Department of Homeland Security February 22, 2010 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

A carrier that transports to the United States an alien who does not have a valid passport and an unexpired visa, as required under applicable law, is subject to a fine for each alien transported lacking the required documentation. Pursuant to statute and regulations, a carrier may receive a reduction, refund, or waiver of the fine upon submission of an application for such relief supported by evidence that it screened all passengers on the conveyance providing the transport (flight or voyage). Alternatively, pursuant to statute and regulations, if a carrier that enters into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), agreeing to follow procedures set forth in the MOU, commits a violation and becomes subject to a penalty, such carrier would not have to apply for a reduction of the fine, but would be eligible for an automatic reduction. This notice announces that CBP has made changes to the existing MOU and has recalculated and reset the performance levels CBP will use to measure carrier performance of its travel document screening responsibilities pursuant to the MOU. The revised MOU is appended to this notice.