Overview
Title
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of State wants to ask people who want special visas for a bit more information using a form. They are asking people to tell them if this is a good idea or not by February 18, 2021, to make sure it's helpful and not too much work for everyone.
Summary AI
The Department of State has submitted a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of a revised information collection, known as the Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form (DS-0234). This form is used by Iraqi and Afghan applicants seeking special immigrant visas. The department is inviting public comments on this proposed collection by February 18, 2021. The aim is to evaluate the necessity and accuracy of the information collection and to improve its quality while minimizing the burden on respondents.
Abstract
The Department of State has submitted the information collection described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval. 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.
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Sources
AnalysisAI
This document is a Notice from the Department of State, published in the Federal Register, regarding a proposed collection of information through the Special Immigrant Visa (SIV) Biodata Form, designated as DS-0234. The Department is seeking comments from the public within a 30-day window, set to close on February 18, 2021. This form is primarily intended for Iraqis and Afghans applying for special immigrant visas, who may be eligible for refugee resettlement benefits.
General Summary
The document outlines the purpose of collecting data from applicants via the SIV Biodata Form, to assess their eligibility for resettlement benefits. It also invites public comment on issues such as the necessity and efficiency of the proposed information collection. The Department expresses a desire to improve the form's clarity and minimize its burden on respondents.
Significant Issues and Concerns
There are several noteworthy concerns regarding this Notice:
Insufficient Justification and Transparency: The document lacks detailed justification for its estimates, such as the number of respondents and the time required to complete the form. Without this information, stakeholders might question the validity of the projected total burden time—7,000 annual hours.
Cost Breakdown: The Notice does not offer a detailed cost breakdown for conducting this information collection. This omission makes it challenging to pinpoint potential areas of resource inefficiency.
Purpose and Impact Clarity: The document does not elaborate on the specific use of the collected data to improve the quality and clarity of decision-making regarding refugee resettlement. This could leave respondents unclear about the form's benefits or implications for their immigration status.
Public Record Concerns: The potential for submitted comments to become public record may deter individuals from providing comprehensive feedback, especially those from vulnerable populations who might have privacy concerns.
Public Impact
Broadly, the document serves as an important step in soliciting public input on a process crucial to applicants seeking special immigrant visas, thus impacting their immigration journey significantly. If respondents use the opportunity to comment, the feedback could lead to improved processes and better-quality forms, potentially making the immigration process easier and more transparent.
Stakeholder Impact
For Iraqi and Afghan applicants, this form is a critical gateway to further benefits associated with the special immigrant visa. However, without more clarity and assurance on how personal data will be used and protected, there may be apprehension among this group about participating in the feedback process.
For general stakeholders, such as advocacy organizations and legal entities focused on immigration, the Notice represents an opportunity to weigh in on administrative procedures. Their input can be invaluable in ensuring fair, clear, and efficient processes.
In summary, while the Department of State's Notice aims to refine the SIV Biodata Form, potential inadequacies in justification and clarity could hinder public engagement. Greater transparency and detail could alleviate these concerns, promoting more meaningful dialogue and resulting improvements.
Issues
• The document does not provide sufficient justification for the estimated number of respondents and responses, nor the average time per response, which may affect the validity of the total estimated burden time.
• There is no detailed breakdown of the costs associated with this information collection, making it difficult to assess if there is any wasteful spending.
• The purpose and impact of the 'Special Immigrant Visa Biodata Form' are not explained in detail, which could lead to misunderstanding or lack of clarity among respondents.
• The document lacks explanation regarding how the collected information will specifically be used to enhance the quality and clarity of decisions regarding refugee resettlement benefits.
• The mention of public comments being a matter of public record might discourage individuals from providing useful feedback due to privacy concerns, especially considering some respondents might be in vulnerable situations.