TInews Archive #20021104.html

Date:	Mon, 4 November 2002
From:	TInews Announcement <announce@tinet.ita.doc.gov>
To:	TInews Announcement <tiannounce@tinet.ita.doc.gov>
Subject:	Federal Register Notice on Passenger Data Elements for the Visa Waiver Program

=== TINEWS ===================================

An information service from the Office of Travel and Tourism Industries (OTTI)
http://tinet.ita.doc.gov/
U.S. International Trade Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce

11/04/2002

Federal Register Notice on Passenger Data Elements for the Visa Waiver Program

The Office of Travel and Tourism Industries would like to inform you of a request from the Immigration and Naturalization Service Federal Register Notice on October 11, 2002. The notice serves to ask for industry comments to further implement the automated entry and exit control system mandated by the Immigration and Nationality Act (Act) by specifying those passenger data elements that must be electronically transmitted to the Immigration and Naturalization Service (Service) by carriers seeking to transport Visa Waiver Program (VWP) passengers into and out of the United States on or after publication of this rule. This rule will also ensure that legitimate VWP travel is not disrupted. This rule is necessary for the proper identification and monitoring of VWP aliens.

Comments are due: On or before November 12, 2002.

Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

1. Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
   
2. Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
   
3. Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
   
4. Minimize the burden of the collection of the information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submission of responses.

To see the entire federal register notice, please visit the INS web site at: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawsregs/whatsnew.htm

Scroll down this page and look for “Passenger Data Elements for the Visa Waiver Program” under the Title of Rule. The rule was posted October 11, 2002. There is a PDF and Text version of the entire rule.

Within the federal register notice, they never provide a list of what countries belong to the Visa Waiver Program. To learn more about the Visa Waiver Program, and which countries are included, go to: http://www.ins.usdoj.gov/graphics/lawenfor/bmgmt/inspect/vwpp.htm

In addition, within the federal register notice, they have the initials – APIS, but never state what this means or what it is. To learn about the Advance Passenger Information System, go to: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/news/sept11/apis.htm

SEND COMMENTS TO: Please submit written comments to the Director, Regulations and Forms Services Division, Immigration and Naturalization Service, 425 I Street NW, Room 4034, Washington, DC 20536. To ensure proper handling, please reference INS No. 2219-02 on your correspondence. Comments may also be submitted electronically to the Service at insregs@usdoj.gov

Comments submitted electronically must include the INS No. 2219-02 in the subject heading to ensure that the comments can be transmitted electronically to the appropriate program office. Comments are available for public inspection at the above address by calling (202) 514-3291 to arrange for an appointment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION FROM INS, CONTACT: Michael J. Flemmi, Assistance Chief Inspector, Inspections Division, Immigration and Naturalization Service, 425 I Street NW., Room 5237, Washington, DC 20536, telephone number: (202) 305-9247.

OTTI would like to strongly encourage you to contact us for additional details on this federal register notice to ensure the industry’s comments are heard before decisions are made that could affect you. Please contact Helen Marano or Ron Erdmann at (202) 482-0140, or e-mail us at: helen_marano@ita.doc.gov or ron_erdmann@ita.doc.gov

We would be delighted to provide you with additional background information and answer any questions you may have.

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Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, International Trade Administration
U.S. Department of Commerce, Room 7025
Washington, D.C. 20230
(202) 482-0140, fax: (202) 482-2887
e-mail: tinet_info@ita.doc.gov

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