[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 237 (Tuesday, December 10, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 67504-67505]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-26512]


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DEPARTMENT OF STATE

[Public Notice 10971]


30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Application To 
Determine Returning Resident Status

ACTION: Notice of request for public comment.

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SUMMARY: The Department of State (Department) is seeking Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) approval for the information collection 
described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995, we are requesting comments on this collection from all interested 
individuals and organizations. The purpose of this notice is to allow 
30 days for public comment.

DATES: Submit comments directly to the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) January 9, 2020.

ADDRESSES: Direct comments to the Department of State Desk Officer in 
the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs at the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB). You may submit comments by the following 
methods:
     Email: [email protected]. You must include the 
DS form number, information collection title, and the OMB control 
number in the subject line of your message.
     Fax: 202-395-5806. Attention: Desk Officer for Department 
of State.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Direct requests for additional 
information regarding the collection listed in this notice, including 
requests for copies of the proposed collection instrument and 
supporting documents, to Taylor Beaumont, who may be reached at (202) 
485-7586 or [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
     Title of Information Collection: Application to Determine 
Returning Resident Status.
     OMB Control Number: 1405-0091.
     Type of Request: Extension of a Currently Approved 
Collection.
     Originating Office: CA/VO/L/R.
     Form Number: DS-117.
     Respondents: Immigrant Visa Petitioners.
     Estimated Number of Respondents: 4,400.
     Estimated Number of Responses: 4,400.
     Average Time per Response: 30 Minutes.
     Total Estimated Burden Time: 2,200 Hours.
     Frequency: Once.
     Obligation to Respond: Required to Obtain or Retain a 
Benefit.
    We are soliciting public comments to permit the Department to:
     Evaluate whether the proposed information collection is 
necessary for the proper functions of the Department.
     Evaluate the accuracy of our estimate of the time and cost 
burden for this proposed collection, including the validity of the 
methodology and assumptions used.
     Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected.

[[Page 67505]]

     Minimize the reporting burden on those who are to respond, 
including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.

Please note that comments submitted in response to this Notice are 
public record. Before including any detailed personal information, you 
should be aware that your comments as submitted, including your 
personal information, will be available for public review.

Abstract of Proposed Collection

    Under Section 101(a)(27)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
(``INA''), 8 U.S.C. 1101, a special immigrant is defined as an 
immigrant, lawfully admitted for permanent residence, who is returning 
from a temporary visit abroad. INA Sec.  203(b)(4) generally authorizes 
issuance of an immigrant visa to such ``special immigrants'' as defined 
in INA Sec.  101(a)(27). Department of State regulations at 22 CFR 
42.22 provide that such applicants may be issued a returning resident 
special immigrant visa if he or she remained out of the United States 
for a protracted period due to reasons outside of his or her control 
for which he or she was not responsible. 22 CFR 42.22. The DS-117 is 
used, in addition to a personal interview, to collect information 
necessary to determine a returning resident's eligibility for a special 
immigrant visa.

Methodology

    Applicants will submit the DS-117 electronically via email, or 
print the form and submit it at the time of their interview at a U.S. 
embassy or consulate.

Edward J. Ramotowski,
Deputy Assistant Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2019-26512 Filed 12-9-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4710-06-P