Non-Substantive Change Request to Form DS-7699 (OMB Control Number 1405-0217)
The Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM) requests a non-substantive change to DS-7699 (OMB 1405-0217) to make all DNA testing references consistent throughout the form and instructions. The Supporting Statement is clear that DNA testing is required to validate relationships; however, the form and instructions equivocate with regard to this requirement.
We propose the following changes for consistency:
Replacing the word “may” to “will” in Section V of Instruction Page 5 to make it consistent with Section 6 on Instruction Page 3, where it states DNA will be required.
Make the statement in Section V on Instruction Page 5 consistent in meaning with Signature Page on 4/4, but replacing pronoun I/you usage. So, the signature page on page 4/4 would read: “By submitting this Affidavit of Relationship, I understand that I and my biological Qualifying Child(ren); biological parent of Qualifying Child(ren); married and/or age 21 or older son(s) and daughter(s); and caregiver (when applicable) will be required to submit DNA evidence. I agree to pay all necessary fees associated with that expense and the expenses associated with the submittal of DNA evidence by any of the biologically Qualifying Family Members I am claiming on this form. I further understand that DNA testing may be requested between my biologically Qualifying Children and their derivative beneficiaries at no expense to the U.S. Government. I also understand that my family members may not be considered qualified to apply for refugee resettlement if I, or they, fail to submit DNA evidence upon request. Note: The green highlight mirrors the sentence EXACTLY as it appears in the instruction page and the yellow highlight remains EXACTLY as is currently approved—no changes were made.
Insert the word “Biological Parent” after the word Qualifying Parent, since a biological grandparent can be varied through DNA by testing both a biological parent and qualifying parent. So, it would read: “A DNA sample will also be required between you(the Qualifying Parent)/Biological parent and caregiver if the biological relationship can be verified through DNA testing (ie. biological grandparent).
Use the correct name-Resettlement Agency vs. Resettlement Support Center
No substantive changes to the type or nature of the collection will be required.
| File Type | application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document |
| Author | "%username%" |
| File Modified | 0000-00-00 |
| File Created | 2021-01-23 |