FR 2025-03409

The document issued by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) under the Department of Homeland Security announces a 60-day period during which the public and other federal agencies are invited to provide comments on the continuation of an information collection requirement. This requirement is centered around the Guarantee of Payment form (CBP Form I-510). The form is required by law to ensure that carriers, such as shipping companies or airlines, take financial responsibility for the medical expenses of any alien crew member who is suspected or confirmed to have certain contagious diseases before they are allowed to clear port.

Summary of the Document

At the heart of this document is a request for feedback on the process and necessity of collecting information via CBP Form I-510. The form relates to a provision in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) which mandates that carriers must guarantee the payment of any medical expenses incurred by their crew members who need to be hospitalized or treated for specific diseases. This process is part of broader regulatory import checks to ensure public health safety and financial responsibility from international carriers.

Significant Issues and Concerns

There are several implicit challenges and areas for potential improvement in this information collection notice:

1. Clarity of Purpose: While the document provides legal context about the requirement for the form, the broader significance of this protocol could be better articulated for the general public. Specifically, it could benefit from a more detailed explanation of why it is important for public health or what consequences arise from not having such assurances.

2. Time and Administrative Burden: The document states that the estimated total annual burden is only eight hours, suggesting minimal impact on respondents. However, it does not address the practical implications for businesses. This aspect could be better explored to understand how businesses might adjust processes to comply efficiently.

3. Electronic Submission Guidance: While it notes that electronic submission is an option, the document lacks specific details on the procedures or advantages this method may provide. Encouraging electronic submissions and providing clear guidance would likely facilitate compliance and simplify processes for businesses.

4. Contact Information for Specific Queries: Although contact information for further inquiries is provided, it does not specifically guide individuals on who to contact for questions specifically about filling out Form I-510. Clarifying this point could reduce confusion for those directly involved in the submission process.

5. Complex Legal Language: The document contains legal references crucial for formality and accuracy, such as "pursuant to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)". Simplifying or explaining these could aid in understanding for a lay audience unfamiliar with federal statutes and their implications.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

Broad Public Impact: The primary impact on the public would be the assurance that carriers bringing crew members into the United States maintain strict health protocols, thus protecting public health. However, the process’s complexity and lack of clear narrative around its importance can obscure these benefits.

Specific Stakeholder Impact: Carriers, particularly shipping and airline companies, are the main stakeholders affected by this requirement. They bear the financial responsibility of ensuring compliance, which involves potentially significant costs should a crew member require treatment. While the burden cited is minimal, for businesses, the real costs can vary, especially in cases where treatment for diagnosed diseases is required. Clear and streamlined processes, ideally facilitated by enhanced electronic submission capabilities, could mitigate these impacts.

In summary, while the intention behind the information collection is rooted in health safety and financial accountability, the issues noted could hinder the seamless operation and understanding of affected parties. Addressing these could improve both compliance rates and the effective operation of the established protocols.