Department of Homeland Security December 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Liberty Island Safety Zone; Fireworks Display in Captain of the Port New York Zone
Document Number: 2016-31531
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-30
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard will enforce a safety zone within the Captain of the Port New York Zone on the specified date and time. This action is necessary to ensure the safety of vessels and spectators from hazards associated with fireworks displays. During the enforcement period, no person or vessel may enter the safety zone without permission of the Captain of the Port (COTP).
Agency Information Collection Activities: Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal, Form I-589; Revision of a Currently Approved Collection
Document Number: 2016-31429
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-29
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and 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 information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on September 19, 2016, at 84 FR 64190, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did receive comments in connection with the 60-day notice.
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0025
Document Number: 2016-31395
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-28
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0025, Carriage of Bulk Solids Requiring Special Handlingwithout change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0119
Document Number: 2016-31250
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension, without change, of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0119, Coast Guard Exchange System Scholarship Application. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0074
Document Number: 2016-31248
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information without change: 1625-0074, Direct User Fees for Inspection or Examination of U.S. and Foreign Commercial Vessels. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0008
Document Number: 2016-31247
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information without change: 1625-0008, Regattas and Marine Parades. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0007
Document Number: 2016-31245
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information without change: 1625-0007, Characteristics of Liquid Chemicals Proposed for Bulk Water Movement. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Collection of Information Under Review by Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0056
Document Number: 2016-31201
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 the U.S. Coast Guard is forwarding an Information Collection Request (ICR), abstracted below, to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0056, Labeling required in 33 Code of Federal Regulation (CFR) Parts 181 and 183 and 46 CFR 25.10-3. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Review and comments by OIRA ensure we only impose paperwork burdens commensurate with our performance of duties.
Information Collection Request to Office of Management and Budget; OMB Control Number: 1625-0100
Document Number: 2016-31200
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
In compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the U.S. Coast Guard intends to submit an Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA), requesting an extension of its approval for the following collection of information: 1625-0100, Advance Notice of Vessel Arrival without change. Our ICR describes the information we seek to collect from the public. Before submitting this ICR to OIRA, the Coast Guard is inviting comments as described below.
Extension of Employment Authorization for Nepali F-1 Nonimmigrant Students Experiencing Severe Economic Hardship as a Direct Result of the April 25, 2015 Earthquake in the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal
Document Number: 2016-31158
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
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 the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal (Nepal) and who are experiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of the earthquake in Nepal on April 25, 2015. This notice extends the effective date of that earlier 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 June 24, 2018.
Florida; Amendment No. 4 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Document Number: 2016-31076
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for State of Florida (FEMA-4280-DR), dated September 28, 2016, and related determinations.
Florida; Amendment No. 8 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Document Number: 2016-31072
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for State of Florida (FEMA-4283-DR), dated October 8, 2016, and related determinations.
South Carolina; Amendment No. 8 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Document Number: 2016-31071
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This notice amends the notice of a major disaster declaration for State of South Carolina (FEMA-4286-DR), dated October 11, 2016, and related determinations.
Tennessee; Major Disaster and Related Determinations
Document Number: 2016-31070
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the State of Tennessee (FEMA-4293-DR), dated December 15, 2016, and related determinations.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Chambers Creek, Steilacoom, WA
Document Number: 2016-31058
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Chambers Creek Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad vertical lift railroad bridge across Chambers Creek, mile 0.01, near Steilacoom in Pierce County, WA. This deviation will test a change to the drawbridge operation schedule to determine whether a permanent change to the schedule is appropriate. This test deviation will change the requirement for a bridge operator, and modify the existing regulation to add an advance notification requirement for obtaining bridge openings during designated evening hours.
Toxic Substance Control Act Chemical Substance Import Certification Process Revisions
Document Number: 2016-31055
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of the Treasury
This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations regarding the requirement to file a Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) certification when importing into the customs territory of the United States chemicals in bulk form or as part of mixtures and articles containing a chemical or mixture. This document amends the regulations to establish an electronic option for importers to file the required U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) TSCA certifications, consistent with the Security and Accountability for Every Port Act of 2006. This document further amends the regulations to clarify and add certain definitions, and to eliminate the paper-based blanket certification process. The document was prepared in consultation with EPA, the agency with primary responsibility for implementing TSCA.
Importations of Certain Vehicles and Engines Subject to Federal Antipollution Emission Standards
Document Number: 2016-31050
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-27
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of the Treasury
This document amends the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regulations relating to the importation into the United States of certain vehicles and engines under the Clean Air Act (CAA) in order to harmonize the documentation requirements applicable to different classes of vehicles and engines that are subject to the CAA's emission standards. This document further amends the regulations to permit importers to file the required U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Declaration Forms with CBP electronically, and amends non- substantive provisions to update regulatory citations and delete obsolete provisions.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Sloop Channel, Nassau, NY
Document Number: 2016-30866
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Wantagh Parkway Bridge, mile 15.4 and the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge, mile 12.8, both across Sloop Channel, at Nassau, New York. This temporary deviation is necessary to facilitate public safety during a public event, the Jones Beach State Park U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds Air Show. This deviation allows the bridges to remain in the closed position during the public event.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Reynolds Channel, Nassau County, NY
Document Number: 2016-30864
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Long Beach Bridge, mile 4.7, across Reynolds Channel, at Nassau County, New York. This temporary deviation is necessary to temporarily increase staffing flexibility. This deviation allows the bridge to be opened with a four-hour advanced notice during the hours of 5 p.m. on December 23, 2016, to 7 a.m. on December 26, 2016 and from 5 p.m. on December 30, 2016, to 7 a.m. on January 2, 2017.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Harlem River, New York, NY
Document Number: 2016-30858
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the 125 Street (Triborough) Bridge across the Harlem River, mile 1.3, at New York, New York. This deviation is necessary to allow the bridge owner to facilitate rehabilitation of the mechanical and electrical components of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed position for the duration of the rehabilitation project.
Pennsylvania; Major Disaster and Related Determinations
Document Number: 2016-30802
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This is a notice of the Presidential declaration of a major disaster for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (FEMA-4292-DR), dated December 2, 2016, and related determinations.
Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians; Amendment No. 1 to Notice of a Major Disaster Declaration
Document Number: 2016-30801
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This notice amends the notice of a major disaster for the Soboba Band of Luise[ntilde]o Indians (FEMA-4206-DR), dated January 27, 2015, and related determinations.
Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy
Document Number: 2016-30800
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-22
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
The Board of Visitors for the National Fire Academy (Board) will meet via teleconference on January 10, 2017. The meeting will be open to the public.
DHS Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee
Document Number: 2016-30737
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary
The Department of Homeland Security Privacy Office seeks applicants for appointment to the DHS Data Privacy and Integrity Advisory Committee.
Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc. as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
Document Number: 2016-30726
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that Intertek USA, Inc., has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products and accredited to test petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of March 15, 2016.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Application To Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident, Form I-698; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection
Document Number: 2016-30707
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and 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 information collection notice was previously published in the Federal Register on October 17, 2016, at 81 FR 71521, allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS received one comment in connection with the 60-day notice.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Waiver of Rights, Privileges, Exemptions and Immunities, Form I-508 & I-508F; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection
Document Number: 2016-30706
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Petition for Qualifying Family Member of a U-1 Nonimmigrant, Form I-929; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection
Document Number: 2016-30705
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed extension of a currently approved collection of information. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e. the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.
Intent To Request Approval From OMB of One New Public Collection of Information: Security Appointment Center (SAC) Visitor Request Form and Foreign National Vetting Request
Document Number: 2016-30662
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-21
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on a new Information Collection Request (ICR) abstracted below that we will submit to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The ICR describes the nature of the information collection and its expected burden. The collection involves gathering information from individuals who plan to visit all TSA facilities in the National Capital Region.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Calcasieu River, Westlake, LA
Document Number: 2016-30576
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the Westlake Bridge across the Calcasieu River, mile 36.4, at Westlake, Calcasieu Parish, Louisiana. The deviation is necessary to repair and replace the existing lift rails and actuators on the east end of the bridge. These repairs are essential for the continued safe operation of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain closed-to-navigation for a total of 36 hours on four different dates in December 2016 and January 2017.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Pearl River, LA/MS
Document Number: 2016-30572
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has issued a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the operation of the US 90 highway bridge (East Pearl River Bridge), a swing span bridge across the Pearl River, mile 8.8, between Slidell, St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana and Pearlington, Hancock County, Mississippi. The deviation is necessary to remove and repair three gear motors to allow for the continued safe operation of the bridge. This deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to- navigation position for a period of 32 days, broken in to one 12-Day Period and two 10-Day periods, as repairs to each motor will be done separately.
Suspension of Community Eligibility
Document Number: 2016-30533
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Federal Emergency Management Agency, Department of Homeland Security
This rule identifies communities where the sale of flood insurance has been authorized under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) that are scheduled for suspension on the effective dates listed within this rule because of noncompliance with the floodplain management requirements of the program. If the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) receives documentation that the community has adopted the required floodplain management measures prior to the effective suspension date given in this rule, the suspension will not occur and a notice of this will be provided by publication in the Federal Register on a subsequent date. Also, information identifying the current participation status of a community can be obtained from FEMA's Community Status Book (CSB). The CSB is available at https:// www.fema.gov/national-flood-insurance-program-community-statu s-book.
Agency Information Collection Activities: Electronic Visa Update System
Document Number: 2016-30527
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
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: Electronic Visa Update System (EVUS). 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.
Privacy Act of 1974: Implementation of Exemptions; Department of Homeland Security DHS/U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-023 Border Patrol Enforcement Records (BPER) System of Records
Document Number: 2016-30457
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Office of the Secretary
The Department of Homeland Security is issuing a final rule to amend its regulations to exempt portions of a newly established system of records titled, ``Department of Homeland Security U.S. Customs and Border Protection (DHS/CBP)-023 Border Patrol Enforcement Records (BPER) System of Records'' from certain provisions of the Privacy Act. Specifically, the Department exempts portions of the ``DHS/CBP-023 BPER System of Records'' from one or more provisions of the Privacy Act because of criminal, civil, and administrative enforcement requirements.
Regulatory Implementation of the Centers of Excellence and Expertise
Document Number: 2016-29719
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-20
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
In 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) developed a test to incrementally transition the operational trade functions that traditionally reside with port directors to the Centers of Excellence and Expertise (Centers). The purpose of the test was to broaden the ability of the Centers to make decisions by waiving certain identified regulations to the extent necessary to provide the Center directors, who manage the Centers, with the authority to make the decisions normally reserved for the port directors. At this time, CBP is prepared to end the test and establish the Centers as a permanent organizational component of the agency and to transition certain additional trade functions to the Centers. This rule amends the CBP regulations on an interim basis to implement this organizational change by: Defining the Centers and the Center directors; amending the definition for port directors to distinguish their functions from those of the Center directors; identifying the Center management offices; explaining the process by which importers will be assigned to Centers; providing the importer with an appeals process for its Center assignment; identifying the regulatory functions that will be transitioned from the port directors to the Center directors and those that will be jointly carried out by the port directors and the Center directors; and providing clarification in applicable regulations that payments and documents may continue to be submitted at the ports of entry or electronically.
Definition of Form I-94 To Include Electronic Format
Document Number: 2016-30459
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
This final rule adopts, without change, interim amendments to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regulations which were published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2013, as CBP Dec. No. 13-06. These amendments enabled DHS to transition the issuance of the Form I-94 (Arrival/Departure Record) to an automated process. In the automated process, DHS creates a Form I-94 in an electronic format based on passenger, passport and visa information DHS obtains electronically from air and sea carriers and the Department of State (DOS) as well as through the inspection process. This document addresses the comments received in response to the interim rule and discusses some operational modifications to the Form I-94 process that were implemented after publication of the interim rule.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Northeast Cape Fear River, Wilmington, NC
Document Number: 2016-30354
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard has modified a temporary deviation from the operating schedule that governs the CSX Hilton Railroad Bridge across the Northeast Cape Fear River, mile 1.5, at Wilmington, NC. This modified deviation is necessary to manually operate the bridge and perform emergency bridge repairs. This modified deviation allows the bridge to remain in the closed-to-navigation position.
Safety Zone; Captain of the Port Boston Fireworks Display Zone, Boston Harbor, Boston, MA
Document Number: 2016-30313
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard will enforce the subject safety zone for First Night Fireworks on December 31, 2016, to provide for the safety of life on navigable waterways during the fireworks display. Our regulation for Captain of the Port (COTP) Boston fireworks display zone, Boston Harbor, Boston, MA identifies the regulated area for this fireworks display. During the enforcement period, no vessel may transit this regulated area without approval from the COTP Boston or a designated representative.
Classification for Victims of Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons; Eligibility for “T” Nonimmigrant Status
Document Number: 2016-29900
Type: Rule
Date: 2016-12-19
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the requirements and procedures for victims of human trafficking seeking T nonimmigrant status. The Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) may grant T nonimmigrant status (commonly known as a ``T visa'') to aliens who are or were victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons, who are physically present in the United States on account of such trafficking, who have complied (unless under 18 years of age or unable to cooperate due to trauma) with any reasonable request by a Federal, State, or local law enforcement agency (LEA) for assistance in an investigation or prosecution of acts of trafficking in persons or the investigation of other crimes involving trafficking, and who would suffer extreme hardship involving unusual and severe harm if removed from the United States. In this interim rule, DHS is amending its regulations to conform with legislation enacted after the initial rule was published in 2002: the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2003 (TVPRA 2003), the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA 2008), and Titles VIII and XII of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (VAWA 2013). DHS is also streamlining procedures, responding to public comments on the 2002 interim final rule, and providing guidance for the statutory requirements for T nonimmigrants. The intent is to make sure the T nonimmigrant status regulations are up to date and reflect USCIS adjudicative experience, as well as the input provided by stakeholders.
Drawbridge Operation Regulation; Detroit River (Trenton Channel), Grosse Ile, MI
Document Number: 2016-30342
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security
The Coast Guard proposes to add permanent winter hours to the operating schedule of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge (Bridge Road) at mile 8.8, over Trenton Channel at Grosse Ile, MI. A review of the current regulation was requested by the Grosse Ile Bridge Company, the owner of the Grosse Ile Toll Bridge (Bridge Road).
Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
Document Number: 2016-30297
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that Intertek USA, Inc. has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products and accredited to test petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of May 25, 2016.
Surface Transportation Vulnerability Assessments and Security Plans (VASP)
Document Number: 2016-28300
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is issuing this ANPRM to request public comments on several topics relevant to the development of surface transportation vulnerability assessment and security plan regulations mandated by the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Act). Based on its regular interaction with stakeholders, TSA assumes many higher-risk railroads (freight and passenger), public transportation agencies, and over-the- road buses (OTRBs) have implemented security programs with security measures similar to those identified by the 9/11 Act's regulatory requirements. In general, TSA is requesting information on three types of issues. First, existing practices, standards, tools, or other resources used or available for conducting vulnerability assessments and developing security plans. Second, information on existing security measures, including whether implemented voluntarily or in response to other regulatory requirements, and the potential impact of additional requirements on operations. Third, information on the scope/cost of current security systems and other measures used to provide security and mitigate vulnerabilities. This information is necessary for TSA to establish the current baseline, estimate cost of implementing the statutory mandate, and develop appropriate performance standards. While TSA will review and consider all comments submitted, TSA invites responses to a number of specific questions posed in the ANPRM. See the Comments Invited section under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION that follows.
Security Training for Surface Transportation Employees
Document Number: 2016-28298
Type: Proposed Rule
Date: 2016-12-16
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, Transportation Security Administration
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is proposing to require security training for employees of higher-risk freight railroad carriers, public transportation agencies (including rail mass transit and bus systems), passenger railroad carriers, and over-the- road bus (OTRB) companies. Owner/operators of these higher-risk railroads, systems, and companies would be required to train employees performing security-sensitive functions, using a curriculum addressing preparedness and how to observe, assess, and respond to terrorist- related threats and/or incidents. As part of this rulemaking, TSA would also expand its current requirements for rail security coordinators and reporting of significant security concerns (currently limited to freight railroads, passenger railroads, and the rail operations of public transportation systems) to include the bus components of higher- risk public transportation systems and higher-risk OTRB companies. TSA also proposes to make the maritime and land transportation provisions of TSA's regulations consistent with other TSA regulations by codifying general responsibility to comply with security requirements; compliance, inspection, and enforcement; and procedures to request alternate measures for compliance. Finally, TSA is adding a definition for Transportation Security-Sensitive Materials (TSSM). Other provisions are being amended or added, as necessary, to implement these additional requirements. While TSA will review and consider all comments submitted, TSA invites responses to a number of specific questions posed in the preamble of the NPRM. See the Comments Invited section under SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION that follows.
Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) for the Proposed Establishment and Operations of the Office of Biometric Identity Management and the Homeland Advanced Biometric Technology (HART)
Document Number: 2016-30187
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Homeland Security
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), National Protection and Programs Directorate (NPPD), Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM) has completed a Draft Supplemental Programmatic Environmental Assessment (SPEA) to assess the impacts resulting from the replacement of the existing Automated Biometric Identification System (IDENT) in order to meet obligations pertaining to expanded biometric service obligations. IDENT was developed in the 1990s by the Immigration and Naturalization Service as a pilot project. As DHS demands for biometric identity services grew and evolved, IDENT expanded both its customer base and services provided to those customers by retrofitting functionalities to its original pilot project foundation to meet urgent mission needs. The system has progressed from supporting one usage scenario and one stakeholder in 1994 to a multiplicity of business processes, services, and interfaces required to meet the needs of a variety of stakeholders. In 2003 the former United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) Program was designated as the DHS provider for biometric and associated biographic identity screening and analysis services. The primary mission of the former US-VISIT program was to serve as a repository of collected information on the unique identity of travelers and to collect, maintain, and share information related to entry, exit, and status events of foreign nationals in order to enhance national security, facilitate legitimate trade and travel, and ensure the integrity of our immigration system, while deploying the program in accordance with existing privacy laws and policies. This mission was accomplished through the deployment of discrete capabilities through two systems: IDENT and the Arrival and Departure Information System (ADIS). In 2013 OBIM assumed cross-cutting responsibility for DHS biometric identity services from the former US-VISIT Program. OBIM operates and maintains IDENT, and matches, stores, analyzes, and shares biometric data to provide more accurate and high assurance biometric identity information and analysis. IDENT, with its repository of biometrics and associated biographic data, is used by its customers for biometric identity verification and determination. Current IDENT customers include DHS components such as U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Transportation Security Administration, and various elements of DHS Headquarters; the Intelligence Community; other Federal agencies including the Departments of Justice, State, and Defense; State and local law enforcement; and international partners. OBIM needs HART to replace the 22-year-old legacy IDENT system to ensure continued fulfillment of evolving customer and mission needs. The redesign and development of the system will address the baseline and current gaps including capacity, increased security and privacy protections, interoperability, unsustainable costs, and performance and availability. Support of the system for additional biometric identity modalities beyond fingerprints will address customer needs for alternative modalities, provide options for non-contact biometric data collection, improve performance, and increase interoperability with customers and partners that support multiple biometric modalities. For the Proposed Action, OBIM would develop and implement a solution to address increasing customer demand for biometric services in addition to providing technological advances, more efficient processing, and a flexible and a scalable platform to meet DHS's mid- and long-term identity needs. Several project alternatives explored in the SPEA were: (1) No Action; (2) Enhanced Baseline with Transaction Manager Replacement Alternative; (3) Data Driven Modular Alternative; and (4) Cloud Based and Managed Service. In reviewing the alternatives, OBIM's objective was to determine whether to prepare a ``Finding of No Significant Impact'' (FONSI) or an ``Environmental Impact Statement'' (EIS). With the No Action Alternative, minor indirect effects may occur with respect to noise and air quality from the slowing of services at customer locations. With Alternatives 2, 3, or 4, minor impacts are anticipated with respect to energy use. With any of these alternatives, OBIM will have an increase in capacity and scope of services which may increase energy use. However, it is also anticipated that the proposed improvements will increase efficiencies in the administration and use of OBIM services with all of the action alternatives. Therefore, energy impacts are expected to be minimal. For implementation of Alternative 4 specifically, managed service may be hosted in the existing DHS data centers or other federally approved sites. For the No Action Alternative and Alternative 4, potential changes to facilities or personnel may have some minimal effects, particularly with the potential for temporary construction. However, more specific analysis is not possible at this programmatic level of assessment, and would have to be performed with site-specific environmental analysis.
Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger
Document Number: 2016-30123
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that Intertek USA, Inc., has been approved to gauge petroleum and petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of January 26, 2016.
Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger
Document Number: 2016-30122
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that Intertek USA, Inc. has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of June 9, 2016.
Accreditation and Approval of Intertek USA, Inc., as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
Document Number: 2016-30121
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that Intertek USA, Inc., has been approved to gauge and accredited to test petroleum and petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of March 2, 2016.
Accreditation and Approval of Amspec Services, LLC, as a Commercial Gauger and Laboratory
Document Number: 2016-30120
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that AmSpec Services, LLC, has been approved to gauge petroleum and certain petroleum products and accredited to test petroleum and certain petroleum products for customs purposes for the next three years as of August 4, 2016.
Accreditation of Sea, LTD., as a Commercial Laboratory
Document Number: 2016-30119
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-15
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
Notice is hereby given, pursuant to CBP regulations, that SEA, Ltd. has been accredited to test certain wax and candle products under Chapter 34 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) for customs purposes for the next three years as of September 15, 2016.
Quarterly IRS Interest Rates Used in Calculating Interest on Overdue Accounts and Refunds on Customs Duties
Document Number: 2016-30057
Type: Notice
Date: 2016-12-14
Agency: Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
This notice advises the public that the quarterly Internal Revenue Service interest rates used to calculate interest on overdue accounts (underpayments) and refunds (overpayments) of customs duties will remain the same from the previous quarter. For the calendar quarter beginning October 1, 2016, the interest rates for overpayments will be 3 percent for corporations and 4 percent for non-corporations, and the interest rate for underpayments will be 4 percent for both corporations and non-corporations. This notice is published for the convenience of the importing public and U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel.
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