(OMB No. 1615-0014)
JUSTIFICATION.
Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) provides that an alien who is a visa applicant, applicant for admission, or an applicant for adjustment of status to permanent residence, is excludable if a consular or immigration officer determines that the alien is likely to become a public charge. This information collection is necessary to determine if at the time of application into the United States, the applicant is likely to become a public charge.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) and consular officers of the Department of State use this form to determine whether an applicant for a visa, adjustment of status, or entry to the United States may possibly be excludable on the ground that he or she is likely to become a public charge.
The use of this form currently provides the most efficient means for collecting and processing the required data. In this case USCIS does not employ the use of information technology in collecting and processing information. However, this form has been designated for e-filing under the Business Transformation Project.
A search of USCIS’ automated forms tracking system was accomplished and revealed no duplication. There is no similar data collected. Although the Form I-864 is also used as an affidavit of support, it is only used by aliens who are required by section 212(a)(4)(C) of the Act to meet the requirements of 213A of the Act. The I-134 is used for other types of cases such as nonimmigrant visas, parolees, etc., in which a consular or Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officer asks for an assurance of support with respect to an alien who is not covered by 212(a)(4)(C) of the Act.
This collection of information does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.
If the information is not collected, USCIS would not be able to determine whether the person (Sponsor) who is promising to support an alien after his or her entry to the United States, can adequately support the alien.
There are no special circumstances applicable to this information collection.
On December 19, 2006, USCIS published a 60-day notice in the Federal Register at 71 FR 75970, requesting comments from the public. USCIS received one comment from the public concerning the time to complete the form and the time to provide the supporting evidence. As a result of this comment, and subsequent review by USCIS, the burden estimate has been increased from 30 minutes to 90 minutes.
USCIS does not provide payments or gifts to respondents in exchange for a benefit sought.
There is no assurance of confidentiality.
There are no questions of a sensitive nature.
Annual Reporting Burden:
Number of Respondents 44,000
Number of Responses per Respondent 1
Total Annual Responses 44,000
Hours per Response 1.50
Total Annual Reporting Burden 66,000
Annual Reporting Burden
The annual reporting burden is 66,000. This figure was derived by multiplying the number of respondents (44,000) x frequency of response (1) x 1.5 hours per response (90 minutes).
There are no capital or start-up costs associated with this information collection. Any cost burden to respondents as a result of this information collection are identified in Item 14. There is no fee charge associated with this information collection.
Annualized Cost Analysis:
Printing Cost $ 15,840
Collection and Processing Cost $ 440,000
Total Cost to Program $ 455,840
Fee Charge $ 0
Total Cost to Government $ 455,840
The estimated cost to the Government is $ 455,840. This figure is calculated by using the estimated number of respondents (44,000) x 15 minutes (.25) per response (time required to collect and process information) x $40 (suggested average hourly rate for clerical, officer, and managerial time with benefits), plus a percent for the estimated cost of printing, stocking, distributing this form.
The estimated annual public cost is $ 660,000. This estimate is based on the number of respondents 44,000 x 90 minutes per response (1.50) x $10 (Average hourly rate).
There has been an increase of 44,000 burden hours that was previously reported for this information collection. Based on a comment received from the public, USCIS re-evaluated the time to complete the form and provide the evidence, and determined that it would take 90 minutes rather than the 30 minutes previously reported.
USCIS does not intend to employ the use of statistics or the publication thereof for this information collection.
USCIS will display the expiration date of OMB approval of this information collection.
USCIS does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection.
Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.
Not Applicable.
Certification and Signature.
In submitting this request for OMB approval, I certify that the requirements of the Privacy Act and OMB directives have been complied with including paperwork regulations, statistical standards or directives, and any other information policy directives promulgated under 5 CFR 1320.
________________________________________ _________________
Richard A. Sloan, Date
Chief,
Regulatory Management Division,
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | SUPPORTING STATEMENT |
| Author | ANDREA FLEET |
| Last Modified By | USCIS |
| File Modified | 2007-02-16 |
| File Created | 2007-02-16 |