This ICR supports the Exercise of
Time-Limited Authority to Increase the Fiscal Year 2019 Numerical
Limitation for the H-2B Temporary Nonagricultural Worker Program
final rule being promulgated by the Department of Labor and the
Department of Homeland Security. The regulatory requirements would
be codified at 8 CFR part 214 and 20 CFR part 655. The ICR includes
a new form, Attestation for Employers Seeking to Employ H-2B
Nonimmigrant Workers Under Section 105 of Division H of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, Form ETA-9142-B-CAA-3.
Clearance for Form ETA
9142-B-CAA-is sought using PRA emergency procedures outlined in the
regulations at 5 CFR 1320.13. Section 105 of Division H of the
Consolidated Appropriations Act,, Public Law 116-6 ((February 15,
2019) (FY 2019 Omnibus), authorized the Secretary of the Homeland
Security, in consultation with the Secretary of Labor, to increase
the number of H-2B visas available to U.S. employers in Fiscal Year
(FY) 2019, notwithstanding the otherwise established statutory
numerical limitation (H-2B cap). In consultation with the Secretary
of Labor, the Secretary of Homeland Security increased the H-2B cap
for FY 2019 by up to, but no more than, an additional 33,000 visas
for employers who attest that they are likely to suffer irreparable
harm (i.e. permanent and severe financial loss) without the ability
to petition for workers who were issued an H-2B visa or otherwise
granted H-2B status in FY 2016, 2017, or 2018. This increase is
based on a time-limited statutory authority and does not affect the
H-2B program in future fiscal years. The Departments are
promulgating regulations to implement this determination. The
exigency created by the FY 2019 Omnibus, to meet the high demand by
American businesses for H-2B workers and the short period of time
remaining in the fiscal year for U.S. employers to avoid the
economic harms this legislation was intended to prevent requires
initial clearance using expedited processes.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.