Overview
Title
30-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Training/Internship Placement Plan
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Department of State wants to find out what people think about a plan to collect information from companies and sponsors that help foreign students with training or internships in the U.S. It's like asking everyone if it's okay to ask some questions so they can make the program better, and they hope to get answers from a lot of people by the end of February 26, 2021.
Summary AI
The Department of State has asked for public comments on a proposed information collection called the Training/Internship Placement Plan. This proposal, submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval, aims to optimize the Exchange Visitor Program for training and internships. It involves gathering information from sponsors and U.S. businesses that provide training or internships to foreign exchange participants. The Department estimates that the collection will involve about 30,000 responses, with an average response time of 1.5 hours each, leading to a total burden of 45,000 hours. Public comments on the proposal are requested by February 26, 2021.
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.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document at hand is a notice from the Department of State seeking public comments on a proposed information collection titled "Training/Internship Placement Plan." This proposal has been submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval, as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public is invited to submit their comments by February 26, 2021.
General Summary
The focus of this proposal is the Training/Internship Placement Plan, which forms a critical component of the Exchange Visitor Program managed by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The initiative is designed to facilitate the exchange of trainees and interns between countries, enriching both the participants and the host entities in the United States. Sponsors involved in these exchanges, primarily U.S. businesses, must provide details of their training and internship programs on Form DS-7002. The anticipated 30,000 annual responses suggest a significant level of activity and engagement in these programs.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One primary concern that arises from this document is the substantial burden it places on the respondents. Each response requires an average of 1.5 hours to complete, cumulating into a total estimated burden of 45,000 hours. This is a considerable time commitment for the 120 respondents, which may include capacity challenges for smaller organizations. The Department of State seeks feedback on whether this burden is justified and on ways to minimize it, potentially through technology or streamlined processes.
Broader Public Impact
The implementation of this collection plan could have broad implications for international cultural exchange and workforce development. By facilitating a structured exchange program, this initiative may enhance cultural understanding and forge stronger international relationships. However, the administrative burden could also discourage participation from businesses, particularly smaller entities that lack the resources for extensive reporting.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For Exchange Program Sponsors and U.S. Businesses: Sponsors and businesses may benefit from hosting international trainees and interns, gaining diverse perspectives and potentially identifying talent for future employment. Nonetheless, the requisite record-keeping and administrative duties could impose additional pressures, particularly in instances where program schedules are tight or resources are limited.
For Trainees and Interns: Participants in these programs stand to gain significant skills and cultural insights, benefiting from the robust frameworks provided by the Training/Internship Placement Plan. They must be aware of the necessity for thorough documentation and an understanding of their obligations under the visa regulations.
For Regulatory Bodies: The proposal’s approval would offer renewed oversight of these programs, ensuring that they meet legislative and policy standards. It further aligns with the goals of the Exchange Visitor Program, promoting mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchanges.
The Department is actively seeking input to refine its approach and ensure the proposed information collection meets the needs of its stakeholders while minimizing inherent challenges. Public feedback plays a crucial role in shaping effective and efficient policy frameworks to support both national and international interests.