Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, 20292-20294 [2020-07543]

Download as PDF 20292 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 70 / Friday, April 10, 2020 / Notices Portal at https://www.regulations.gov and search for the docket ID. Submitted comments may also be inspected at FEMA, Office of Chief Counsel, 8 NE, 500 C Street, SW, Washington, DC 20472. II. Background On October 5, 2018, the President signed into law the Disaster Recovery Reform Act 1 (DRRA). The DRRA contains approximately 50 provisions which acknowledge the shared responsibility for disaster response and recovery, aim to reduce the complexity of FEMA, and build the nation’s capacity for the next catastrophic event. Some of the highlights from the DRRA include additional authority to reduce risk from future disasters after a fire, increase State capacity to manage disaster recovery, provide greater flexibility to survivors with disabilities, and retain skilled response and recovery personnel. This policy addresses Section 1234 of the DRRA, titled ‘‘National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Hazard Mitigation,’’ which amended section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act), 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq. Section 1234 of the DRRA authorizes FEMA to set aside 6 percent of estimated disaster expenses for each major disaster to fund a new grant program, called Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). The new program will supersede the existing Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) program authorized under Section 203 2 and will promote a national culture of preparedness through encouraging investments to protect our communities and infrastructure and strengthening national mitigation capabilities to foster resilience. The following principles will guide the BRIC program: • Support communities through capability and capacity building • Encourage and enable innovation • Promote partnerships • Enable large projects • Maintain flexibility • Provide consistency The BRIC Policy provides a consistent framework and standing requirements for the program. FEMA will calculate 1 Pubic Law 115–254, 132 Stat. 3438. August 2019, FEMA posted a PDM fact sheet and notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) to its website, available at https://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/assets/documents/182171. The NOFO clarified that fiscal year (FY) 2019 would be the last year that FEMA offered the PDM program, and that it would supersede that program by BRIC in FY 2020. As both the fact sheet and the NOFO explain, the 2015 Hazard Mitigation Assistance (HMA) Guidance applies to the FY 2019 PDM grant program application cycle. lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES 2 In VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Apr 09, 2020 Jkt 250001 the 6 percent set aside within 180 days after each major disaster and set aside that amount from the Disaster Relief Fund into the National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund.3 The total amount will vary year to year based on the estimated amount of disaster assistance for each major Presidentially-declared disaster, and the number of Presidentially-declared disasters in each year. On an annual basis, FEMA will assess the amount available in the National Public Infrastructure Pre-Disaster Mitigation Fund and determine what portion of it will be available for the next year’s grant cycle. FEMA will announce this determination in the annual Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) 4 which it will post for a period of time on its website prior to opening the application period. The Stafford Act limits eligible applicants to States and territories that have had a major disaster declaration in the 7 years prior to the annual application period start date, and federally-recognized Tribes entirely or partially located in a State that has had a major disaster declaration in the 7 years prior to the application period start date.5 Subapplicants include local governments and non-federally recognized Tribes,6 who may apply to States and territories for funding. (Note that federally-recognized Tribes may apply as either applicants or subapplicants).7 In addition to determining annually the total amount to be made available for BRIC, FEMA may allocate from that amount to eligible States and territorial applicants, with a specific set-aside for Tribes, an allocation for mitigation capability- and capacity-building activities and mitigation projects, and make the remainder of the funding available competitively for mitigation projects. FEMA may also make a portion of funding available for management costs (costs to manage the grant) and non-financial technical assistance to all eligible entities. Funding would generally be subject to a Federal cost share of up to 75 percent, and up to 90 percent for small and impoverished communities.8 Each year, FEMA will provide stakeholders with more detailed information about the program requirements through an annual Notice 3 42 U.S.C. 5133(i). CFR 200.203 sets forth the requirement to post a NOFO and the required contents of a NOFO. 5 42 U.S.C. 5133(g). 6 42 U.S.C. 5122(8). 7 42 U.S.C. 5123. 8 42 U.S.C. 5133(h). 42 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) process.9 The NOFO will address a variety of topics, including but not limited to: • Important application dates • Specific funding amounts and allowances • Provision of technical assistance • Codes and standards activities • Sample project types • Application review process, including competition structure and merit criteria • Method for determining costeffectiveness • Award administration information • Additional requirements and guidelines The proposed guidance does not have the force or effect of law. FEMA seeks comment on the proposed guidance, which is available online at https://www.regulations.gov in docket ID FEMA–2019–0018. Based on the comments received, FEMA may make appropriate revisions to the proposed guidance. When or if FEMA issues a final policy, FEMA will publish a notice of availability in the Federal Register and make the final guidance available at https://www.regulations.gov. The final guidance will not have the force and effect of law and is not meant to bind the public in any way. The guidance document is intended only to provide clarity to the public regarding existing requirements under the law or agency policies. Authority: Sec. 1234, Pub. L. 115–254, 132 Stat. 3438. Pete Gaynor, Administrator, Federal Emergency Management Agency. [FR Doc. 2020–07609 Filed 4–9–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–47–P DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services [OMB Control Number 1615–0075] Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. ACTION: 30-Day notice. AGENCY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and SUMMARY: 92 CFR 200.203. E:\FR\FM\10APN1.SGM 10APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 70 / Friday, April 10, 2020 / Notices lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The purpose of this notice is to allow an additional 30 days for public comments. DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until May 11, 2020. ADDRESSES: All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 1615–0075 in the body of the letter, the agency name and Docket ID USCIS– 2007–0029. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal website at https://www.regulations.gov under eDocket ID number USCIS–2007–0029. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, Regulatory Coordination Division, Samantha Deshommes, Chief, Telephone number (202) 272–8377 (This is not a toll-free number; comments are not accepted via telephone message.). Please note contact information provided here is solely for questions regarding this notice. It is not for individual case status inquiries. Applicants seeking information about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status Online, available at the USCIS website at https:// www.uscis.gov, or call the USCIS Contact Center at (800) 375–5283; TTY (800) 767–1833. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Reasons for Changes An Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Affidavit) is required for most family-sponsored immigrants and some employmentbased immigrants. See INA section 212(a)(4) and INA section 213A. By executing an Affidavit, a sponsor is creating a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. Government. Under the contract, the sponsor agrees that he or she will: (1) Provide support to the sponsored immigrant at an annual income of, in most cases, not less than 125 percent of the Federal poverty line during the period the support obligation is in effect; (2) to be jointly and severally liable for any reimbursement obligation incurred as a result of the sponsored immigrant receiving any means-tested public benefits during the period the obligation is in effect; and (3) to submit to the jurisdiction of any Federal or State court for the purpose of enforcing any of the support obligation under INA section 213A. On May 23, 2019, President Trump issued the Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Apr 09, 2020 Jkt 250001 Aliens (Presidential Memo). See https:// www.whitehouse.gov/presidentialactions/memorandum-enforcing-legalresponsibilities-sponsors-aliens. The Presidential Memo states that a ‘‘key priority of [the] Administration is restoring the rule of law by ensuring that existing immigration laws are enforced’’ and emphasized that sponsors who pledge to financially support sponsored aliens are expected to fulfill their commitment under the law. As part of this revision, and in furtherance of the Presidential Memo, USCIS has made changes to better inform sponsors and household members of their support obligations and better ensure the support obligations, as agreed to by completing and signing the Form I–864, Form I– 864EZ, or Form I–864A, will be met. Changes to the Form I–864 and Form I–864EZ include collection of bank account information from sponsors, information about previously submitted Affidavits, and optional submission of a credit report as evidence. Language throughout the forms was modified to ensure greater clarity regarding the sponsor’s obligations. USCIS also added additional language under the ‘Sponsor’s Certification’ section of the forms further outlining the sponsor’s obligations and the consequences of submitting Form I–864 and Form I– 864EZ. Changes to Form I–864A include collection of bank account information from household members and optional submission of a credit report as evidence. USCIS also added additional language under the ‘Sponsor’s Certification’ section, plus the ‘Household Member’s Contract, Statement, and Certification’ section of the form further outlining the sponsor’s and household member’s obligations and the consequences of submitting Form I–864A. USCIS further added a separate interpreter and preparer section for the sponsor on Form I–864A. USCIS will now also require that Form I–864, Form I–864EZ, and Form I– 864A be notarized prior to submission to the agency. USCIS has made changes to the Instructions for Form I–864, Form I– 864EZ, and Form I–864A adding language to more thoroughly explain the purpose of the forms, the sponsor’s and household member’s obligations as a result of the forms being accepted by USCIS as sufficient and the support obligations taking effect, and the consequences if the support obligations are not met. The requirements regarding which children immigrating based on adoption need to submit a Form I–864 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 20293 executed on their behalf is now outlined in greater detail; which of these children can have a sponsor execute a Form I– 864EZ on their behalf is also outlined in greater detail. USCIS also added a section to list and explain the eligibility requirements for being a sponsor. Language explaining the age limitations for spousal relationships involving a minor was also added. The regulations governing the Affidavit are provided in 8 CFR 213a and will not be changed by this form change. Comments The information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on October 15, 2019, at 84 FR 55167, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did receive five comment(s) in connection with the 60day notice. You may access the information collection instrument with instructions, or additional information by visiting the Federal eRulemaking Portal site at: https://www.regulations.gov and enter USCIS–2007–0029 in the search box. The comments submitted to USCIS via this method are visible to the Office of Management and Budget, and comply with the requirements of 5 CFR 1320.12(c). All submissions will be posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https:// www.regulations.gov, and will include any personal information you provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that you provide in any voluntary submission you make to DHS. DHS may withhold information provided in comments from public viewing that it determines may impact the privacy of an individual or is offensive. For additional information, please read the Privacy Act notice that is available via the link in the footer of https://www.regulations.gov. Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies 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 agency’s 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 E:\FR\FM\10APN1.SGM 10APN1 20294 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 70 / Friday, April 10, 2020 / Notices lotter on DSKBCFDHB2PROD with NOTICES (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 Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act, Form I–864; Contract Between Sponsor and Household Member, Form I–864A; Affidavit of Support Under Section 213 of the Act, I–864EZ. (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the DHS sponsoring the collection: Form I–864; Form I–864EZ; Form I–864A; USCIS. (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: USCIS uses the data collected on Form I–864 to determine whether the sponsor has the means to support the sponsored alien under section 213A of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1183a) and for administrative purposes that better ensure the sponsor will meet the support obligations as agreed to by execution of the Form I–864 (including, but not limited to, reimbursing public benefit agencies for means-tested public benefits received by the sponsored immigrant while the support obligation was in effect). This form standardizes evaluation of whether the individual executing the Affidavit of Support meets the definition of a sponsor, can demonstrate the means to maintain income at the required income threshold, and otherwise meets the requirements of section 213A of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1183a), and ensures that basic information required to assess eligibility is provided by sponsors. Form I–864A is a contract between the sponsor and the sponsor’s household members. It is only used if the sponsor intends to use the income of his or her household members to reach the required 125 percent of the Federal poverty guidelines income threshold (or 100 percent when applicable). The contract holds these household members jointly and severally liable for the support of the sponsored immigrant(s) specified on the Form I–864A. USCIS uses the data collected on Form I–864A in conjunction with a Form I–864, to determine whether the sponsor can demonstrate the means to maintain VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:00 Apr 09, 2020 Jkt 250001 income at the required income threshold under section 213A of the Immigration and Nationality Act, when the sponsor’s income is combined with the household member(s)’ income and for administrative purposes that better ensure the household member will meet the support obligations as agreed to by the household member in the Form I– 864A (including, but not limited to, reimbursing public benefit agencies for means-tested public benefits received by the sponsored immigrant while the support obligation was still in effect). USCIS uses Form I–864EZ in exactly the same way as Form I–864; however, USCIS collects less information from the sponsors as the Form I–864EZ is a shorter version of Form I–864, designed for execution by sponsors that meet certain criteria. (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: The estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Form I–864 is 446,313 and the estimated hour burden per response is 6.5 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Form I–864A is 42,892 and the estimated hour burden per response is 2.25 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the information collection Form I–864EZ is 114,860 and the estimated hour burden per response is 3 hours. (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The total estimated annual hour burden associated with this collection is 3,342,122 hours. (7) An estimate of the total public burden (in cost) associated with the collection: The estimated total annual cost burden associated with this collection of information is $137,487,385. Dated: April 6, 2020. Samantha L Deshommes, Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security. [FR Doc. 2020–07543 Filed 4–9–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 9111–97–P PO 00000 DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT [Docket No. FR–7027–N–09] 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Manufactured Home Construction and Safety Standards Act Park Model RV Exemption Notice: OMB Control No. 2502–0616 Office of the Assistant Secretary for Housing—Federal Housing Commissioner, HUD. AGENCY: ACTION: Notice. HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comment from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment. SUMMARY: DATES: Comments Due Date: June 9, 2020. Interested persons are invited to submit comments regarding this proposal. Comments should refer to the proposal by name and/or OMB Control Number and should be sent to: Colette Pollard, Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Room 4176, Washington, DC 20410–5000; telephone 202–402–3400 (this is not a toll-free number) or email at Colette.Pollard@hud.gov for a copy of the proposed forms or other available information. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the tollfree Federal Relay Service at (800) 877– 8339. ADDRESSES: FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Colette Pollard, Reports Management Officer, QDAM, Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20410; email Colette Pollard at Colette.Pollard@ hud.gov or telephone 202–402–3400. This is not a toll-free number. Persons with hearing or speech impairments may access this number through TTY by calling the toll-free Federal Relay Service at (800) 877–8339. Copies of available documents submitted to OMB may be obtained from Ms. Pollard. This notice informs the public that HUD is seeking approval from OMB for the information collection described in Section A. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Frm 00056 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 E:\FR\FM\10APN1.SGM 10APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 70 (Friday, April 10, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20292-20294]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07543]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

[OMB Control Number 1615-0075]


Agency Information Collection Activities; Revision of a Currently 
Approved Collection: Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the Act

AGENCY: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of 
Homeland Security.

ACTION: 30-Day notice.

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

SUMMARY: The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship 
and

[[Page 20293]]

Immigration Services (USCIS) will be submitting the following 
information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) for review and clearance in accordance with the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995. The purpose of this notice is to allow an 
additional 30 days for public comments.

DATES: Comments are encouraged and will be accepted until May 11, 2020.

ADDRESSES: All submissions received must include the OMB Control Number 
1615-0075 in the body of the letter, the agency name and Docket ID 
USCIS-2007-0029. Submit comments via the Federal eRulemaking Portal 
website at https://www.regulations.gov under e-Docket ID number USCIS-
2007-0029.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: USCIS, Office of Policy and Strategy, 
Regulatory Coordination Division, Samantha Deshommes, Chief, Telephone 
number (202) 272-8377 (This is not a toll-free number; comments are not 
accepted via telephone message.). Please note contact information 
provided here is solely for questions regarding this notice. It is not 
for individual case status inquiries. Applicants seeking information 
about the status of their individual cases can check Case Status 
Online, available at the USCIS website at https://www.uscis.gov, or call 
the USCIS Contact Center at (800) 375-5283; TTY (800) 767-1833.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Reasons for Changes

    An Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A of the INA (Affidavit) 
is required for most family-sponsored immigrants and some employment-
based immigrants. See INA section 212(a)(4) and INA section 213A. By 
executing an Affidavit, a sponsor is creating a contract between the 
sponsor and the U.S. Government. Under the contract, the sponsor agrees 
that he or she will: (1) Provide support to the sponsored immigrant at 
an annual income of, in most cases, not less than 125 percent of the 
Federal poverty line during the period the support obligation is in 
effect; (2) to be jointly and severally liable for any reimbursement 
obligation incurred as a result of the sponsored immigrant receiving 
any means-tested public benefits during the period the obligation is in 
effect; and (3) to submit to the jurisdiction of any Federal or State 
court for the purpose of enforcing any of the support obligation under 
INA section 213A.
    On May 23, 2019, President Trump issued the Memorandum on Enforcing 
the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens (Presidential Memo). 
See https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/memorandum-enforcing-legal-responsibilities-sponsors-aliens. The Presidential Memo 
states that a ``key priority of [the] Administration is restoring the 
rule of law by ensuring that existing immigration laws are enforced'' 
and emphasized that sponsors who pledge to financially support 
sponsored aliens are expected to fulfill their commitment under the 
law.
    As part of this revision, and in furtherance of the Presidential 
Memo, USCIS has made changes to better inform sponsors and household 
members of their support obligations and better ensure the support 
obligations, as agreed to by completing and signing the Form I-864, 
Form I-864EZ, or Form I-864A, will be met.
    Changes to the Form I-864 and Form I-864EZ include collection of 
bank account information from sponsors, information about previously 
submitted Affidavits, and optional submission of a credit report as 
evidence. Language throughout the forms was modified to ensure greater 
clarity regarding the sponsor's obligations. USCIS also added 
additional language under the `Sponsor's Certification' section of the 
forms further outlining the sponsor's obligations and the consequences 
of submitting Form I-864 and Form I-864EZ.
    Changes to Form I-864A include collection of bank account 
information from household members and optional submission of a credit 
report as evidence. USCIS also added additional language under the 
`Sponsor's Certification' section, plus the `Household Member's 
Contract, Statement, and Certification' section of the form further 
outlining the sponsor's and household member's obligations and the 
consequences of submitting Form I-864A. USCIS further added a separate 
interpreter and preparer section for the sponsor on Form I-864A.
    USCIS will now also require that Form I-864, Form I-864EZ, and Form 
I-864A be notarized prior to submission to the agency.
    USCIS has made changes to the Instructions for Form I-864, Form I-
864EZ, and Form I-864A adding language to more thoroughly explain the 
purpose of the forms, the sponsor's and household member's obligations 
as a result of the forms being accepted by USCIS as sufficient and the 
support obligations taking effect, and the consequences if the support 
obligations are not met. The requirements regarding which children 
immigrating based on adoption need to submit a Form I-864 executed on 
their behalf is now outlined in greater detail; which of these children 
can have a sponsor execute a Form I-864EZ on their behalf is also 
outlined in greater detail. USCIS also added a section to list and 
explain the eligibility requirements for being a sponsor. Language 
explaining the age limitations for spousal relationships involving a 
minor was also added.
    The regulations governing the Affidavit are provided in 8 CFR 213a 
and will not be changed by this form change.

Comments

    The information collection notice was previously published in the 
Federal Register on October 15, 2019, at 84 FR 55167, allowing for a 
60-day public comment period. USCIS did receive five comment(s) in 
connection with the 60-day notice.
    You may access the information collection instrument with 
instructions, or additional information by visiting the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal site at: https://www.regulations.gov and enter USCIS-
2007-0029 in the search box. The comments submitted to USCIS via this 
method are visible to the Office of Management and Budget, and comply 
with the requirements of 5 CFR 1320.12(c). All submissions will be 
posted, without change, to the Federal eRulemaking Portal at https://www.regulations.gov, and will include any personal information you 
provide. Therefore, submitting this information makes it public. You 
may wish to consider limiting the amount of personal information that 
you provide in any voluntary submission you make to DHS. DHS may 
withhold information provided in comments from public viewing that it 
determines may impact the privacy of an individual or is offensive. For 
additional information, please read the Privacy Act notice that is 
available via the link in the footer of https://www.regulations.gov.
    Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected 
agencies 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 agency's 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

[[Page 20294]]

    (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 Request: Revision of a Currently 
Approved Collection.
    (2) Title of the Form/Collection: Affidavit of Support Under 
Section 213A of the Act, Form I-864; Contract Between Sponsor and 
Household Member, Form I-864A; Affidavit of Support Under Section 213 
of the Act, I-864EZ.
    (3) Agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the 
DHS sponsoring the collection: Form I-864; Form I-864EZ; Form I-864A; 
USCIS.
    (4) Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as 
well as a brief abstract: Primary: USCIS uses the data collected on 
Form I-864 to determine whether the sponsor has the means to support 
the sponsored alien under section 213A of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1183a) and 
for administrative purposes that better ensure the sponsor will meet 
the support obligations as agreed to by execution of the Form I-864 
(including, but not limited to, reimbursing public benefit agencies for 
means-tested public benefits received by the sponsored immigrant while 
the support obligation was in effect). This form standardizes 
evaluation of whether the individual executing the Affidavit of Support 
meets the definition of a sponsor, can demonstrate the means to 
maintain income at the required income threshold, and otherwise meets 
the requirements of section 213A of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1183a), and 
ensures that basic information required to assess eligibility is 
provided by sponsors.
    Form I-864A is a contract between the sponsor and the sponsor's 
household members. It is only used if the sponsor intends to use the 
income of his or her household members to reach the required 125 
percent of the Federal poverty guidelines income threshold (or 100 
percent when applicable). The contract holds these household members 
jointly and severally liable for the support of the sponsored 
immigrant(s) specified on the Form I-864A. USCIS uses the data 
collected on Form I-864A in conjunction with a Form I-864, to determine 
whether the sponsor can demonstrate the means to maintain income at the 
required income threshold under section 213A of the Immigration and 
Nationality Act, when the sponsor's income is combined with the 
household member(s)' income and for administrative purposes that better 
ensure the household member will meet the support obligations as agreed 
to by the household member in the Form I-864A (including, but not 
limited to, reimbursing public benefit agencies for means-tested public 
benefits received by the sponsored immigrant while the support 
obligation was still in effect).
    USCIS uses Form I-864EZ in exactly the same way as Form I-864; 
however, USCIS collects less information from the sponsors as the Form 
I-864EZ is a shorter version of Form I-864, designed for execution by 
sponsors that meet certain criteria.
    (5) An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount 
of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: The estimated 
total number of respondents for the information collection Form I-864 
is 446,313 and the estimated hour burden per response is 6.5 hours; the 
estimated total number of respondents for the information collection 
Form I-864A is 42,892 and the estimated hour burden per response is 
2.25 hours; the estimated total number of respondents for the 
information collection Form I-864EZ is 114,860 and the estimated hour 
burden per response is 3 hours.
    (6) An estimate of the total public burden (in hours) associated 
with the collection: The total estimated annual hour burden associated 
with this collection is 3,342,122 hours.
    (7) An estimate of the total public burden (in cost) associated 
with the collection: The estimated total annual cost burden associated 
with this collection of information is $137,487,385.

    Dated: April 6, 2020.
Samantha L Deshommes,
Chief, Regulatory Coordination Division, Office of Policy and Strategy, 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland 
Security.
[FR Doc. 2020-07543 Filed 4-9-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 9111-97-P
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