SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Written comments and suggestions from the public and affected agencies concerning the proposed collection of information are encouraged. Your comments should address one or more of the following four points:

—Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of EOIR, including whether the information will have practical utility;

—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;

—Evaluate whether and if so how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected can be enhanced; and

—Minimize the burden of the collection of 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.

Abstract: Regulations prescribe who may represent individuals in immigration proceedings. The Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate), in the exercise of discretion, may accord recognition to organizations, which are then able to seek full or partial accreditation of their representative(s) to practice before EOIR and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). See8 CFR 1292.12, 1292.13(a). For this to occur, the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) must first approve a request for recognition from an eligible organization. Then, the Assistant Director for Policy (or the Assistant Director for Policy's delegate) must approve a request from a recognized organization for accreditation of its representative(s). An individual who receives full accreditation may represent aliens before EOIR and DHS; an individual who receives partial accreditation may represent aliens before DHS only. 8 CFR 1292.12(a).

Overview of This Information Collection

1. Type of Information Collection: Renewal with change of a currently approved collection. EOIR has made non-substantive changes to the current Form EOIR-31A. These changes include revisions to the form's Privacy Act notice; addition of the expiration date for OMB approval on the form; updates to the address to which applications can be submitted; and addition of an alternative method by which applications can be submitted.

2. The Title of the Form/Collection: Request by Organization for Accreditation or Renewal Accreditation of Non-Attorney Representative.

3. The agency form number, if any, and the applicable component of the Department sponsoring the collection: the form number is EOIR-31A, and the sponsoring component is Executive Office for Immigration Review, United States Department of Justice. ( printed page 12179)

4. Affected public who will be asked or required to respond, as well as a brief abstract: Primary: Non-profit organizations seeking accreditation or renewal of accreditation of its representatives by the Office of Legal Access Programs of the Executive Office for Immigration Review. Other: None. Abstract: This information collection will allow an organization to seek accreditation or renewal of accreditation of a non-attorney representative to appear before EOIR and/or the Department of Homeland Security. This information collection is necessary to determine whether a representative meets the eligibility requirements for accreditation pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1103, 1229a, 1362 and 8 CFR 1292.11-19. Requests can be made using a fillable .pdf application or electronic submission.

5. An estimate of the total number of respondents and the amount of time estimated for an average respondent to respond: It is estimated that 747 respondents will complete the form annually for initial accreditation with an average of 3 hours per response. It is estimated that 314 respondents will complete the form annually for renewal of accreditation with an average of 7 hours per response.

6. An estimate of the total annual burden (in hours) associated with the collection: The estimated annual burden hours associated with this collection is 4,439 hours.

7. An estimate of the total annual cost burden associated with the collection, if applicable:

If additional information is required contact: Darwin Arceo, Department Clearance Officer, United States Department of Justice, Justice Management Division, Policy and Planning Staff, Two Constitution Square, 145 N Street NE, 4W-218, Washington, DC.