[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 160 (Tuesday, August 19, 1997)]
[Notices]
[Pages 44146-44147]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-21901]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Immigration and Naturalization Service
[INS No. 1851-97]


Change in Production of the Form I-551, Alien Registration 
Receipt Card

AGENCY: Immigration and Naturalization Service, Justice.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: In September 1997, the Immigration and Naturalization Service 
(INS or Service) will produce the Form I-551, Alien Registration 
Receipt Card (ARC) using an Integrated Card Production System (ICPS). 
At that time, the Service will transfer production of the ARC from the 
Immigration Card Facility (ICF) to the ICPS located at INS service 
centers. These changes will increase efficiency in producing the ARCs, 
allow the Service to be more responsive to inquires from applicants, 
their representatives, and benefit-granting agencies, and will enhance 
the Service's ability to produce a more secure ARC.

EFFECTIVE DATE: September 1, 1997.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Geoff Verderosa, Immigration and Naturalization Service, Benefits 
Division, Residence and Status Services, 425 I Street, NW., Room 3214, 
Washington, DC 20536, Telephone 202-514-3156.

[[Page 44147]]

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

What Will Happen on September 1, 1997?

    On September 1, 1997, the Service will begin using the Integrated 
Card Production System (ICPS) at the INS service centers to produce the 
new Permanent Resident Card, known as the Alien Registration Receipt 
Card (ARC). The Service will stop producing the ARCs at the Immigration 
Card Facility on September 30, 1997.

What Are the Benefits of Using ICPS Technology at the INS Service 
Centers?

    Using ICPS technology at the INS service centers will allow the 
Service to:
    (1) Mass produce the ARCs at a faster rate;
    (2) Produce a more secure credit card type identity card by using 
the latest security features available (i.e., biometrics);
    (3) Eliminate the extra step of sending the Application for Alien 
Registration Receipt Card, Form I-90, from each of the service centers 
to the Immigration Card Facility;
    (4) Reduce the possibility of all of the ICPS machines being 
disabled at the same time; and
    (5) Enhance its ability to be more responsive to inquiries from 
applicants, their representatives, and benefit-granting agencies.

Will the ARC Produced by the ICPS Look Different Than the Current 
ARC and, if so, Will Employers and Public Agencies be Informed of 
This Change?

    The ARC will have a different appearance than the current ARC. INS 
will inform employers and public agencies of the change by initiating a 
public information campaign in August 1997.

Will There Be a Change in the Filing Procedures to Apply for a New 
ARC?

    No. You should continue to follow the instructions on the Form I-
90, Application to replace Alien Registration Receipt Card, when filing 
for renewal or replacement of an ARC.

Will My Current ARC Remain Valid?

    Yes. New ARCs will be issued using ICPS technology, but the 
validity of current Form I-551 ARCs is unaffected by this change. They 
will remain valid until the expiration date on the card.

How Will My ARC be Delivered?

    The cards will continue to be mailed and delivered by the U.S. 
Postal Service.

    Dated: August 11, 1997.
Doris Meissner,
Commissioner, Immigration and Naturalization Service.
[FR Doc. 97-21901 Filed 8-18-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-10-M