Department of State February 2008 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 1 - 28 of 28
Visas: Documentation of immigrants Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended
This rule revises the procedure for notifying the beneficiary of an immigrant visa petition of the termination of the immigrant visa registration because of the failure of the beneficiary to pursue the application within a specified time, by providing that such notification will be made by National Visa Center directly to the beneficiary.
Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services
As required by the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Public Law 92-463, the Department of State gives notice of the inaugural meeting of the Advisory Committee on International Postal and Delivery Services. This Committee has been formed in fulfillment of the provisions of the 2006 Postal Accountability and Enhancement Act (Pub. L. 109-435) and in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Public input: Any member of the public interested in providing public input to the meeting should contact Mr. Chris Wood, whose contact information is listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this notice. Each individual providing oral input is requested to limit his or her comments to five minutes. Requests to be added to the speaker list must be received in writing (letter, e-mail or fax) prior to the close of business on March 18, 2008; written comments from members of the public for distribution at this meeting must reach Mr. Wood by letter, e-mail or fax by this same date.
Announcement of Meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee
This notice announces meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) to prepare for meetings of International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T) technical Study Groups Sixteen (Multimedia terminals, systems and applications), and Seventeen (Security, languages and telecommunication software); an ITAC meeting to begin preparation of advice on the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2008 (WTSA 08) and other related meetings of the ITU; and meetings in preparation for a meeting of the Organization of American States Inter- American Telecommunication Commission (CITEL) Permanent Consultative Committee II (PCC.II) (Radiocommunication including Broadcasting). The ITAC will meet to begin preparation of advice for the government on the ITU World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2008 (WTSA 08) and related meetings such as the Telecommunication Sector Advisory Group (TSAG), various groups meeting on the International Telecommunication Regulations, cybersecurity, and other subjects relevant to the ITU-T for the coming 12 months. The meeting will be held on Monday afternoon March 17, 2008 2-4 p.m. EST hosted by AT&T, 1120 20th Street, 10th floor, Washington, DC. The ITAC will hold further meetings with similar agendas on April 24, May 12, and June 17. Federal Register notices will be published for each of these meetings with the specific agenda and meeting details, at the appropriate time. The ITAC will meet to prepare advice on submission of contributions to CITEL PCC.II on March 25, April 1 and April 8, 2008, 2-4 p.m. at the Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC. The ITAC will meet to prepare advice on submission of contributions to ITU-T SG17 on March 20, 2008, 10 a.m. to noon EST, by conference call. Call in information is either +1 210 839-8500 or 1 888 455-9640, passcode 52902. The ITAC will meet to prepare advice on submission of contributions to ITU-T SG16 on April 24, 2008 beginning at 10 a.m. EST, by conference call. People desiring to participate in this meeting should call either +1 210 839-8500 or 1 888 455-9640, passcode 52902. All these meetings are open to the public as seating capacity allows. The public will have an opportunity to provide comments at these meetings. People desiring further information on these meetings may apply to the secretariat at minardje@state.gov.
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Public Diplomacy Evaluation Office: Performance Measurement, Evaluation and Public Diplomacy Program Surveys, OMB Control No. 1405-0158
The Department of State has submitted the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Public Diplomacy Evaluation Office: Performance Measurement, Evaluation and Public Diplomacy Program Surveys. OMB Control Number: 1405-0158. Type of Request: Revision of a Currently Approved Collection. Originating Office: Public Diplomacy Evaluation Office (PDEO). Form Number: None. Respondents: Respondents of program assessments and/or program monitoring of public diplomacy activities under the collection may include program applicants, participants, alumni, administrators, and hosts or grantee organizations involved in the programs that PDEO is assessing or evaluating. Estimated Number of Respondents: 25,131. Estimated Number of Responses: 25,131. Average Hours Per Response: 30 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 12,565 hours. Frequency: On Occasion. Obligation to Respond: Voluntary.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: DS-573, DS-574, DS-575, and DS-576, Overseas Schools Grant Request Automated Submissions Program (GRASP), OMB Control No. 1405-0036
The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Overseas Schools Grant Request Automated Submissions Program (GRASP). OMB Control Number: OMB Control No. 1405-0036. Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved Collection. Originating Office: Bureau of Administration, A/OPR/OS. Form Number: DS-573, DS-574, DS-575, and DS-576. Respondents: Recipients of grants. Estimated Number of Respondents: 194. Estimated Number of Responses:194. Average Hours Per Response: 90 minutes. Total Estimated Burden: 291 hours. Frequency: Annually. Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain a benefit.
Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “El Greco to Velazquez: Art During the Reign of Philip III”
Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``El Greco to Velazquez: Art During the Reign of Philip III'', imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, MA, from on or about April 20, 2008, until on or about July 27, 2008; at the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Durham, NC, from on or about August 21, 2008, until on or about November 9, 2008; and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.
Presidential Determination Concerning Waiver of Section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 With Respect to Iraq
On January 28, 2008, the President issued Presidential Determination 2008-9. Presidential Determination 2008-9 waives the application of all provisions of section 1083 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2008 (NDAA) with respect to Iraq. Section 1083 amends the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act, which establishes a framework for lawsuits against foreign countries and their agencies and instrumentalities under U.S. law. Pursuant to section 1083(d)(1) the President may waive any provision of this section with respect to Iraq, insofar as that provision may, in the President's determination, affect Iraq or any agency or instrumentality thereof, if the President determines that the waiver is in the national security interest of the United States; the waiver will promote the reconstruction of, the consolidation of democracy in, and the relations of the United States with, Iraq; and Iraq continues to be a reliable ally of the United States and partner in combating acts of international terrorism. Pursuant to section 1083(d)(3), a waiver by the President under section 1083(d)(1) shall cease to be effective 30 days after it is made unless the President has notified Congress in writing of the basis for the waiver as determined by the President under section 1083(d)(1). Presidential Determination 2008-9 directs the Department of State to notify Congress of the President's determination and waiver and the accompanying memorandum of justification. On February 4, 2008, the Department of State transmitted to Congress Presidential Determination 2008-9 and the accompanying memorandum of justification.
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs; Notice: Amendment to Original RFGP (Community College Initiative for Egypt)
The United States Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, announces revisions to the original RFGP announced in the Federal Register on Thursday, January 31, 2008 (FR Volume 73, Number 21): Section III.1. ``Eligible applicants'' is revised as follows: Applications may be submitted by public and private non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue Code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) that are consortia of accredited U.S. community colleges, or other combinations of multiple community college campuses. Consortia must designate a lead institution to receive and administer the award. The due date for this competition is revised from April 7, 2008 to April 21, 2008. All other terms and conditions remain the same.
Announcement of Meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee
This notice announces a meeting of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) to prepare advice on the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2008 (WTSA 08). The ITAC will meet to prepare advice for the U.S. on preparations for the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly 2008 (WTSA 08) including positions on cybersecurity, study program restructuring, and leadership on Tuesday afternoon February 26, 2008 2- 4 p.m. EST in the Washington, DC metro area. Meeting details and detailed agendas will be posted on the mailing list itac@eblist.state.gov. People desiring to participate on this list may apply to the secretariat at minardje@state.gov. The meeting is open to the public.
60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Form-# DS-1950, Department of State Application for Employment, OMB Control #-Number 1405-0139
The Department of State is seeking Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection described below. The purpose of this notice is to allow 60 days for public comment in the Federal Register preceding submission to OMB. We are conducting this process in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Title of Information Collection: Department of State Application for Employment OMB Control Number: 1405-0139 Type of Request: Revision of a currently approved collection Originating Office: Bureau of Human Resources, Office of Recruitment, Examination, Employment (HR/REE) Form Number: DS-1950 Respondents: U.S. Citizens seeking entry into certain Department of State Foreign Service positions and individuals, sophomore through graduate level college and university students, seeking participation in the Department's student programs. Estimated Number of Respondents: 20,000 Estimated Number of Responses: 20,000 Average Hours Per Response: 1/2 hour Total Estimated Burden: 10,000 Frequency: On occasion Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain a benefit
Visas: Documentation of Immigrants Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, as Amended
This rule revises the photo requirement as part of the application process for a Diversity Immigrant Visa, to require that the photo be in color. Color photographs enhance facial recognition and reduce the opportunity for fraud.
Evaluation of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
The U.S. State Department, in its role as coordinator for the U.S. Government's role in the IPCC, requests public comment on the activities and process of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in order to facilitate the U.S. Government's effort to assess and enhance the IPCC's high-level of scientific credibility and relevance for the evolving needs of decision-maker. The IPCC is a scientific intergovernmental body set up by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). The IPCC's role is to assess on a comprehensive, objective, open, and transparent basis the latest scientific, technical, and socio-economic literature produced worldwide. Consistent with this role, the IPCC does not conduct research, nor does it monitor climate related data or parameters. In order to fulfill this role, the IPCC produces comprehensive assessment reports at regular intervals of the state of knowledge with respect to climate change science; impacts, vulnerability and adaptation; and mitigation. The most recent of these, the Fourth Assessment Report, was completed in November 2007. The First Assessment Report was completed in 1990, the Second Assessment Report in 1995, and the Third Assessment Report in 2001. These reports have been widely used as key references for the state of knowledge on climate change, including in international climate discussions under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The IPCC also issues periodic Special Reports on specific aspects of climate change. The most recent of these, on Carbon Dioxide Capture and Storage, was released in 2005. The United States has played a leading role in the IPCC since its inception, through official contributions and key leadership positions in IPCC report development, as well as through the contributions of many U.S. scientist and experts to the reports themselves. All IPCC reports are developed in a manner that conforms to the IPCC Principles and Procedures, which were developed by participating governments of the IPCC. Consistent with these principles and procedures, IPCC reports should be neutral with respect to policy, although they need to deal objectively with policy relevant scientific, technical, and socio-economic factors. Efforts are currently underway within the IPCC to initiate a dialogue regarding the scope and nature of IPCC activities in the coming years. In order to inform these discussions, the State Department is requesting public comment regarding aspects of the IPCC products and the processes used to develop them.
Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “Gilbert & George”
Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that an object to be included in the exhibition ``Gilbert & George'', imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, is of cultural significance. The object is imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit object at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, de Young Museum, San Francisco, CA, from on or about February 16, 2008, until on or about May 18, 2008, and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA)
The Office of Academic Exchange Programs, European and Eurasian Programs Branch (ECA/A/E/EUR) announces an open competition for a five-week Summer Institute for European Student Leaders. Accredited, post-secondary educational institutions in the United States may submit proposals to administer the program. The Summer Institute for European Student Leaders will offer a group of twenty young Europeans from a broad range of ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds the opportunity to learn about the United States and build leadership skills during a five-week program on an American campus. The Fulbright Commissions in Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom will recruit participants who are first- or second-year undergraduate students or recent high school graduates who will enter university in fall 2008. The goals of the Institute are to promote study and learning about the United States, leadership development, and civic engagement through academic coursework and participatory activities that will serve the participants in their academic and professional careers and to promote mutual understanding between the United States and their home countries. ECA anticipates that program dates will be for the approximate period of July 13-August 16, 2008.
Culturally Significant Objects Imported for Exhibition Determinations: “Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of the First Emperor”
Notice is hereby given of the following determinations: Pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Act of October 19, 1965 (79 Stat. 985; 22 U.S.C. 2459), Executive Order 12047 of March 27, 1978, the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 (112 Stat. 2681, et seq.; 22 U.S.C. 6501 note, et seq.), Delegation of Authority No. 234 of October 1, 1999, Delegation of Authority No. 236 of October 19, 1999, as amended, and Delegation of Authority No. 257 of April 15, 2003 [68 FR 19875], I hereby determine that the objects to be included in the exhibition ``Terra Cotta Warriors: Guardians of the First Emperor'', imported from abroad for temporary exhibition within the United States, are of cultural significance. The objects are imported pursuant to loan agreements with the foreign owners or custodians. I also determine that the exhibition or display of the exhibit objects at the Bowers Museum, Santa Ana, California, from on or about May 18, 2008, until on or about October 12, 2008; at the High Museum of Art, Atlanta, Georgia, from on or about November 15, 2008, until on or about April 26, 2009; at the Houston Museum of Natural Sciences, Houston, Texas, from on or about May 18, 2009, until on or about September 27, 2009; and at the National Geographic Society, Washington, DC, from on or about November 19, 2009, until on or about March 31, 2010; and at possible additional exhibitions or venues yet to be determined, is in the national interest. Public Notice of these Determinations is ordered to be published in the Federal Register.
Notice of Receipt of Application for a Presidential Permit to Construct, Operate, and Maintain a New Border Crossing Facility on the U.S.-Canada Border at Buffalo, New York and Fort Erie, Ontario
The Department of State hereby gives notice that, on January 15, 2008, it received an application for a Presidential Permit to authorize the construction, operation, and maintenance of a new border crossing facility on the U.S.-Canada border at Buffalo, NY and Fort Erie, Ontario. The proposed new crossing, a vehicular bridge across the Niagara River, would be approximately one and one half miles north of the existing Peace Bridge across the Niagara River and would connect to existing roads via an interchange with State Route 198 (Scajaquada Expressway) leading to Interstate Route 190 (I-190, the Niagara Section of the New York State Thruway). The application was filed by the Ambassador Niagara Signature Bridge Group (ANSBG). According to the application, ANSBG is an unincorporated unit of the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC), a Michigan corporation. As stated in the application, DIBC, along with a related Canadian corporation, the Canadian Transit Company (CTC), own and operate the Ambassador Bridge across the Detroit River, connecting Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario and DIBC and CTC are ultimately owned by Manuel J. and Matthew T. Maroun. The Department of State's jurisdiction over this application is based upon Executive Order 11423 of August 16, 1968, as amended, and the International Bridge Act of 1972, 33 U.S.C. 535, et seq. As provided in E.O. 11423, the Department is circulating this application to relevant Federal and State agencies for review and comment. Under E.O. 11423 and the International Bridge Act, the Department has the responsibility to determine, taking into account input from these agencies and other interested stakeholders, whether this proposed border crossing is in the U.S. national interest.
Announcement of Meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee
This notice announces meetings of the International Telecommunication Advisory Committee (ITAC) to prepare advice on U.S. positions for the March/April 2008 meeting of the International Telecommunication Union Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU- T) Study Group 3 (Tariff and accounting principles including related telecommunication economic and policy issues) and the April 2008 meeting of the Organization of American States Inter-American Telecommunication Commission Permanent Consultative Committee I (Telecommunication) (OAS/CITEL/PCC.I). The ITAC will meet to prepare advice for the U.S. on positions for the March/April 2008 meeting of the ITU-T Study Group 3 and related issues of the International Telecommunication Regulations on Tuesday afternoons February 19, March 4, 11, and 18, 2008 2-4PM EST in the Washington, DC metro area. Meeting details and detailed agendas will be posted on the mailing list sga@eblist.state.gov. People desiring to participate on this list may apply to the secretariat at minardje@state.gov. The ITAC will meet to prepare advice for the U.S. on positions for the April 2008 meeting of the OAS CITEL PCC.I on Thursday February 21, 2008 10AMnoon EST at a location in the Washington, DC metro area. We expect this meeting to be continued as necessary. Meeting details and detailed agenda will be posted on the mailing list pcc.i- citel@eblist.state.gov. People desiring to participate on this list may apply to the secretariat at minardje@state.gov. The meetings are open to the public.
Termination of Statutory Debarment Pursuant to Section 38(g)(4) of the Arms Export Control Act for Peter Appelbaum
Notice is hereby given that the Department of State has terminated the statutory debarment against Peter Appelbaum pursuant to section 38(g)(4) of the Arms Export Control Act (AECA) (22 U.S.C. 2778).
Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) Request for Grant Proposals: The Rhythm Road-American Music Abroad
The Cultural Programs Division in the Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) announces an open competition for a cooperative agreement to administer The Rhythm Road-American Music Abroad program. The program will consist of up to ten tours for a selected number of professional American artists in jazz, urban music, and American roots music (e.g. country-western, bluegrass, zydeco, Cajun, etc.) The musicians selected for this program must demonstrate high artistic ability and be conversant with the broader aspects of contemporary American society and culture. Tours will include workshops, master classes, and outreach activities, in addition to concerts. U.S. public and non-profit organizations meeting the provisions described in Internal Revenue code section 26 U.S.C. 501(c)(3) may submit proposals that support the goals of The Rhythm Road-American Music Abroad program: to promote mutual understanding and cross- cultural awareness. The tours accomplish this by providing an opportunity for international audiences to experience American musical life, highlighting our country's cultural history as well as the contemporary cultural scene, and allowing American performers to learn about life and culture in the foreign host countries. The Bureau is particularly interested in proposals for the administration of tours by jazz, urban, and American root music performers to countries with significant Muslim or underserved populations, and countries that engage youth and/or groups that influence youth. In the Western Hemisphere, we are also interested in proposals for projects that reach indigenous populations. No guarantee is made or implied that a grant will be awarded for tours to any particular region or that tours will be organized to any particular region. For this competition, all organizations must demonstrate a minimum of five years' experience successfully conducting international performing arts exchange programs in the music field to be eligible.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google
Privacy Policy and
Terms of Service apply.
