(OMB No. 1615-0014)
JUSTIFICATION.
Explain the circumstances
that make the collection of information necessary. Identify any
legal or administrative requirements that necessitate the
collection. Attach a copy of the appropriate section of each
statute and regulation mandating or authorizing the collection of
information.
Section 212(a)(4) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) 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.
2. Indicate how, by whom, and for what purpose the information is to be used. Except for a new collection, indicate the actual use the agency has made of the information received from the current collection.
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.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses, and the basis for the decision for adopting this means of collection. Also describe any consideration of using information technology to reduce burden.
The use of this information collection currently provides the most efficient means for collecting and processing the required data. This form resides on the USCIS Web site and can be completed electronically but cannot be e-filed.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication. Show specifically why any similar information already available cannot be used or modified for use for the purposes described in Item 2 above.
A search of USCIS’ automated forms tracking system was accomplished and revealed no duplication. There is no similar data collected.
5. If the collection of information impacts small businesses or other small entities (Item 5 of OMB Form 83-I), describe any methods used to minimize burden.
This collection of information does not have an impact on small businesses or other small entities.
6. Describe the consequence to Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently, as well as any technical or legal obstacles to reducing burden.
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.
7. Explain any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a manner: requiring respondents to report information to the agency more often than quarterly; requiring respondents to prepare a written response to a collection of information in fewer than 30 days after receipt of it; requiring respondents to submit more than an original and two copies of any document; requiring respondents to retain records, other than health, medical, government contract, grant-in-aid, or tax records for more than three years; in connection with a statistical survey, that is not designed to produce valid and reliable results that can be generalized to the universe of study; requiring the use of a statistical data classification that has not been reviewed and approved by OMB; that includes a pledge of confidentiality that is not supported by authority established in statute or regulation, that is not supported by disclosure and data security policies that are consistent with the pledge, or which unnecessarily impedes sharing of data with other agencies for compatible confidential use; or requiring respondents to submit proprietary trade secret, or other confidential information unless the agency can demonstrate that it has instituted procedures to protect the information's confidentiality to the extent permitted by law.
There are no special circumstances applicable to this information collection.
8. If applicable, provide a copy and identify the data and page number of publication in the Federal Register of the agency's notice, required by 5 CFR 1320.8(d), soliciting comments on the information collection prior to submission to OMB. Summarize public comments received in response to that notice and describe actions taken by the agency in response to these comments. Specifically address comments received on cost and hour burden. Describe efforts to consult with persons outside the agency to obtain their views on the availability of data, frequency of collection, the clarity of instructions and recordkeeping, disclosure, or reporting format (if any), and on the data elements to be recorded, disclosed, or reported. Consultation with representatives of those from whom information is to be obtained or those who must compile records should occur at least once every 3 years -- even if the collection of information activity is the same as in prior periods. There may be circumstances that may preclude consultation in a specific situation. These circumstances should be explained.
By notice in the Federal Register on January 13, 2012, at 77 FR 2078, USCIS notified the public that it was extending this information collection. The notice allowed for a 60-day public comment period, and USCIS received a comment from one commenter. The commenter believes that agency customers would appreciate more clarity on the few instances when the form might be most appropriate and useful. USCIS appreciates the comment, but believes that these issues are more policy oriented and beyond the scope of updating the form itself.
USCIS published a 30-day notice in the Federal Register on March 5, 2012, at 77 FR 13136, and USCIS has not received any comments to date.
9. Explain any decision to provide any payment or gift to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
USCIS does not provide payments or gifts to respondents in exchange for a benefit sought.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for the assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
There is no assurance of confidentiality. The privacy impact assessment for this information collection is covered by the Integrated Digitization Document Management Program (IDDMP). The system of record for this information collection is DHS-USCIS-001, Alien File, Index and National File Tracking System of Records, published in the Federal Register at 76 FR 34233 on June 13, 2011.
The information requested on this benefit request, and the associated evidence, is collected under the INA. The primary purpose for providing the requested information on this benefit request is to determine if the applicant has established eligibility for the immigration benefit for which he or she is filing. The information the applicant provides will be used to grant or deny the benefit sought. The information the applicant provides is voluntary. However, failure to provide the requested information, and any evidence, may delay a final decision or result in denial of the applicant’s benefit request. The information the applicant provides on this benefit request may be shared with other Federal, State, local, and foreign government agencies and authorized organizations following approved routine uses described in the associated published system of record notice, DHS-USCIS-001, available at www.dhs.gov/privacy. The information may also be made available, as appropriate, for law enforcement purposes or in the interest of national security.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private. This justification should include the reasons why the agency considers the questions necessary, the specific uses to be made of the information, the explanation to be given to person’s form whom the information is requested, and any steps to be taken to obtain their consent.
There are no questions of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide estimates of the hour burden of the collection of information.
Annual Reporting Burden:
Number of Respondents 44,000
Number of Responses per Respondent 1
Total Annual Responses 44,000
Hours per Response 1.5
Total Annual Reporting Burden 66,000
Annual Reporting Burden
The annual reporting burden hours are 66,000. This figure was derived by multiplying the number of respondents (44,000) x (1) frequency of response x (1.5 hours) 90 minutes per response.
The estimated annual public burden cost is $2,028,840. This estimate is based on the number of respondents (44,000) x (1) number of responses x (1.5 hours) 90 minutes per response x ($30.74) average hourly rate.
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection of information. (Do not include the cost of any hour burden shown in Items 12 and 14).
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.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government. Also, provide a description of the method used to estimate cost, which should include quantification of hours, operational expenses (such as equipment, overhead, printing, and support staff), and any other expense that would not have been incurred without this collection of information. Agencies also may aggregate cost estimates from Items 12, 13, and 14 in a single table.
Annualized Cost Analysis:
Printing Cost $ 6,600
Collection and Processing Cost $ 2,633,400
Total Annual Cost to Government $ 2,640,000
The estimated cost to the Government is $ 2,640,000. This figure is calculated by multiplying the estimated number of respondents (44,000) x (1) number of responses x (1.5 hours) 90 minutes per response (time required to collect and process information) x ($40) suggested average hourly rate for clerical, officer, and managerial time with benefits plus the estimated cost of printing, stocking, distributing and processing this form.
15. Explain the reasons for any program changes or adjustments reporting in Items 13 or 14 of the OMB Form 83-I.
There has been no increase or decrease in the estimated burden hours previously reported for this collection of information. There is no change in the information being collected
16. For collections of information whose results will be published, outline plans for tabulation, and publication. Address any complex analytical techniques that will be used. Provide the time schedule for the entire project, including beginning and ending dates of the collection of information, completion of report, publication dates, and other actions.
USCIS does not intend to employ the use of statistics or the publication thereof for this information collection.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons that display would be inappropriate.
USCIS will display the expiration date for OMB approval of this information collection.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19, "Certification for Paperwork Reduction Act Submission," of OMB 83-I.
USCIS does not request an exception to the certification of this information collection.
Collection of Information Employing Statistical Methods.
Not Applicable.
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Title | SUPPORTING STATEMENT |
| Author | ANDREA FLEET |
| Last Modified By | Mayer, Bosong K |
| File Modified | 2012-05-10 |
| File Created | 2012-05-09 |