ICE Seeks OMB Approval for 'Flight Manifest/Billing Agreement' Data Collection
Summary
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is moving forward with its plan to collect specific information under a 'Flight Manifest/Billing Agreement' by seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act. This initiative, previously opened for public comment, involves ICE gathering data that could impact a wide range of individuals traveling to and from the United States. Immigrants and non-immigrants should be aware of this development as enhanced data collection can contribute to more stringent enforcement and identification processes.
The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is seeking final approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its 'Flight Manifest/Billing Agreement' information collection. This request, submitted under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, follows a 60-day public comment period where ICE received and addressed various feedback. The precise details of the 'Flight Manifest/Billing Agreement' likely involve ICE gathering data related to individuals on flight manifests, potentially for identification, tracking, or enforcement purposes, impacting how passenger information is shared and utilized by immigration authorities.
For immigrants, this means a potential increase in the scope and detail of information ICE collects, directly affecting those traveling by air. Enhanced data collection can lead to more efficient identification of individuals for immigration enforcement, including those with outstanding orders or specific immigration statuses. This move reflects a broader government trend towards utilizing comprehensive data to streamline enforcement operations, potentially increasing scrutiny for all individuals entering or exiting the U.S., regardless of their immigration status.
Background
U.S. immigration agencies have a long history of collecting passenger data, exemplified by initiatives like the Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, which mandate airlines to provide specific information about travelers to government authorities for security and enforcement purposes.
Who This Affects
- Individuals flying into or out of the U.S. may find their travel data more extensively shared with and utilized by ICE for identification and enforcement.
- Non-citizens with complex immigration histories or pending cases could face increased scrutiny or easier identification by authorities due to expanded data access.
- Airlines and other transport providers will likely bear the primary responsibility for collecting and submitting this required information to ICE, impacting their operational procedures.
What You Should Do Now
- Review your personal travel documents and ensure all information is accurate and up-to-date, as discrepancies could flag issues.
- Consult with an immigration attorney if you have concerns about your travel history or immigration status in light of enhanced data collection measures.
- Stay informed about further updates from DHS or ICE regarding the implementation and scope of this data collection, as details may evolve.
Key Takeaway
ICE is moving to expand its data collection from flight manifests and billing agreements, potentially increasing scrutiny and enforcement capabilities for individuals traveling to and from the U.S.
Source: Read official article on Federal Register (Immigration)
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