as a vehicle by which USCIS can comply with its
statutory mandate to ensure the integrity of the verification system by
preventing the fraudulent use of E-Verify and SAVE and violation of the
INA, as well as any misuse or discriminatory use of the system (8
U.S.C. 1324a note (at Sec. 404(d))).
Comment: AILA expressed concern that because E-Verify is only a
pilot, any results from the system should be used only for education
and outreach, not law enforcement purposes.
Response: The Department acknowledges that as long as E-Verify is
operational, there is the potential that it will be misused or abused.
The monitoring and compliance functionality has been established to
identify and resolve noncompliance. This is particularly important,
regardless of the programs' status as a pilot, where misuse of the
system has an immediate effect on a person's ability to work. CTMS is
an integral component of these monitoring and compliance activities, as
it allows for compliance activity management and storage of the
information supporting the compliance determinations surrounding use of
the program.
Comment: AILA expressed concern that CTMS is not an effective way
to reduce identity theft, and recommends that all multiple uses of A-
Number or SSN should result in a Tentative Non-Confirmation (TNC)
rather than additional further research into the employer.
Response: The Department is aware of the potential for fraudulently
used identity documents to be verified through the system. The USCIS
Verification Division, the component of DHS responsible for the E-
Verify Program and CTMS, meets with AILA annually. During a meeting
held May 7, 2009, AILA and representatives from the Verification
Division discussed the monitoring of multiple SSNs. USCIS is
researching solutions to this potential problem. However, multiple uses
of A-Number or SSN identifications do not warrant automatic TNCs since
it is feasible for one individual to be accurately verified in the
system multiple times, where they may hold multiple jobs or change jobs
frequently. Hence, multiple uses of an A-Number or SSN are not
necessarily fraudulent and should not result in a TNC in all cases. In
fact, the inconvenience that would be caused to individuals who are
rightly verified multiple times would outweigh the benefit of automatic
TNCs. CTMS would be used to determine under which circumstances such
incidents of multiple uses would indicate a need for further compliance
research and would be the tool to manage any resulting compliance
activity.
Comment: AILA expressed concern that an employer might try to
protect itself from law enforcement activities by only selecting
employees the employer perceives to be without any potential for
immigration-related violations, thereby increasing immigration-related
discrimination.
Response: The Department agrees that E-Verify users may try to
insulate themselves from law enforcement activities by discriminatory
use of these systems. As the Department has already developed a
relationship for forwarding potential violations to the Department of
Justice (DOJ) Office of Special Counsel (OSC) as required by law, it is
vital that the monitoring and compliance activities be well developed
and managed to ensure that E-Verify is looking carefully at these
issues.
Comment: AILA suggested that there are better methods for reducing
discrimination and misuse of E-Verify including: (1) Improving posters
and providing alternative means of notification; (2) involving OSC more
directly in E-Verify education and outreach efforts; (3) modifying E-
Verify case resolution functionality; (4) enhancing E-Verify user
reports; and (5) providing better training and reporting tools to
corporate and program administrators.
Response: The Department agrees that there should be an ongoing
process of evaluating and improving the methods that are used to
prevent and detect misuse. In fact, AILA's suggestion regarding
improving posters is supported by the compliance activity of
determining whether the posters are actually being used by employers.
The development of the USCIS Verification Division Monitoring and
Compliance Branch and the appropriate use of the CTMS tracking and
managing tool are central to this ongoing initiative, and will be used
in conjunction with other program enhancements to involve employers in
the compliance assistance elements of E-Verify. In addition, E-Verify
continuously evaluates and improves the means of educating users about
the correct way to use E-Verify, and of informing the individuals being
verified of their rights. E-Verify works closely with OSC, as
appropriate, using the CTMS to guide referrals to the appropriate
enforcement agency. Recent changes have included significant
enhancements to the training processes and additional means of
notification, including adding privacy information
[[Page 51621]]
on the E-Verify Web site. The Department is currently evaluating the E-
Verify case resolution functionality, determining additional ways to
involve the users in the integrity of the programs and is investigating
enhancements to the program's reporting capabilities, to address user's
ability to evaluate and train individual users, and to use other means
to assist users in the E-Verify processes. Further, USCIS signed a
Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Justice's Office of
Special Counsel (OSC) for Unfair Immigration-Related Employment
practices on March 17, 2010 that formally establishes the relationship
and process for referrals between the agencies, and continued
collaboration efforts, including E-Verify education and outreach.
Comments on the System of Records Notice (74 FR 24022, May 22, 2009)
Comment: NILC expressed concern that the CTMS SORN does not
adequately address how monitoring and compliance will be conducted
given the expanded use of SAVE by States and localities.
Response: The Department acknowledges that the expanded use of
SAVE, as required by section 642(c) of the Illegal Immigration Reform
and Immigrant Responsibility Act (Pub. L. 104-208, 110 Stat. 3009),
will increase the number and types of SAVE users. These users will pose
different monitoring and compliance challenges. However, all SAVE user
agencies are subject to the policies and procedures governing use of
the system. The Department is aligning the SAVE monitoring and
compliance activities with the various agencies, whether federal,
state, or local, in order to identify non-compliant behaviors
regardless of the specific purpose of the SAVE query. In fact, in the
vast majority of cases, the same type of SAVE query is conducted using
the same information and documentation regardless of the purpose of the
query. CTMS will be used to track and manage these monitoring and
compliance activities and provide support for SAVE monitoring and
compliance deliberative processes.
Comment: NILC expressed concern that E-Verify focusing on an
employer's election not to use E-Verify after registering for the
program would be a waste of resources as it does not actually indicate
misuse of the system.
Response: The Department appreciates NILC concern that E-Verify not
waste resources on a behavior that does not indicate a misuse of the
system. However, once enrolled in E-Verify, employers are required to
either verify all new hires through the system, or withdraw from E-
Verify. This is required in order to minimize the potential of an
employer using the system in a potentially discriminatory manner by
verifying some employees but not others. The Department also notes that
this is a good example of a misuse that would be resolved in almost all
cases by E-Verify providing compliance assistance to employers to help
them understand what their responsibilities are. Although CTMS is used
for identifying potentially illegal activities, compliance activities
are primarily focused on education, training, and awareness to assist
employers to better understand the purpose of E-Verify and their role
in the process.
Comment: NILC expressed concerns that, despite DHS' stated
intentions, CTMS is designed to investigate immigration offenses by
employees rather than misuse by employers.
Response: The Department understands the NILC's concern, but in
both the SAVE and E-Verify programs the Department is mandated to focus
on the relationship with the agency or employer in its operational
activities not on the applicant or employee being verified. Employers
are the direct users of E-Verify as are SAVE agencies the direct users
of SAVE, and it is with E-Verify employers and SAVE agencies that the
E-Verify or SAVE Memoranda of Understandings (MOUs) are signed. The
subject of E-Verify or SAVE verification would only be contacted if the
compliance activity is based on a specific lead or tip first provided
voluntarily to DHS by that subject. However, if in the course of
research USCIS discovers evidence of fraud by an individual verified by
SAVE or E-Verify, USCIS will evaluate those matters and may refer them
to the appropriate law enforcement agency.
Comment: NILC expressed concern that if CTMS is used for
immigration enforcement and Privacy Act exemptions are granted,
employees, those most likely to be able to witness and report on
misuse, will be unwilling to make such reports.
Response: Employee information is vital to compliance analysts for
interpreting various user behaviors and the monitoring and compliance
effort is essential to protecting the rights of the employee from abuse
by employers and other employees, as well as determining if employer or
agency users are in compliance with the program terms of use.
Currently, as required by law, E-Verify forwards information that
suggests illegal activities to appropriate law enforcement
organizations. The Department acknowledges the risk that some employees
may be unwilling to report cases of misuse of E-Verify or SAVE because
of their concerns regarding CTMS's immigration enforcement capability
and its Privacy Act exemptions. This risk however, is one that must be
accepted in order to effectively and adequately protect the integrity
of any law enforcement investigations that result from monitoring and
compliance activities within CTMS.
Comments were received from the American Council on International
Personnel (ACIP) regarding two points.
Comment: ACIP requested that E-Verify should work directly with
employers before any effort is made to refer potential issues to law
enforcement organizations.
Response: The Department agrees with ACIP and E-Verify has
developed an escalating approach to compliance in which noncompliance
is resolved by contacting and working with the employer directly when
possible. The purpose of collecting information in the CTMS is to allow
compliance analysts to determine the correct approach to involving the
employer or agency in the compliance process. E-Verify begins from a
position of ``compliance assistance,'' which is to educate employers
and ensure proper policies and procedures are followed. If, after the
employer has been contacted, noncompliance is ongoing or more
egregious, E-Verify may escalate to compliance activities that involve
more direct interaction with employers, which may include collecting
additional information from the employer for analysis. For those
situations where USCIS believes there is more egregious noncompliance,
E-Verify may make a referral to a law enforcement agency for the
appropriate enforcement action. CTMS tracks and manages this process.
Comment: ACIP suggested the use of additional advanced technologies
to prevent fraud and misuse.
Response: The Department appreciates ACIP's comment and is
continuing to investigate a number of technologies and processes that
would increase the integrity of the SAVE and E-Verify program, but
believes that as no technology will be able to stop all cases of
misuse, DHS must develop a system and process for researching,
tracking, and managing potential cases of misuse, abuse, fraud, or
discrimination.
Comment: AILA expressed concern that CTMS is beyond the scope of
authority for E-Verify established by IIRIRA, but that if CTMS is to be
used it should be used as a tool to focus
[[Page 51622]]
attention on employees who might be misusing documentation.
Response: The Department is aware of the need to ensure that that
E-Verify and SAVE are not misused. However, because these programs work
directly with the employers and SAVE agencies, and do not have a direct
relationship with the individuals being verified, it is necessary to
focus on the users of the programs. Thus, the employers and SAVE agency
users create a contractual relationship with DHS through their
registration and signing of the program Memoranda of Understanding
(MOUs) which establish the parameters of their use. In light of this
relationship, the Department can work to train users on the correct use
of the programs. Until Congress directs otherwise, these programs must
focus on the E-Verify and SAVE users.
Comment: AILA expressed concern that DHS failed to consult with
employer representatives in the development and implementation of E-
Verify as required by IIRIRA, Section 402(d)(1).
Response: E-Verify works with the user population on changes to
continuously improve the program, through outreach and interaction with
employers and agencies by conducting training sessions, Webinars, and
outreach events throughout the United States. These outreach
initiatives have resulted in changes to E-Verify, for example changes
have been made to simplify E-Verify language and to change data
handling procedures to make it more convenient for employers and
employees using E-Verify. E-Verify also evaluates and implements, where
possible, the suggestions of employer advocacy organizations, for
example the program is currently evaluating changes to the program that
would increase enhanced program authentication methods. The Westat
Reports, the statutorily mandated third party review of E-Verify, are
published to the Web to inform employers of recommendations for
improving the integrity of the program. These efforts meet the
requirements of IIRIRA Sec. 402 (d)(1) which provide that DHS ``shall
closely consult with representatives of employers (and recruiters and
referrers) in the development and implementation of the pilot programs,
including the education of employers (and recruiters and referrers)
about such programs.''
Comment: AILA recommended that DHS not devote resources to the CTMS
system until release of the pending Westat Report.
Response: The Westat Reports of 2002 and 2007 recommended that
USCIS develop monitoring and compliance capability. The USCIS
Verification Division Monitoring and Compliance Branch has developed
CTMS as a support tool for its operations. Recommendations from the
next Westat Report, along with experience from monitoring and
compliance activities, will be an input to this continuous improvement
function.
USCIS Verification Division Monitoring and Compliance Branch
operations have been developed based on best practices, as well as
knowledge of the E-Verify system and the ways in which it could
potentially be misused or abused. The previous Westat Reports served as
a reference while the USCIS Verification Division Monitoring and
Compliance Branch was being formulated; future Westat Reports will
likewise be leveraged. However, the absence of a ``perfect'' E-Verify
system should not preclude the establishment of a monitoring and
compliance component, along with the associated tools, such as CTMS. As
long as the system is being used, USCIS has a responsibility to ensure
that the system is being used appropriately and in accordance with
program rules and regulations. The USCIS Verification Division
Monitoring and Compliance Branch, and associated management tools,
fulfill that function.
Having taken into consideration and addressed public comments
resulting from this NPRM and SORN, as well as the Department's position
on these public comments, DHS will implement the rulemaking as
proposed.
List of Subjects in 6 CFR Part 5
Freedom of information; Privacy.
0
For the reasons stated in the preamble, DHS amends Chapter I of Title
6, Code of Federal Regulations, as follows:
PART 5--DISCLOSURE OF RECORDS AND INFORMATION
0
1. The authority citation for Part 5 continues to read as follows:
Authority: Pub. L. 107-296, 116 Stat. 2135, 6 U.S.C. 101 et
seq.; 5 U.S.C. 301. Subpart A also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552.
Subpart B also issued under 5 U.S.C. 552a.
0
2. Add at the end of Appendix C to Part 5, the following new paragraph
``49'':
Appendix C to Part 5--DHS Systems of Records Exempt From the Privacy
Act
* * * * *
49. The DHS/USCIS--009 Compliance Tracking and Management System
of Records consists of electronic and paper files that will be used
by DHS and its components. This system of records will be used to
perform a range of information management and analytic functions
involving minimizing misuse, abuse, discrimination, breach of
privacy, and fraudulent use of SAVE and E-Verify. The Secretary of
Homeland Security has exempted this system from the following
provisions of the Privacy Act, subject to the limitation set forth
in 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (d), (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H),
(e)(4)(I), and (f) pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(2). Exemptions from
these particular subsections are justified, on a case-by-case basis
to be determined at the time a request is made, for the following
reasons:
(a) From subsection (c)(3) (Accounting for Disclosures) because
release of the accounting of disclosures could alert the subject of
an investigation of an actual or potential criminal, civil, or
regulatory violation to the existence of the investigation, and
reveal investigative interest on the part of DHS as well as the
recipient agency. Disclosure of the accounting would therefore
present a serious impediment to law enforcement efforts and/or
efforts to preserve national security. Disclosure of the accounting
would also permit the individual who is the subject of a record to
impede the investigation, to tamper with witnesses or evidence, and
to avoid detection or apprehension, which would undermine the entire
investigative process.
(b) From subsection (d) (Access to Records) because access to
the records contained in this system of records could inform the
subject of an investigation of an actual or potential criminal,
civil, or regulatory violation, to the existence of the
investigation, and reveal investigative interest on the part of DHS
or another agency. Access to the records could permit the individual
who is the subject of a record to impede the investigation, to
tamper with witnesses or evidence, and to avoid detection or
apprehension. Amendment of the records could interfere with ongoing
investigations and law enforcement activities and would impose an
impossible administrative burden by requiring investigations to be
continuously reinvestigated. In addition, permitting access and
amendment to such information could disclose security-sensitive
information that could be detrimental to homeland security.
(c) From subsection (e)(1) (Relevancy and Necessity of
Information) because in the course of investigations into potential
violations of Federal law, the accuracy of information obtained or
introduced occasionally may be unclear or the information may not be
strictly relevant or necessary to a specific investigation. In the
interest of effective law enforcement, it is appropriate to retain
all information that may aid in establishing patterns of unlawful
activity.
(d) From subsections (e)(4)(G), (H), and (I) (Agency
Requirements), and (f) (Agency Rules) because portions of this
system are exempt from the individual access provisions of
subsection (d) for the reasons noted above, and therefore DHS is not
required to establish requirements, rules, or procedures with
respect to such access. Providing notice to individuals with respect
to existence of records pertaining to them in the system of records
or otherwise setting up procedures
[[Page 51623]]
pursuant to which individuals may access and view records pertaining
to themselves in the system would undermine investigative efforts
and reveal the identities of witnesses, and potential witnesses, and
confidential informants.
Mary Ellen Callahan,
Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2010-20856 Filed 8-20-10; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-97-P