Search Results for agency_names:"Homeland Security Department"

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), part of the Department of Homeland Security, is seeking public comments on its information collection process for the Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status. The comment period is open until February 16, 2021, and is intended to get feedback on the necessity, accuracy, and impact of the information collection. The USCIS will submit the collection request for an extension, without changes, to the Office of Management and Budget for approval. Interested individuals can submit their comments online, considering the estimated time and cost the collection imposes on respondents.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is inviting comments on proposed changes to flood hazard maps and related studies that affect various communities. These changes may impact base flood elevations, depth, special flood hazard areas, and floodways. The updated maps and studies are essential for communities to manage floodplains and maintain eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program. Residents and interested parties can access the preliminary reports online and submit comments or appeals by April 16, 2025.

The Coast Guard has issued a temporary rule to create a safety zone in Queensway Bay, Long Beach, due to a fireworks display on December 31, 2024. This safety zone, in effect from 11 p.m. on December 31, 2024, to 12:30 a.m. on January 1, 2025, restricts entry into the area to protect people and the environment from potential hazards. Vessels and individuals are prohibited from entering the zone without permission from the Captain of the Port Los Angeles-Long Beach or a designated representative. The rule is intended to provide safety while minimizing impact on maritime activities, and the Coast Guard encourages small entities affected by the rule to reach out for assistance if needed.

The Coast Guard has created a temporary safety zone in Sandusky Bay near the Jackson Street Pier in Sandusky, Ohio. This zone will be in effect from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on December 14, 2024, to protect people and the environment during a fireworks display by the City of Sandusky. People and boats are not allowed to enter this zone unless given explicit permission by the Captain of the Port in Detroit or a designated representative. The rule will ensure safety by preventing possible dangers such as collisions due to falling firework debris.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security, issued a notice amending a major disaster declaration for Georgia due to Hurricane Helene. Originally declared on September 30, 2024, the amendment allows for federal funds to cover 100% of eligible costs for debris removal and emergency protective measures for a designated 90-day period within the first 120 days after the hurricane's impact. This decision was made in response to the significant damage caused by the hurricane and is authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has updated a previous major disaster declaration for Louisiana, originally made on September 16, 2024. This amendment, issued on November 7, 2024, adds St. James and St. John the Baptist Parishes as areas impacted by the disaster, eligible for various forms of assistance. These include support for public and permanent work projects and individual help such as disaster loans and housing assistance. The update is part of ongoing efforts to support communities affected by the disaster with the necessary federal resources.

The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is seeking public feedback on its proposal to extend the use of an information collection tool called Form I-134A. This form is used to assess if U.S.-based individuals can financially support certain immigrants during their temporary stay in the U.S., as part of several programs, including Uniting for Ukraine and Family Reunification Parole processes. The public can submit comments for 60 days to evaluate the necessity and efficiency of the information collection, which affects over a million respondents annually. The USCIS is also collecting biometric data to verify identities and conduct background checks as part of this process.

The Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security, has proposed a change to the operating schedule for two bridges over the Savannah River: the Houlihan Bridge in Georgia and the Seaboard System Railroad Bridge near Hardeeville, South Carolina. This change would require a 24-hour advance notice for bridge openings, up from the current three hours, due to fewer opening requests and to allow maintenance crews to be on-site. The proposed rule aims to improve response times for maintenance while still accommodating vessels that do not require the bridges to open. Public comments on the proposal are invited until April 12, 2021.

The U.S. Coast Guard plans to submit a request to renew approval for collecting information about facilities transferring oil or hazardous materials. This request, necessary under the Paperwork Reduction Act, involves operators submitting a Letter of Intent and an Operations Manual, which details procedures for transfers and spills. The public is invited to comment on the usefulness, burden, and enhancement of the information collection process by May 9, 2025. The number of responses has decreased, leading to a reduction in the estimated burden from 37,360 to 27,537 hours annually.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a final rule to permanently extend the automatic extension period for work permits (EADs) from up to 180 days to up to 540 days for certain renewal applicants. This rule hopes to prevent disruptions in employment authorization, which can occur due to lengthy application processing times by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The change will help affected workers maintain their jobs while their renewal applications are being processed, set to take effect on January 13, 2025. This rule aims to provide long-term stability for employers and employees, reducing the risk of job loss and easing economic pressures.