Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The document is a proposed rule by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), under the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of the Treasury, which seeks to amend the regulations for low-value shipments valued at $800 or less. CBP aims to create a new process for these shipments to better target high-risk consignments, including those possibly containing illicit substances like fentanyl. This new "enhanced entry process" involves electronic data submission for a more efficient screening and clearance, while also offering a modified version of the current "release from manifest" process, now called the "basic entry process." Comments on the proposed changes are invited from the public until March 17, 2025.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule to update regulations for temporary agricultural (H-2A) and nonagricultural (H-2B) workers. The rule aims to enhance the integrity of these programs and improve protections for workers. Key changes include strengthening rules against charging workers certain fees, providing increased flexibility and grace periods for H-2 workers, and enhancing whistleblower protections. The rule becomes effective on January 17, 2025.

The Coast Guard is making changes to a temporary safety zone in West Passage, Narragansett Bay, Jamestown, RI. These changes include extending the safety zone's effective period to January 31, 2025, and updating the name of the cable laying vessel involved in operations. This safety zone ensures the safety of personnel and vessels from hazards associated with cable laying. Unauthorized entry into the safety zone is prohibited during active cable operations unless specifically allowed by the Captain of the Port, Sector Southeastern New England.

The Coast Guard is proposing to create safety zones around vessels carrying oversized cargo in the Los Angeles-Long Beach Port Complex to enhance navigational safety. These zones would span a 500-foot radius around such vessels while they are in transit, prohibiting entry without authorization from the Captain of the Port or a designated representative. Comments on this proposed rule are welcomed until February 18, 2025, through the Federal Decision-Making Portal. This action aims to minimize navigational disruptions and ensure safe transport of large cargo within the port area.

The Coast Guard has introduced a final rule to enhance cybersecurity standards for U.S.-flagged vessels and facilities. This rule mandates the creation of cybersecurity and incident response plans, appointing a cybersecurity officer, and implementing security measures like multifactor authentication and encryption. These steps aim to safeguard the maritime transportation system against increasing cyber threats. The Coast Guard is also inviting public comments on possible delays for these implementations.

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is extending the collection of information required for the Petition for U Nonimmigrant Status without changes. This petition allows victims of certain crimes and their immediate family members to apply for temporary nonimmigrant status, which may lead to permanent residency. The notice, published under 86 FR 3172, invites public comments until February 16, 2021, on the practicality, accuracy, and burden of the proposed information collection methods. The USCIS estimates significant public involvement with about 258,591 total annual hours of public burden associated with these collections.

The Coast Guard is implementing a temporary safety zone on the Grand River in Grand Haven, MI, due to the demolition of the J.B. Sims power plant. This zone, which covers all navigable waters within 1,400 feet of the demolition site, is enforced from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on February 5 and 19, 2021, to protect people and vessels from potential hazards. People and vessels are prohibited from entering the area unless they have authorization from the Captain of the Port Lake Michigan. This measure is taken under the authority of the Coast Guard to ensure safety during the demolition process.

The Coast Guard has made available a policy letter titled "Guidelines for Obtaining STCW Endorsements for Basic and Advanced IGF Code Operations." This policy offers guidance on how mariners can voluntarily obtain endorsements for operating vessels that use gases or low flashpoint fuels in line with international safety and training standards. The endorsements are not mandatory, but the Coast Guard will issue them to mariners who meet the training requirements. This policy is intended to help mariners and vessel operators ensure compliance with international standards, especially when operating in foreign ports.

The Coast Guard has decided to remove a regulated navigation area in Sparkman Channel, Tampa, Florida. Initially, the area restricted vessel drafts to protect navigation due to an underwater pipeline, but advancements in technology have rendered these restrictions unnecessary. The change, effective March 4, 2021, aims to eliminate these outdated limitations, and the Coast Guard sees no significant impact on small businesses or the environment. This action is being taken under the authority granted by U.S. law, and no new rules or navigational hurdles are being introduced by this change.

The Coast Guard has finalized rules that change how the Norfolk Southern Railroad Bridge over Sandusky Bay in Ohio operates. The new rules aim to improve communication and ensure the bridge opens promptly for marine traffic, addressing past complaints about delays. Now, the bridge will be remotely operated with requirements for phone and radio communication to request openings, ensuring reliable access across the bridge for emergency and recreational purposes. The changes also include certain conditions related to how the railroad can use the bridge for train operations.