The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is working with its interagency partners to allow certain noncitizens from Venezuela and their qualifying immediate family members who lack United States entry documents to submit information through the newly developed CBP Advance Travel Authorization (ATA) capability within the CBP One⢠application as part of the process to request an advance authorization to travel to the United States to seek a discretionary grant of parole. Implementation of ATA will require the collection of a facial photograph via CBP One⢠from those eligible noncitizens who voluntarily elect to participate in the process. Participation will be limited to those individuals who meet certain DHS established criteria, including possession of a valid, unexpired passport, as well as having an approved U.S.-based supporter.
DHS is requesting an emergency information collection revision under 5 CFR 1320.13, with the intention of carrying out all the regular requirements for publication and review after implementation. These processes and the related information collection changes are urgently needed to make available additional lawful pathways as an alternative to irregular migration to help relieve pressure at the Southwest Border (SWB) by providing a mechanism for which to make case-by-case decisions on granting parole based on urgent humanitarian needs or significant public benefit. This approach is consistent with the U.S. national interest and its foreign policy priorities.
DHS requests an emergency approval to expand the existing ATA data collection to allow CBP to collect certain biographic and biometric information from individuals from Ecuador to request an advance authorization to travel to the United States to seek a discretionary grant of parole under the FRP process. DHS will soon be publishing an accompanying Federal Register notice to announce and establish the FRP process for nationals of Ecuador to support this effort.
The agency cannot reasonably comply with the normal clearance procedures under the PRA because delayed implementation may further raise pressure on U.S. border operations and the migration management conducted by our foreign partners, and could jeopardize our relations with foreign partners.
The FRP processes represent one part of the United Statesâ ongoing efforts to engage hemispheric partners to increase their efforts to collaboratively manage irregular migration. The expansion of lawful pathways for noncitizens to enter the United States is necessary to ensure partnersâ continued collaboration on migration issues, including the ability of the United States to meet other immigration-management priorities.
After implementation of the revised collection to expand the respondent group, CBP will undergo the normal PRA revision process, beginning with a 60-day notice for public comment as described at 5 CFR 1320.10, within 45 days of approval. After publication of the Federal Register notice required under the PRA, DHS will address comments and concerns as necessary and submit the information collection to OMB for three-year approval within the required timeframe.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.
Emergency Memo - CBP ATA November 2023.pdf
CBP ATA Supporting Statement_FRP Emergency 11-09-23 Ecuador.docx
Ecuador