OMB-5 Supporting Statement (08-8-07)

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

Notice of Immigration Pilot Program

(No Agency Form Number; File No. OMB-5)

OMB No. 1615-0061

1. JUSTIFICATION:

1. Under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) established a pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs. Under the pilot program the USCIS accepted proposals from regional centers in the United States that were responsible for promoting economic growth through alien immigrant investment capital within a clearly defined contiguous geographic area. For the purpose of the pilot program, 3,000 immigrant visas are set aside annually for immigrant investors, their spouses and children under the age of 21 for coming to the United States to benefit the economy by promoting economic growth, improving regional productivity, increasing domestic capital investment and by creating employment for United States workers. Continuation of the pilot program has been extended to November of 2008; Public Law 105-119, section 116(a). Presently there is proposed legislation in congress to again extend the pilot program for an additional 5 years to 2013.

2. The information collected is contained in 8 CFR 204.6(m). The information will be used by the USCIS to determine which regional center(s) qualify to participate in the pilot program. The USCIS will continue to accept proposals from entities both public and private which are interested in establishing regional centers through the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program. Each proposal must:

1. Clearly describe how the center focuses on a geographical region of the United States, and how it will promote economic growth through increased regional productivity, job creation, and increased domestic capital investment (and if contained within the business plan, export sales);

2. Provide in verifiable detail how jobs will be created indirectly through increased exports;

3. Provide detailed a statement regarding the amount and source of capital which has been committed to the regional center, as well as a description of the promotional efforts taken and planned by the sponsors of the regional center;

4. Contain a detailed prediction regarding the manner in which the center will have a positive impact on the regional or national economy in general, as reflected by such factors as increased household earnings, greater demand for business services, utilities, maintenance and repair construction within the regional center; and

5. Be supported by economically or statistically valid forecasting tools, including, but not limited to, feasibility studies, analyses of foreign and domestic markets for the goods or services to be exported, and/or multiplier tables.

2. The use of this collection provides the most efficient means for collecting and processing the required data. In this case the USCIS does not employ the use of information technology in collecting and processing information. USCIS does not presently utilize a form for the collection of the required data. However, at present USCIS is in the initial process of designing and developing such a form and will be submitting the proposed form to OMB at some point in the future. The new form will be designed so as to lend itself to use information technology for collecting, filing and processing information electronically.

2. A review of the USCIS Forms Inventory Report revealed no duplication of effort, and there is no other similar information currently available, which can be used for this purpose.

2. This collection of information does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.

6. The use of this information collection is needed to comply with provisions of section 610 of the Appropriations Act. Without the use of this collection, the USCIS will be unable to determine eligibility and select participants in the Immigrant Investor Pilot Program.

7. The special circumstances contained in Item 7 of the Supporting Statement are not applicable to this information collection.

7. USCIS published a notice in the Federal Register on June 8, 2007, at 72 FR 31844 allowing for a 60-day public comment period. USCIS did not receive any comments.

7. The USCIS does not provide payments or gifts to respondents in exchange for a benefit sought.

7. There is no assurance of confidentiality.

7. There are no questions of a sensitive nature.

7. Annual Reporting Burden:

1. Number of Respondents 50

2. Number of Responses per Respondent 1

3. Total Annual Responses 50

4. Hours per Response 40

5. Total Annual Reporting Burden 2,000

Annual Reporting Burden

The annual reporting burden is 2,000. This figure was derived by multiplying the number of respondents (50) x frequency of response (1) x hours per response (40). This estimate is based on prior USCIS experience with the program.

13. There are no capital or start-up costs associated with this information collection. Any cost burdens to respondents as a result of this information collection are identified in Item 14. There is no fee associated with this information collection.

14. Annualized Cost Analysis:

1. Printing Cost $ 0

2. Collection and Processing Cost $ 10,000

3. Total Cost to Program $ 10,000

4. Fee Charge $ 0

5. Total Cost to Government $ 10,000

Government Cost

The estimated cost of the program to the Government $10,000. This figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated number of respondents (50) multiplied (x) by 5 hours (USCIS time required to collect and process information) x $40 (suggested average hourly rate for clerical, officer, and supervisory time with benefits).

Public Cost

The estimated annual public cost is $ 50,000. This is based on the number of respondents 50 x (40) hours per response x $25 (average hourly rate).

15. There has been no increase or decrease in the estimated burden hours previously reported for this information collection.

15. USCIS does not intend to employ the use of statistics or the publication thereof for this information collection.

15. Not applicable. This information collection is not an actual form.

15. The USCIS does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection.

2. Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.

Not Applicable.

C. Certification and Signature.

PAPERWORK CERTIFICATION

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

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