Extension of Employment Authorization for Haitian F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the January 12, 2010 Earthquake in Haiti, 51579-51580 [2015-21005]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Notices a. Summary of Navigation Safety Advisory Council action items. b. Schedule next meeting date— Spring, 2016. c. Council discussions and acceptance of new tasks. A public comment period will be held after the discussion of new tasks. Speakers’ comments are limited to 10 minutes each. Public comments or questions will be taken at the discretion of the Designated Federal Officer during the discussion and recommendations, and new business portion of the meeting. Dated: August 20, 2015. G.C. Rasicot, Director, Marine Transportation Systems, U.S. Coast Guard. [FR Doc. 2015–21013 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9110–04–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Customs and Border Protection [1651–0110] Agency Information Collection Activities: Visa Waiver Program Carrier Agreement U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 30-Day notice and request for comments; Extension of an existing collection of information. AGENCY: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the Department of Homeland Security will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act: Visa Waiver Program Carrier Agreement (CBP Form I–775). This is a proposed extension of an information collection that was previously approved. CBP is proposing that this information collection be extended with no change to the burden hours or to the information collected. This document is published to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies. DATES: Written comments should be received on or before September 24, 2015 to be assured of consideration. ADDRESSES: Interested persons are invited to submit written comments on this proposed information collection to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and Budget. Comments should be addressed to the OMB Desk Officer for Customs asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Aug 24, 2015 Jkt 235001 and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security, and sent via electronic mail to oira_submission@ omb.eop.gov or faxed to (202) 395–5806. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information should be directed to Tracey Denning, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Regulations and Rulings, Office of International Trade, 90 K Street NE., 10th Floor, Washington, DC 20229– 1177, at 202–325–0265. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This proposed information collection was previously published in the Federal Register (80 FR 25313) on May 4, 2015, allowing for a 60-day comment period. This notice allows for an additional 30 days for public comments. This process is conducted in accordance with 5 CFR 1320.10. CBP invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment on proposed and/or continuing information collections pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (Pub. L. 104–13; 44 U.S.C. 3507). The comments should address: (a) Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimates of the burden of the collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; (d) ways to minimize the burden, including the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology; and (e) the annual costs to respondents or record keepers from the collection of information (total capital/startup costs and operations and maintenance costs). The comments that are submitted will be summarized and included in the CBP request for OMB approval. All comments will become a matter of public record. In this document, CBP is soliciting comments concerning the following information collection: Title: Visa Waiver Program Carrier Agreement. OMB Number: 1651–0110. Form Number: CBP Form I–775. Abstract: Section 223 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) (8 U.S.C. 1223(a)) provides for the necessity of a transportation contract. The statute provides that the Attorney General may enter into contracts with transportation lines for the inspection and administration of aliens coming into the United States from a foreign territory or from adjacent islands. No such transportation line shall be allowed to land any such alien in the United States until and unless it has PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 51579 entered into any such contracts which may be required by the Attorney General. Pursuant to the Homeland Security Act of 2002, this authority was transferred to the Secretary of Homeland Security. The Visa Waiver Program Carrier Agreement (CBP Form I–775) is used by carriers to request acceptance by CBP into the Visa Waiver Program (VWP). This form is an agreement whereby carriers agree to the terms of the VWP as delineated in Section 217(e) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1187(e)). Once participation is granted, CBP Form I– 775 serves to hold carriers liable for the transportation costs, to ensure the completion of required forms, and to share passenger data. Regulations are promulgated at 8 CFR part 217.6, Carrier Agreements. A copy of CBP Form I–775 is accessible at: https://www.cbp.gov/ newsroom/publications/forms?title=775. Current Actions: This submission is being made to extend the expiration date with no change to information collected or to CBP Form I–775. Type of Review: Extension (without change). Affected Public: Businesses. Estimated Number of Respondents: 400. Estimated Number of Total Annual Responses: 400. Estimated Time per Response: 30 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 200. Dated: August 19, 2015. Tracey Denning, Agency Clearance Officer, U.S. Customs and Border Protection. [FR Doc. 2015–21041 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–14–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [DHS Docket No. ICEB–2010–0003] RIN 1653–ZA08 Extension of Employment Authorization for Haitian F–1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the January 12, 2010 Earthquake in Haiti U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DHS. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice informs the public of the extension of an earlier notice, which suspended certain requirements for F–1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who are experiencing severe economic SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1 51580 Federal Register / Vol. 80, No. 164 / Tuesday, August 25, 2015 / Notices hardship as a direct result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. This notice extends the effective date of that notice. These students will continue to be allowed to apply for employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in session provided that they satisfy the minimum course load requirement, while continuing to maintain their F–1 student status until July 22, 2017. DATES: This notice is effective August 25, 2015, and will remain in effect until July 22, 2017. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis Farrell, Director, Student and Exchange Visitor Program, MS 5600, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20536–5600; email: sevp@ice.dhs.gov, telephone: (703) 603– 3400. This is not a toll-free number. Program information can be found at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: asabaliauskas on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES What action is DHS taking under this notice? The Secretary of Homeland Security is exercising authority under 8 CFR 214.2(f)(9) to extend the suspension of the applicability of certain requirements governing on-campus and off-campus employment for F–1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. See 75 FR 56120 (Sept. 15, 2010) (2010 Haitian F–1 nonimmigrant notice). The original notice was effective from September 15, 2010, until July 22, 2011. Subsequent notices provided for an 18-month extension from July 22, 2011, until January 22, 2013 (76 FR 28997, May 19, 2011); from January 22, 2013, until July 22, 2014 (77 FR 59942, Oct. 1, 2012); and again from July 22, 2014, until January 22, 2016 (79 FR 11805, Mar. 03, 2014). Effective with this publication, suspension of certain requirements involving employment is extended for 18 months from January 22, 2016, until July 22, 2017. F–1 nonimmigrant students granted employment authorization through the notice will continue to be deemed to be engaged in a ‘‘full course of study’’ for the duration of their employment authorization, provided they satisfy the minimum course load requirement described in the 2010 Haitian F–1 nonimmigrant notice. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F). Who is covered under this action? This notice applies exclusively to F– 1 nonimmigrant students whose country VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Aug 24, 2015 Jkt 235001 of citizenship is Haiti and who were lawfully present in the United States in F–1 nonimmigrant status on January 12, 2010, under section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i); and who are— (1) Enrolled in an institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment of F–1 students, (2) Currently maintaining F–1 status, and (3) Experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. This notice applies to both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as elementary school, middle school, and high school students. The notice, however, applies differently to elementary school, middle school, and high school students (see the discussion published in the 2010 Haitian F–1 nonimmigrant notice, 75 FR 56120, available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/ pkg/FR-2010-09-15/pdf/2010-22929.pdf, in the question, ‘‘Does this notice apply to elementary school, middle school, and high school students in F–1 status?’’). F–1 students covered by this notice who transfer to other academic institutions that are SEVP-certified for enrollment of F–1 students remain eligible for the relief provided by means of this notice. Why is DHS taking this action? The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took action to provide temporary relief to F–1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who experienced severe economic hardship because of the January 12, 2010 earthquake. See 75 FR 56120. That action enabled these F–1 students to obtain employment authorization, work an increased number of hours while school was in session, and reduce their course load, while continuing to maintain their F–1 student status. The January 12, 2010 earthquake caused extensive damage to Haiti’s infrastructure, public health, agriculture, transportation, and educational facilities. While significant progress has been made in living conditions and infrastructure in Haiti, the country continues to struggle with many people still displaced as a result of the earthquake, and it faces ongoing challenges to its overall economic situation. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), as of January 9, 2015, approximately 80,000 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Haitians remain in temporary camps.1 For these reasons, among others, Haiti continues to experience significant difficulties as the country strives to recover. F–1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti may depend on money from relatives in Haiti who are themselves continuing to recover from the earthquake. The United States is committed to continuing to assist the people of Haiti. DHS is therefore extending the suspension of certain requirements involving employment authorization for certain F–1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who are continuing to experience severe economic hardship as a result of the earthquake. How do I apply for an employment authorization under the circumstances of this notice? F–1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti; who were lawfully present in the United States on January 12, 2010; and who are experiencing severe economic hardship because of the January 12, 2010 earthquake may apply for employment authorization under the guidelines described in the 2010 Haitian F–1 nonimmigrant notice. This notice extends the time period during which such F–1 students may seek employment authorization due to the earthquake. It does not impose any new or additional policies or procedures beyond those listed in the original notice. All interested F–1 students should follow the instructions listed in the original notice. Jeh Charles Johnson, Secretary. [FR Doc. 2015–21005 Filed 8–24–15; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–28–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [DHS–2015–0051] Homeland Security Information Network Advisory Committee; Meeting Information Sharing Environment (ISEO)/Office of Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: Committee management; notice of Federal Advisory Committee meeting. AGENCY: 1 International Organization for Migration (IOM): ‘‘Five Years After 2010 Earthquake, Thousands of Haitians Remain Displaced’’ (Jan. 9, 2015), available at https://www.iom.int/news/five-years-after-2010earthquake-thousands-haitians-remain-displaced. E:\FR\FM\25AUN1.SGM 25AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 80, Number 164 (Tuesday, August 25, 2015)]
[Notices]
[Pages 51579-51580]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2015-21005]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[DHS Docket No. ICEB-2010-0003]
RIN 1653-ZA08


Extension of Employment Authorization for Haitian F-1 
Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct 
Result of the January 12, 2010 Earthquake in Haiti

AGENCY: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), DHS.

ACTION: Notice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This notice informs the public of the extension of an earlier 
notice, which suspended certain requirements for F-1 nonimmigrant 
students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who are experiencing 
severe economic

[[Page 51580]]

hardship as a direct result of the January 12, 2010 earthquake in 
Haiti. This notice extends the effective date of that notice. These 
students will continue to be allowed to apply for employment 
authorization, work an increased number of hours while school is in 
session provided that they satisfy the minimum course load requirement, 
while continuing to maintain their F-1 student status until July 22, 
2017.

DATES: This notice is effective August 25, 2015, and will remain in 
effect until July 22, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Louis Farrell, Director, Student and 
Exchange Visitor Program, MS 5600, U.S. Immigration and Customs 
Enforcement, 500 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20536-5600; email: 
sevp@ice.dhs.gov, telephone: (703) 603-3400. This is not a toll-free 
number. Program information can be found at https://www.ice.gov/sevis/.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

What action is DHS taking under this notice?

    The Secretary of Homeland Security is exercising authority under 8 
CFR 214.2(f)(9) to extend the suspension of the applicability of 
certain requirements governing on-campus and off-campus employment for 
F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who 
are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the of 
the January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti. See 75 FR 56120 (Sept. 15, 
2010) (2010 Haitian F-1 nonimmigrant notice). The original notice was 
effective from September 15, 2010, until July 22, 2011. Subsequent 
notices provided for an 18-month extension from July 22, 2011, until 
January 22, 2013 (76 FR 28997, May 19, 2011); from January 22, 2013, 
until July 22, 2014 (77 FR 59942, Oct. 1, 2012); and again from July 
22, 2014, until January 22, 2016 (79 FR 11805, Mar. 03, 2014). 
Effective with this publication, suspension of certain requirements 
involving employment is extended for 18 months from January 22, 2016, 
until July 22, 2017.
    F-1 nonimmigrant students granted employment authorization through 
the notice will continue to be deemed to be engaged in a ``full course 
of study'' for the duration of their employment authorization, provided 
they satisfy the minimum course load requirement described in the 2010 
Haitian F-1 nonimmigrant notice. See 8 CFR 214.2(f)(6)(i)(F).

Who is covered under this action?

    This notice applies exclusively to F-1 nonimmigrant students whose 
country of citizenship is Haiti and who were lawfully present in the 
United States in F-1 nonimmigrant status on January 12, 2010, under 
section 101(a)(15)(F)(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 
8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(15)(F)(i); and who are--
    (1) Enrolled in an institution that is Student and Exchange Visitor 
Program (SEVP)-certified for enrollment of F-1 students,
    (2) Currently maintaining F-1 status, and
    (3) Experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the 
January 12, 2010 earthquake in Haiti.
    This notice applies to both undergraduate and graduate students, as 
well as elementary school, middle school, and high school students. The 
notice, however, applies differently to elementary school, middle 
school, and high school students (see the discussion published in the 
2010 Haitian F-1 nonimmigrant notice, 75 FR 56120, available at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-09-15/pdf/2010-22929.pdf, in the 
question, ``Does this notice apply to elementary school, middle school, 
and high school students in F-1 status?'').
    F-1 students covered by this notice who transfer to other academic 
institutions that are SEVP-certified for enrollment of F-1 students 
remain eligible for the relief provided by means of this notice.

Why is DHS taking this action?

    The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) took action to provide 
temporary relief to F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of 
citizenship is Haiti and who experienced severe economic hardship 
because of the January 12, 2010 earthquake. See 75 FR 56120. That 
action enabled these F-1 students to obtain employment authorization, 
work an increased number of hours while school was in session, and 
reduce their course load, while continuing to maintain their F-1 
student status.
    The January 12, 2010 earthquake caused extensive damage to Haiti's 
infrastructure, public health, agriculture, transportation, and 
educational facilities. While significant progress has been made in 
living conditions and infrastructure in Haiti, the country continues to 
struggle with many people still displaced as a result of the 
earthquake, and it faces ongoing challenges to its overall economic 
situation. According to the International Organization for Migration 
(IOM), as of January 9, 2015, approximately 80,000 Haitians remain in 
temporary camps.\1\ For these reasons, among others, Haiti continues to 
experience significant difficulties as the country strives to recover. 
F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti may 
depend on money from relatives in Haiti who are themselves continuing 
to recover from the earthquake.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ International Organization for Migration (IOM): ``Five Years 
After 2010 Earthquake, Thousands of Haitians Remain Displaced'' 
(Jan. 9, 2015), available at https://www.iom.int/news/five-years-after-2010-earthquake-thousands-haitians-remain-displaced.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The United States is committed to continuing to assist the people 
of Haiti. DHS is therefore extending the suspension of certain 
requirements involving employment authorization for certain F-1 
nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti and who are 
continuing to experience severe economic hardship as a result of the 
earthquake.

How do I apply for an employment authorization under the circumstances 
of this notice?

    F-1 nonimmigrant students whose country of citizenship is Haiti; 
who were lawfully present in the United States on January 12, 2010; and 
who are experiencing severe economic hardship because of the January 
12, 2010 earthquake may apply for employment authorization under the 
guidelines described in the 2010 Haitian F-1 nonimmigrant notice. This 
notice extends the time period during which such F-1 students may seek 
employment authorization due to the earthquake. It does not impose any 
new or additional policies or procedures beyond those listed in the 
original notice. All interested F-1 students should follow the 
instructions listed in the original notice.

Jeh Charles Johnson,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2015-21005 Filed 8-24-15; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-28-P
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