Overview
Title
Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension; Guarantee of Payment (CBP Form I-510)
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection wants people’s thoughts on keeping a form that helps make sure ships pay for any medical bills if their crew gets sick before landing in the U.S. They want ideas by June 4, 2025, to see if the form is still helpful and how it can be improved.
Summary AI
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking public comments on the renewal of a form used to guarantee payment for medical expenses of alien crewmen with certain diseases. This request aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and aims to assess whether continuing this information collection is necessary and how the process can be improved. The discussed form, CBP Form I-510, ensures that carriers bear the medical costs for such individuals before they can receive clearance at ports. Public input is encouraged by June 4, 2025, and will be considered in the request for approval.
Abstract
The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will be submitting the following information collection request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The information collection is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments from the public and affected agencies.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document published by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) outlines a request for public comments regarding the extension of a form related to guaranteeing payment for medical expenses of certain foreign crew members. This form, known as CBP Form I-510, is integral in ensuring that carriers are responsible for medical costs for crewmen who might be diagnosed with diseases specified under immigration laws. This process aligns with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and offers the public an opportunity to provide feedback on the effectiveness and necessity of this information collection practice.
Summary of Content
The document is a formal notice inviting public participation concerning a procedural component wherein carriers must certify payment of medical expenses before clearance is granted to their vessel or aircraft. This is a compliance requirement under U.S. immigration law for crew members found with specific health conditions. The agency seeks input on the necessity, efficiency, and practical utility of the form and its associated processes. Public comments are requested to provide insights on the potential burden or challenges faced by stakeholders in complying with this requirement. Furthermore, the consultation is meant to explore improvements to enhance clarity and effectiveness.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Complex Language and References: The document includes technical jargon and refers to specific legal sections, such as the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), which might be challenging for those without legal expertise. Concepts like the Paperwork Reduction Act or specific INA sections could benefit from more accessible explanations to enhance public understanding.
Lack of Justification: While the document outlines the procedural requirements, it lacks a detailed explanation of the necessity and importance of collecting this data. A clearer justification would inform the public about the significance of continuing these efforts.
Units of Measurement: The estimated time per response is presented as 0.083 hours, which could be misunderstood by the general public. Presenting this time in a more familiar unit, like minutes, would be more accessible.
Contact Information Clarity: Although contact details are provided, the preferred mode of communication based on inquiry type is not specified, which could lead to inefficiencies or confusion.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this document promotes transparency and invites the public to partake in a review process that potentially affects travelers, carriers, and related industries involved in international transport. By seeking input, CBP aims to balance regulatory compliance with practical, streamlined processes that minimize unnecessary burdens.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Carriers and Businesses: As the primary stakeholders, carriers face the direct impact of compliance costs and procedural requirements associated with the form. Feedback might lead to reduced paperwork burdens or improved processes—thereby potentially lowering operational costs.
Medical Services Providers: These entities may experience changes in how payment guarantees are handled, affecting administrative efficiencies when engaging with foreign crewmen who require medical attention.
In conclusion, while the document acknowledges the regulatory obligations carriers must fulfill, the opportunity for public commentary encourages dialogue that could refine and optimize these procedures, ensuring that they are not only legally compliant but also practical and considerate of stakeholders’ operational realities. This interaction underscores the importance of public engagement in the regulatory processes that directly affect various industry sectors and their personnel.
Issues
• The document uses technical language that may be difficult for the general public to understand without background knowledge in regulatory processes, such as references to specific sections of the INA and CFR.
• The description of the information collection process and its purpose is somewhat technical, which may not be easily understood by all readers.
• The document does not provide detailed justification for the necessity of the information collection, which could help clarify its importance to the public.
• The abstract references section numbers (e.g., section 253 of the INA) without explanations, which could be confusing for readers unfamiliar with these legal references.
• The estimated time per response (0.083 hours) is given in an uncommon unit of time (hours), which might be more easily understood if expressed in minutes (5 minutes).
• The contact information for further inquiries is placed prominently but the dual contact options (phone and email) could be clearer by advising which method is preferred based on the type of inquiry.