Department of Homeland Security October 3, 2023 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

Through this notice, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announces that the Secretary of Homeland Security (Secretary) is extending the designation of Venezuela for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 18 months, beginning on March 11, 2024 and ending on September 10, 2025. This extension allows existing TPS beneficiaries to retain TPS through September 10, 2025, if they otherwise continue to meet the eligibility requirements for TPS. Existing TPS beneficiaries who wish to extend their status through September 10, 2025, must re- register during the re-registration period described in this notice. Separately, the Secretary is also redesignating Venezuela for TPS. The redesignation of Venezuela allows additional Venezuelan nationals (and individuals having no nationality who last habitually resided in Venezuela) who have been continuously residing in the United States since July 31, 2023, to apply for TPS for the first time during the initial registration period described under the redesignation information in this notice. In addition to demonstrating continuous residence in the United States since July 31, 2023, and meeting other eligibility criteria, initial applicants for TPS under this designation must demonstrate that they have been continuously physically present in the United States since October 3, 2023, the effective date of this redesignation of Venezuela for TPS. The Secretary's actions represent two distinct TPS designations of Venezuelathe first designation of Venezuela that was announced on March 9, 2021 (Venezuela 2021) and is being extended in this FRN, and this second action, redesignating Venezuela on October 3, 2023 (Venezuela 2023).

The Coast Guard is issuing this final rule to revise the training requirements for national Merchant Mariner Credential endorsements as master of towing vessels (limited) or mate (pilot) of towing vessels on inland waters or Western Rivers routes. Consistent with recommendations from two Federal advisory committees, this rule gives mariners seeking these endorsements the option of taking a modified basic firefighting course. That course excludes training on equipment that is not required to be carried on towing vessels operating on inland waters or the Western Rivers. Applicants who take the modified basic firefighting course will reduce their costs because it is shorter and less expensive than the basic firefighting course.

The Coast Guard proposes to temporarily modify the operating schedule that governs the Meadowbrook State Parkway Bridge, mile 12.8, across Sloop Channel, Nassau County, NY. The bridge owner, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), submitted a request to operate the bridge under single leaf openings to perform bridge deck replacement. We invite your comments on this proposed rulemaking.

The Coast Guard is establishing a special local regulation (SLR) for certain navigable waters of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) and Beaufort Inlet in Morehead City, North Carolina. This SLR, will be enforced annually for one weekend each September, and will restrict vessel traffic on the AICW and Beaufort Inlet during high-speed boat races. The restriction of vessel traffic movement in the SLR is for the purpose of protecting participants and spectators from the hazards posed by these events. Entry of vessels or persons into this regulated area will be prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port (COTP), North Carolina or a designated representative.