[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 179 (Monday, September 18, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43556-43565]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-19365]


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DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY

[Docket No. DHS-2017-0038]


Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records

AGENCY: Department of Homeland Security, Privacy Office.

ACTION: Notice of Modified Privacy Act System of Records.

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SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, the Department of 
Homeland Security (DHS) proposes to modify a current DHS system of 
records titled, ``Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection--001 Alien File, Index, and National File 
Tracking System of Records.'' This system of records contains 
information regarding transactions involving an individual as he or she 
passes through the U.S. immigration process, some of which may also be 
covered by separate Systems of Records Notices. DHS primarily maintains 
information relating to the adjudication of benefits, investigation of 
immigration violations, and enforcement actions in Alien Files (A-
Files). Alien Files became the official file for all immigration 
records created or consolidated since April 1, 1944. Before A-Files, 
many individuals had more than one file with the agency. To streamline 
immigration recordkeeping, legacy Immigration and Naturalization 
Service issued each individual an Alien Number, allowing the agency to 
create a single file for each individual containing that individual's 
official immigration record. DHS also uses other immigration files to 
support administrative, fiscal, and legal needs.

DATES: Submit comments on or before October 18, 2017. This modified 
system will be effective upon publication. New or modified routine uses 
will become effective October 18, 2017.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments, identified by docket number DHS-
2017-0038 by one of the following methods:
    <bullet> Federal e-Rulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. 
Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
    <bullet> Fax: 202-343-4010.
    <bullet> Mail: Jonathan R. Cantor, Acting Chief Privacy Officer, 
Privacy Office, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528-
0655.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For general questions, please contact: 
Donald K. Hawkins, (202) 272-8000, Privacy Officer, U.S. Citizenship 
and Immigration Services, 20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 
20529. For privacy questions, please contact: Jonathan R. Cantor, (202) 
343-1717, Acting Chief Privacy Officer, Privacy Office, Department of 
Homeland Security, Washington, DC 20528-0655.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As DHS moves to conducting more immigration 
actions in an electronic environment and U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS) adjudicates more immigration benefits and 
requests for action in its USCIS Electronic Immigration System, DHS no 
longer considers the paper A-File as the sole repository and official 
record of information related to an individual's official immigration 
record. An individual's immigration history may be in the following 
materials and formats: (1) A paper A-File; (2) an electronic record in 
the Enterprise Document Management System or USCIS Electronic 
Immigration System; or (3) a combination of paper and electronic 
records and supporting documentation.
    The Department of Homeland Security, therefore, is updating the 
``Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship and Immigration 
Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S. Customs and 
Border Protection-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking 
System of Records notice to: (1) Redefine which records constitute the 
official record of an individual's immigration history to include the 
following materials and formats: (a) The paper A-File, (b) an 
electronic record in the Enterprise Document Management System or U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services Electronic Immigration System, or 
(c) a

[[Page 43557]]

combination of paper and electronic records and supporting 
documentation; (2) clarify that data originating from this system of 
records may be stored in a classified paper A-File or classified 
electronic network; (3) provide updated system locations; (4) update 
category of individuals covered by this System of Records Notice, to 
include individuals acting as legal guardians or designated 
representatives in immigration proceedings involving an individual who 
is physically or developmentally disabled or severely mentally impaired 
(when authorized); Civil Surgeons who conduct and certify medical 
examinations for immigration benefits; law enforcement officers who 
certify a benefit requestors cooperation in the investigation or 
prosecution of a criminal activity; and interpreters; (5) expand the 
categories of records to include the following: country of nationality; 
country of residence; the USCIS Online Account Number; social media 
handles, aliases, associated identifiable information, and search 
results; and the Department of Justice (DOJ), Executive Office for 
Immigration Review and Board of Immigration Appeals proceedings 
information; (6) add and describe the purpose for the USCIS Electronic 
Immigration System, Electronic Document Management System, and 
Microfilm Digitization Application System; (7) expand the data elements 
used to retrieve records; (8) update the parameters for retention and 
disposal of A-Files; (9) add the Microfilm Digitization Application 
System retention schedule; (10) update system manager to Associate 
Director, Immigration Records and Identity Services; (11) update record 
source categories to include publicly available information obtained 
from the internet, public records, public institutions, interviewees, 
commercial data providers, and information obtained and disclosed 
pursuant to information sharing agreements; and (12) update routine use 
E to comply with new policy contained in Office of Management and 
Budget Circular A-108. Additionally, this notice includes non-
substantive changes to simplify the formatting and text of the 
previously published notice. The exemptions for the existing system of 
records notice will continue to be applicable for this updated system 
of records notice. This modified system of records notice will be 
included in the DHS's inventory of record systems.

I. Background

    In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, 5 U.S.C. 552a, the DHS 
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and 
Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
proposes to update and reissue a current DHS system of records titled, 
``DHS/USCIS-ICE-CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking 
System of Records.''
    DHS implements U.S. immigration law and policy through USCIS' 
processing and adjudication of applications and petitions submitted for 
citizenship, asylum, and other immigration benefits. USCIS also 
supports national security by preventing individuals from fraudulently 
obtaining immigration benefits and by denying applications from 
individuals who pose national security or public safety threats. DHS 
implements U.S. immigration policy and law through ICE's law 
enforcement activities and CBP's inspection and border security 
processes.
    Legacy immigration and naturalization agencies previously collected 
and maintained information concerning all immigration and inspection 
interactions. Before Alien Files (A-Files), many individuals had more 
than one file with the agency requiring legacy personnel to search 
multiple records systems and indexes for all records pertaining to one 
individual. The former Immigration and Naturalization Services (INS) 
introduced A-Files and issued each individual an Alien Number (A-
Number) allowing INS to create one file for each individual containing 
the entire agency's records for the subject. Legacy immigration case 
file records that were not consolidated into the A-File are still 
maintained since these records hold historical value and are shared 
with government agencies and members of the public who request this 
information for mission-related and genealogy purposes.
    The Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records 
is the official record system that contains information regarding the 
transactions of an individual as he or she passes through the U.S. 
immigration process. Currently, A-Files may be maintained in two 
formats: Paper A-Files or electronic A-Files within the Enterprise 
Document Management System (EDMS). The official record will now take 
three possible forms: (1) Records contained within the paper A-File; 
(2) records contained within the electronic record from EDMS or USCIS 
Electronic Immigration System (USCIS ELIS); or (3) a combination of 
paper and electronic records and supporting documentation. The A-File 
serves as the official record of an individual's immigration history. 
It is used in immigration proceedings before U.S. Department of Justice 
(DOJ) immigration judges and the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), 
and is the official record used in Federal court litigation and other 
official agency business transactions. USCIS is the custodian of the A-
File and the documents contained within it that are derived from 
various systems belonging to USCIS, ICE, and CBP. All three components 
create, contribute information to, and use A-Files, hence this joint 
System of Records Notice (SORN).
    A notice detailing this system of records was last published in the 
Federal Register on November 21, 2013, as the DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP001 
Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System of Records, 78 FR 
69864. DHS is updating the DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and 
National File Tracking System of Records to include the following 
substantive changes: (1) Redefine which records constitute the official 
record of an individual's immigration history to include the following 
materials and formats: (a) The paper A-File, (b) the electronic A-File, 
or (c) a combination of paper and electronic records and supporting 
documentation; (2) clarify that data originating from this system of 
records may be stored in a classified paper A-File or classified 
electronic network; (3) provide updated system locations; (4) update 
category of individuals covered by this SORN to include individual 
acting as legal guardians or designated representatives in immigration 
proceedings involving individuals who are physically or developmentally 
disabled or severely mentally impaired (when authorized); Civil 
Surgeons who conduct and certify medical examinations for immigration 
benefits; and law enforcement officers who certify a benefit requestors 
cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal activity; 
and interpreters; (5) expand the categories of records to include 
country of nationality; country of residence; the USCIS Online Account 
Number; social media handles, aliases, associated identifiable 
information, and search results; and information regarding the DOJ 
Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) and BIA proceedings; (6) 
add and describe the purpose of the USCIS ELIS, EDMS, and Microfilm 
Digitization Application System (MiDAS); (7) expand data elements used 
to retrieve records; (8) update the parameters for retention and 
disposal of paper A-Files and electronic A-Files; (9) include the MiDAS 
retention schedule; (10) change system

[[Page 43558]]

manager to Associate Director, Immigration Records and Identity 
Services (IRIS); (11) update record source categories to include 
publicly available information obtained from the internet, public 
records, public institutions, interviews, commercial data providers, 
and information shared obtained through information sharing agreements; 
and (12) update routine use E to comply with Office of Management and 
Budget Circular A-108.
    Consistent with DHS's information sharing mission, information 
stored in the DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National 
File Tracking System of Records may be shared with other DHS components 
that have a need to know the information to carry out their national 
security, law enforcement, immigration, intelligence, or other homeland 
security functions. In addition, information contained within the DHS/
USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking System 
of Records may be shared with appropriate Federal, State, local, 
tribal, territorial, foreign, or international government agencies 
consistent with the routine uses set forth in this system of records 
notice. The exemptions for the existing system of records notice will 
continue to be applicable for this system of records notice. 
Additionally, this modified system will be included in DHS's inventory 
of record systems.

II. Privacy Act

    The Privacy Act embodies fair information practice principles in a 
statutory framework governing the means by which Federal Government 
agencies collect, maintain, use, and disseminate individuals' records. 
The Privacy Act applies to information that is maintained in a ``system 
of records.'' A ``system of records'' is a group of any records under 
the control of an agency from which information is retrieved by the 
name of an individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other 
identifying particular assigned to the individual. In the Privacy Act, 
an individual is defined to encompass U.S. citizens and lawful 
permanent residents. Additionally, and similarly, the Judicial Redress 
Act (JRA) provides a statutory right to covered persons to make 
requests for access and amendment to covered records, as defined by the 
JRA, along with judicial review for denials of such requests. In 
addition, the JRA prohibits disclosures of covered records, except as 
otherwise permitted by the Privacy Act.
    Below is the description of the DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, 
Index, and National File Tracking System of Records. In accordance with 
5 U.S.C. 552a(r), DHS has provided a report of this system of records 
to the Office of Management and Budget and to Congress.
SYSTEM NAME AND NUMBER:
    Department of Homeland Security (DHS) U.S. Citizenship and 
Immigration Services (USCIS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement 
(ICE), U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)-001 Alien File, Index, 
and National File Tracking System of Records.

SECURITY CLASSIFICATION:
    Unclassified, sensitive, for official use only, and classified. The 
data may be retained in classified paper A-File or on classified 
networks. The nature and character of the underlying classification of 
these records will not change unless it is combined with classified 
information.

SYSTEM LOCATION:
    Records are maintained in (1) paper A-Files; (2) electronic A-Files 
in EDMS and USCIS ELIS; (3) Central Index System (CIS); (4) MiDAS; and 
(5) National File Tracking System (NFTS). Other applications, as 
Enterprise Citizenship and Immigrations Services Centralized 
Operational Repository (eCISCOR) and the Person Centric Query Service 
(PCQS), may retrieve information from the aforementioned applications.
    Paper A-Files: Paper A-Files are primarily located at the National 
Records Center in Lee's Summit, Missouri and component field offices. 
Paper A-Files may also be located at Headquarters, Regional, District, 
and other USCIS File Control Offices (FCO) throughout the United States 
and foreign countries as detailed on the agency's Web site, http://www.uscis.gov. A-Files may also be located at ICE and CBP offices and 
facilities.
    EDMS: EDMS contains electronic A-Files.
    USCIS ELIS: USCIS ELIS contains electronic A-Files. USCIS ELIS is 
an online, electronic account and case management system that stores 
information submitted or integrated into the system for the processing 
of specific applications, petitions, or requests. Submissions may 
originate in an electronic format or be converted to an electronic 
format from paper and include forms, supporting documentation 
associated with each submission notices of agency action (e.g., 
appointment notices, requests for evidence or originals, notices of 
intent to deny, or withdrawal notice and other final agency decisions) 
on a specific application, petition, or request, whether filed directly 
online or received by USCIS in a paper format and subsequently scanned 
for integration into the USCIS ELIS. USCIS ELIS also stores the USCIS 
Online Account Number and biographic information about the individual 
filing a request for an immigration decision or agency action that can 
be used to retrieve information about other immigration requests that 
may have been filed by the individual.
    CIS: CIS serves as a DHS-wide index of key information for A-Files 
(whether paper or electronic). CIS contains information on individuals 
who interact with DHS. The system contains biographic information on 
those individuals which can be used to retrieve additional information 
from other systems. However, A-Files are not contained in CIS.
    MiDAS: MiDAS contains digitized copies of immigration-related 
records that were created between 1893 and 1975.
    NFTS: NFTS has the location information for all A-File records 
(whether paper or electronic). NFTS allows DHS to track and log the 
movement of paper A-Files in a centralized database, and provide timely 
and accurate access to the immigration case file location. This system 
facilitates USCIS' ability to efficiently manage and streamline access 
to immigration files under its control.
    The databases maintaining the above information are located within 
the DHS data center in the Washington, DC metropolitan area as well as 
throughout the country. Access to these electronic systems is possible 
at USCIS sites at Headquarters and in the field offices throughout the 
United States, at appropriate facilities under the jurisdiction of DHS, 
and other locations at which officers of DHS component agencies may be 
posted or operate to facilitate DHS's homeland security mission.

SYSTEM MANAGER(S):
    Associate Director, Immigration Records and Identity Services, U.S. 
Citizenship and Immigration Services, Department of Homeland Security, 
20 Massachusetts Avenue NW., Washington, DC 20529.

AUTHORITY FOR MAINTENANCE OF THE SYSTEM:
    Authority for maintaining this system is in Sections 103 and 290 of 
the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), as amended (8 U.S.C. 1103 
and 1360), and the regulations issued pursuant thereto; and Section 451 
of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (Pub. L. 107-296), codified at 6 
U.S.C. 271.

[[Page 43559]]

PURPOSE(S) OF THE SYSTEM:
    The purpose of this system of records is to facilitate 
administration of benefits and enforcement of provisions under the INA 
and related immigration statutes. A-Files (whether paper or 
electronic), immigration case files, CIS, MiDAS, and NFTS are used 
primarily by DHS employees for immigration processing and adjudication, 
protection of national security, and administering and enforcing 
immigration and nationality laws and related regulations and policy. 
These records also assist DHS with detecting violations of immigration 
and nationality laws; supporting the referral of such violations for 
prosecution or other appropriate enforcement action; supporting law 
enforcement efforts and inspection processes at the U.S. borders; as 
well as to carry out DHS enforcement, immigration, intelligence, and or 
other homeland security functions.
    The purpose of the A-File is to document and maintain the official 
record of an individual's immigration applications, petitions, and 
requests, as well as enforcement transactions as he or she passes 
through the U.S. immigration process. The official records in the A-
Files consist of paper and electronic records of the individual's 
transactions through the immigration process including records of 
immigration benefit requests and requests for agency action filed with 
USCIS, but does not include all case processing and decisional data.
    The purpose of the EDMS is to store the A-File electronically and 
to share the A-File more efficiently within DHS and with external 
agencies.
    The purpose of USCIS ELIS is to maintain the A-File of certain 
paper- and electronically-filed benefit request forms with USCIS, in 
addition its electronic case processing, adjudication, and management 
functions. The associated information and data for cases maintained in 
USCIS ELIS for case processing, adjudication, and management functions 
are covered under other USCIS SORNs.
    The purpose of CIS is to maintain a repository of electronic data 
that summarizes the history of an immigrant or non-immigrant in the 
adjudication process. In addition, CIS maintains information about 
individuals of interest to the U.S. Government for investigative 
purposes. Information contained within CIS is used for immigration 
benefit determination and for immigration law enforcement operations by 
USCIS, ICE, and CBP.
    The purpose of MiDAS is to maintain a repository of historical 
immigration case files for use by government agencies for mission-
related purposes such as assisting in the determination to grant or 
deny a government benefit or to conduct law enforcement or other 
investigations. Furthermore, USCIS makes records of deceased subjects 
available to members of the public who request them for genealogy and 
other historical research purposes.
    The purpose of NFTS is to account for the specific location of 
immigration files, and to track the request and transfer of immigration 
files.

CATEGORIES OF INDIVIDUALS COVERED BY THE SYSTEM:
    <bullet> Lawful permanent residents;
    <bullet> Naturalized U.S. citizens;
    <bullet> Individuals when petitioning for benefits under the INA, 
as amended, on behalf of another individual;
    <bullet> Individuals acting as legal guardians or designated 
representatives in immigration proceedings involving an individual who 
has a physical or developmental disability or mental impairment (as 
authorized under the INA);
    <bullet> Individuals who receive benefits under the INA;
    <bullet> Individuals who are subject to the enforcement provisions 
of the INA;
    <bullet> Individuals who are subject to the INA and:
    o Are under investigation by DHS for possible national security 
threats or threats to the public safety,
    o were investigated by DHS in the past,
    [cir] are suspected of violating immigration-related criminal or 
immigration-related civil provisions of treaties, statutes, 
regulations, Executive Orders, and Presidential Proclamations 
administered by DHS, or
    [cir] are witnesses and informants having knowledge of such 
violations;
    <bullet> Relatives and associates of any of the individuals listed 
above who are subject to the INA;
    <bullet> Individuals who have renounced their U.S. citizenship;
    <bullet> Civil Surgeons who are required to conduct and certify 
medical examinations for immigration benefits; and law enforcement 
officers who certify a benefit requestor's cooperation in the 
investigation or prosecution of a criminal activity;
    <bullet> Preparers assisting an individual seeking an immigration 
benefit or agency action under the INA;
    <bullet> Interpreters assisting an individual seeking an 
immigration benefit or agency action under the INA;
    <bullet> Attorneys or representatives recognized by USCIS or 
accredited by the BIA; or
    <bullet> Law enforcement officers who certify a benefit requestor's 
cooperation in the investigation or prosecution of a criminal activity.

    Note: Individuals may fall within one or more of these 
categories.

CATEGORIES OF RECORDS IN THE SYSTEM:
    A. A-Files contain official record material about each individual 
for whom DHS has created a record under the INA such as: Naturalization 
certificates; various documents and attachments (e.g., birth and 
marriage certificates); applications, petitions, and requests for 
immigration determinations or agency action under the immigration and 
nationality laws; reports of arrests and investigations; statements; 
other reports; records of proceedings before or filings made with the 
U.S. immigration courts and any administrative or federal district 
court or court of appeal; correspondence; and memoranda. Specific data 
elements may include:
    <bullet> A-Numbers;
    <bullet> Receipt file number(s);
    <bullet> Full name and any aliases used;
    <bullet> Physical and mailing addresses (to include U.S. and 
foreign);
    <bullet> Phone numbers and email addresses;
    <bullet> Social Security number (SSN);
    <bullet> Date of birth;
    <bullet> Place of birth (city, state, and country);
    <bullet> Country of citizenship;
    <bullet> Country of nationality;
    <bullet> Country of residence;
    <bullet> Gender;
    <bullet> Physical characteristics (height, weight, race, eye and 
hair color, photographs, fingerprints);
    <bullet> Government-issued identification information (i.e., 
passport, driver's license):
    [cir] Document type;
    [cir] Issuing organization;
    [cir] Document number; and
    [cir] Expiration date;
    <bullet> Military membership and/or status;
    <bullet> Arrival/Departure information (record number, expiration 
date, class of admission, etc.);
    <bullet> Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Identification 
Number/Universal Control Number;
    <bullet> Fingerprint Identification Number;
    <bullet> Immigration enforcement history, including, but not 
limited to, arrests and charges, immigration proceedings and appeals, 
and dispositions including removals or voluntary departures;
    <bullet> Immigration status;
    <bullet> Family history;
    <bullet> Travel history;
    <bullet> Education history;
    <bullet> Employment history;
    <bullet> Criminal history;
    <bullet> Professional accreditation information;

[[Page 43560]]

    <bullet> Medical information;
    <bullet> Information regarding the status of Department of Justice 
(DOJ), Executive Office of Immigration Review (EOIR) and (BIA) 
proceedings, if applicable;
    <bullet> Specific benefit eligibility information as required by 
the benefit being sought;
    <bullet> Social media handles and aliases, associated identifiable 
information, and search results; and
    <bullet> Cassette/audio tapes, audio-visual/videotapes, CDs, DVDs, 
or transcripts of immigration interviews.
    B. CIS contains information on those individuals who during their 
interactions with DHS have been assigned an A-Number. The system 
contains biographic information on those individuals, allowing DHS 
employees to quickly review the individual's immigration status. The 
information in the system can then be used to retrieve additional 
information on the individual from other systems. The information in 
the system can be used to request the paper A-File from the USCIS FCO 
that has custody of the A-File. Specific data elements may include:
    <bullet> A-Number(s);
    <bullet> Full name and any aliases used;
    <bullet> SSN;
    <bullet> Date of birth;
    <bullet> Place of birth (city, state, and country);
    <bullet> Country of citizenship;
    <bullet> Country of nationality;
    <bullet> Gender;
    <bullet> Government issued identification information (i.e., 
passport, driver's license):
    <bullet> Document type;
    <bullet> Issuing organization;
    <bullet> Document number;
    <bullet> Expiration date;
    <bullet> Arrival/Departure information (record number, expiration 
date, class of admission, etc.);
    <bullet> Immigration status;
    <bullet> Father and Mother's first name;
    <bullet> FBI Identification/Identification Universal Control 
Number;
    <bullet> Fingerprint Identification Number;
    <bullet> Immigration enforcement history, including arrests and 
charges, immigration proceedings and appeals, and dispositions 
including removals or voluntary departures; and
    <bullet> NFTS file location and status information.
    C. EDMS contains official record material about each individual for 
whom DHS has created a record pursuant to the INA and the same 
information as contained in the as a paper A-File except for material 
that cannot be scanned from the paper A-File (e.g., cassette/audio 
tapes, audio-visual/video tapes, CDs, or DVDs).
    D. USCIS ELIS contains official record information and material 
used to determine an outcome on an immigration application, petition, 
or request or request agency action, such as supporting documentation, 
and notices of agency action on the specific immigration request. USCIS 
ELIS also stores the USCIS Online Account Number biographic information 
about the individual seeking an immigration benefit or requesting 
agency action that can be used to retrieve information about other 
requests filed by the individual, and the electronic copy of the 
naturalization or certificate of citizenship. Specific data elements 
may include, but are not limited to:
    <bullet> Full Name;
    <bullet> Aliases;
    <bullet> Physical and mailing addresses;
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> USCIS Online Account Number;
    <bullet> SSN;
    <bullet> Date of birth and/or death;
    <bullet> Country of citizenship;
    <bullet> Country of nationality;
    <bullet> Country of residence;
    <bullet> Place of birth;
    <bullet> Gender;
    <bullet> Marital status;
    <bullet> Military membership or status;
    <bullet> Phone and fax numbers (including mobile phone numbers);
    <bullet> Email address;
    <bullet> Immigration status;
    <bullet> Biometric information (e.g., fingerprints, photographs, 
signature) and other information used to conduct background and 
security checks;
    <bullet> Physical description (e.g., height, weight, eye color, 
hair color, race, ethnicity, identifying marks like tattoos or 
birthmarks);
    <bullet> Government issued identification information (i.e., 
passport, driver's license):
    [cir] Document type;
    [cir] Issuing organization;
    [cir] Document number; and
    [cir] Expiration date;
    <bullet> Immigration benefit type and/or agency action requested 
(e.g., deferred action);
    <bullet> Supporting documentation as necessary (e.g. birth, 
marriage, and divorce certificates; licenses; academic diplomas and 
transcripts; appeals, requests for rehearing, and motions to reopen or 
reconsideration; explanatory statements; and unsolicited information 
submitted voluntarily by the individual seeking an immigration benefit 
or requesting agency action or family members in support of the 
request);
    <bullet> Notices and communications, including:
    [cir] Requests for evidence;
    [cir] Notices of intent to deny, fine, or terminate; and
    [cir] Proofs of benefit (e.g., Employment Authorization Card, 
Permanent Resident Card);
    <bullet> Signature;
    <bullet> Fee payment information (e.g., credit card number, Pay.gov 
Payment Tracking Number);
    <bullet> Audio-visual recordings, including interviews and 
naturalization ceremonies;
    <bullet> Travel history;
    <bullet> Education history;
    <bullet> Work history;
    <bullet> Records regarding organization membership or affiliation;
    <bullet> Family relationships (e.g., parent, spouse, sibling, 
child, other dependents);
    <bullet> Information regarding the status of DOJ, EOIR and BIA 
proceedings, if applicable;
    <bullet> Case processing information such as the date an 
immigration request was filed or received by USCIS; status of such a 
request; location of record; other control number when applicable; and 
fee receipt data;
    <bullet> Representative information, including:
    [cir] Name;
    [cir] Law Firm/recognized organization;
    [cir] Physical and mailing addresses;
    [cir] Phone and fax numbers;
    [cir] Email address;
    [cir] Attorney Bar Card Number or equivalent;
    [cir] Bar membership;
    [cir] BIA representative accreditation authorization and expiration 
dates;
    [cir] Law practice restriction(s) explanation; and
    [cir] Signature.
    <bullet> Preparer and Interpreter information, including:
    [cir] Full Name;
    [cir] Business or Organization name;
    [cir] Physical and mailing addresses;
    [cir] Phone and fax numbers;
    [cir] Email address; and
    [cir] Signature.
    E. NFTS contains the location of the A-File whether paper or 
electronic. Specific data elements include:
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> Receipt File Number;
    <bullet> Primary immigration file tracking number (e.g., A-Number, 
Receipt File Number, Certificate Number (C-Number), and Temporary 
Number (T-Number));
    <bullet> Location of the paper A-File and Receipt File within the 
USCIS FCO, as well as the history of who has maintained the paper A-
File, including the component, section, and employee; and
    <bullet> Name of the USCIS FCO that has jurisdiction over a case 
maintained in USCIS ELIS and any transfer of jurisdiction to another 
USCIS office.

[[Page 43561]]

    F. MiDAS is an online interactive application system that provides 
an automated means for searching an index to legacy immigrant records 
opened or indexed prior to 1975. The MiDAS Search Engine includes the 
Flexoline Index, documenting the issuance of A-Numbers to individuals 
between August 1940 and 1948, as well as a card index to physical A-
Files opened between April 1, 1944 and 1975. MiDAS index data may be 
used to create or update a CIS record of an A-Number issued or A-File 
opened prior to 1975. Specific A-File index data elements may include, 
but are not limited to:
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> C-Number;
    <bullet> Full name;
    <bullet> Date of birth; and
    <bullet> Place of birth (city, state, and country).

RECORD SOURCE CATEGORIES:
    Basic information contained in DHS records is supplied by 
individuals on Department of State (DOS) and DHS applications and 
forms. Other information comes from publicly available information 
obtained from the Internet, public records, public institutions, 
interviewees, commercial data aggregators, inquiries or complaints from 
members of the general public and members of Congress, referrals of 
inquiries or complaints directed to the President or Secretary of 
Homeland Security, information shared through information sharing 
agreements, reports of investigations, sworn statements, 
correspondence, official reports, memoranda, and written referrals from 
other entities, including federal, state, and local governments, 
various courts and regulatory agencies, foreign government agencies, 
and international organizations.

ROUTINE USES OF RECORDS MAINTAINED IN THE SYSTEM, INCLUDING CATEGORIES 
OF USERS AND PURPOSES OF SUCH USES:
    Information in this system of records contains information relating 
to persons who have pending or approved benefit requests for special 
protected classes and should not be disclosed pursuant to a routine use 
unless disclosure is otherwise permissible under the confidentiality 
statutes, regulations, or policies applicable to that information. For 
example, information relating to persons who have pending or approved 
benefit requests for protection under the Violence Against Women Act, 
Seasonal Agricultural Worker or Legalization claims, the Temporary 
Protected Status of an individual, and information relating to 
nonimmigrant visas protected under special confidentiality provisions 
should not be disclosed pursuant to a routine use unless disclosure is 
otherwise permissible under the confidentiality statutes, regulations, 
or policies applicable to that information. These confidentiality 
provisions do not prevent DHS from disclosing information to the DOJ 
and Offices of the United States Attorney as part of an ongoing 
criminal or civil investigation.
    In addition to those disclosures generally permitted under 5 U.S.C. 
552a(b) of the Privacy Act, all or a portion of the records or 
information contained in this system may be disclosed outside DHS as a 
routine use pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 552a(b)(3) as follows:
    A. To DOJ, including Offices of the U.S. Attorneys, or other 
federal agency conducting litigation or in proceedings before any 
court, adjudicative, or administrative body, when it is relevant or 
necessary to the litigation and one of the following is a party to the 
litigation or has an interest in such litigation:
    1. DHS or any component thereof;
    2. Any employee or former employee of DHS in his/her official 
capacity;
    3. Any employee or former employee of DHS in his/her individual 
capacity when DOJ or DHS has agreed to represent the employee; or
    4. The United States or any agency thereof.
    B. To a congressional office from the record of an individual in 
response to an inquiry from that congressional office made at the 
request of the individual to whom the record pertains.
    C. To the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) or 
General Services Administration pursuant to records management 
inspections being conducted under the authority of 44 U.S.C. 2904 and 
2906.
    D. To an agency or organization for the purpose of performing audit 
or oversight operations as authorized by law, but only such information 
as is necessary and relevant to such audit or oversight function.
    E. To appropriate agencies, entities, and persons when:
    1. DHS determines that information from this system of records is 
reasonably necessary and otherwise compatible with the purpose of 
collection to assist another federal recipient agency or entity in (1) 
responding to a suspected or confirmed breach or (2) preventing, 
minimizing, or remedying the risk of harm to individuals, the recipient 
agency or entity (including its information systems, programs, and 
operations), the Federal Government, or national security, resulting 
from a suspected or confirmed breach; or
    2. DHS suspects or has confirmed that there has been a breach of 
this system of records; and (a) DHS has determined that as a result of 
the suspected or confirmed breach, there is a risk of harm to 
individuals, harm to DHS (including its information systems, programs, 
and operations), the Federal Government, or national security; and (b) 
the disclosure made to such agencies, entities, and persons is 
reasonably necessary to assist in connection with DHS's efforts to 
respond to the suspected or confirmed breach or to prevent, minimize, 
or remedy such harm.
    F. To contractors and their agents, grantees, experts, consultants, 
and others performing or working on a contract, service, grant, 
cooperative agreement, or other assignment for DHS, when necessary to 
accomplish an agency function related to this system of records. 
Individuals provided information under this routine use are subject to 
the same Privacy Act requirements and limitations on disclosure as are 
applicable to DHS officers and employees.
    G. To an appropriate Federal, State, tribal, local, international, 
or foreign law enforcement agency or other appropriate authority 
charged with investigating or prosecuting a violation or enforcing or 
implementing a law, rule, regulation, or order, when a record, either 
on its face or in conjunction with other information, indicates a 
violation or potential violation of law, which includes criminal, 
civil, or regulatory violations and such disclosure is proper and 
consistent with the official duties of the person making the 
disclosure.
    H. To appropriate Federal, State, tribal, local, or foreign 
governmental agencies or multilateral governmental organizations 
responsible for investigating or prosecuting the violations of, or for 
enforcing or implementing, a statute, rule, regulation, order, or 
license, when DHS believes the information would assist in enforcing 
applicable civil or criminal laws.
    I. To third parties during the course of a law enforcement 
investigation to the extent necessary to obtain information pertinent 
to the investigation.
    J. To an organization or person in either the public or private 
sector, either foreign or domestic, when there is a reason to believe 
that the recipient is or could become the target of a particular 
terrorist activity or conspiracy, or when the information is relevant 
to the protection of life, property, or other vital interests of a 
person.
    K. To clerks and judges of courts exercising naturalization 
jurisdiction for

[[Page 43562]]

the purpose of granting naturalization and administering naturalization 
oaths, and to enable such courts to determine eligibility for 
naturalization or grounds for revocation of naturalization.
    L. To courts, magistrates, administrative tribunals, opposing 
counsel, parties, and witnesses, in the course of immigration, civil, 
or criminal proceedings before a court or adjudicative body when it is 
necessary or relevant to the litigation or proceeding and the following 
is a party to the proceeding or has an interest in the proceeding:
    1. DHS or any component thereof; or
    2. Any employee of DHS in his or her official capacity; or
    3. Any employee of DHS in his or her individual capacity when the 
DOJ or DHS has agreed to represent the employee; or
    4. The United States or any agency thereof.
    M. To an attorney or representative (as defined in 8 CFR 1.2) who 
is acting on behalf of an individual covered by this system of records 
in connection with any proceeding before USCIS, ICE, or CBP or the DOJ 
EOIR, as required by law or as deemed necessary in the discretion of 
the Department.
    N. To DOJ (including Offices of the United States Attorneys) or 
other federal agency conducting litigation or in proceedings before any 
court, adjudicative, or administrative body, when necessary to assist 
in the development of such agency's legal and/or policy position.
    O. To DOS in the processing of petitions or applications for 
benefits under the INA, and all other immigration and nationality laws 
including treaties and reciprocal agreements; or when DOS requires 
information to consider and/or provide an informed response to a 
request for information from a foreign, international, or 
intergovernmental agency, authority, or organization about an alien or 
an enforcement operation with transnational implications.
    P. To appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, or 
foreign governments, as well as to other individuals and organizations 
during the course of an investigation by DHS or the processing of a 
matter under DHS's jurisdiction, or during a proceeding within the 
purview of the immigration and nationality laws, when DHS deems that 
such disclosure is necessary to carry out its functions and statutory 
mandates.
    Q. To an appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, or 
foreign government agency or organization, or international 
organization, lawfully engaged in collecting law enforcement 
intelligence, whether civil or criminal, or charged with investigating, 
prosecuting, enforcing, or implementing civil or criminal laws, related 
rules, regulations, or orders, to enable these entities to carry out 
their law enforcement responsibilities, including the collection of law 
enforcement intelligence and the disclosure is appropriate to the 
proper performance of the official duties of the person receiving the 
information.
    R. To an appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, 
foreign, or international agency, if the information is relevant to a 
requesting agency's decision concerning the hiring or retention of an 
individual, or issuance of a security clearance, license, contract, 
grant, or other benefit, or if the information is relevant to a DHS 
decision concerning the hiring or retention of an employee, the 
issuance of a security clearance, the reporting of an investigation of 
an employee, the letting of a contract, or the issuance of a license, 
grant, or other benefit.
    S. To an appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, 
foreign, or international agency, if DHS determines: (1) The 
information is relevant and necessary to that agency's decision 
concerning the hiring or retention of an individual, or issuance of a 
security clearance, license, contract, grant, or other benefit; and (2) 
failure to disclose the information is likely to create a substantial 
risk to government facilities, equipment, or personnel; sensitive 
information; critical infrastructure; or public safety.
    T. To appropriate Federal, State, local, tribal, or foreign 
governmental agencies or multilateral governmental organizations for 
the purpose of protecting the vital interests of a data subject or 
other persons, including to assist such agencies or organizations in 
preventing exposure to, or transmission of a communicable or 
quarantinable disease or to combat other significant public health 
threats; appropriate notice will be provided of any identified health 
threat or risk.
    U. To an individual's current employer to the extent necessary to 
determine employment eligibility or to a prospective employer or 
government agency to verify whether an individual is eligible for a 
government-issued credential that is a condition of employment.
    V. To a former employee of DHS, in accordance with applicable 
regulations, for purposes of: Responding to an official inquiry by a 
federal, state, or local government entity or professional licensing 
authority; or facilitating communications with a former employee that 
may be necessary for personnel-related or other official purposes when 
DHS requires information or consultation assistance from the former 
employee regarding a matter within that person's former area of 
responsibility.
    W. To the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in connection with 
the review of private relief legislation as set forth in OMB Circular 
No. A-19 at any stage of the legislative coordination and clearance 
process as set forth in the Circular.
    X. To the U.S. Senate Committee on the Judiciary or the U.S. House 
of Representatives Committee on the Judiciary when necessary to inform 
members of Congress about an alien who is being considered for private 
immigration relief.
    Y. To a Federal, State, tribal, or local government agency and/or 
to domestic courts to assist such agencies in collecting the repayment 
of loans, or fraudulently or erroneously secured benefits, grants, or 
other debts owed to them or to the U.S. Government, or to obtain 
information that may assist DHS in collecting debts owed to the U.S. 
Government.
    Z. To an individual or entity seeking to post or arrange, or who 
has already posted or arranged, an immigration bond for an alien, to 
aid the individual or entity in (1) identifying the location of the 
alien; (2) posting the bond; (3) obtaining payments related to the 
bond; or (4) conducting other administrative or financial management 
activities related to the bond.
    AA. To a coroner for purposes of affirmatively identifying a 
deceased individual (whether or not such individual is deceased as a 
result of a crime).
    BB. Consistent with the requirements of the INA, to the Department 
of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and 
Prevention (CDC), or to any state or local health authorities, to:
    1. Provide proper medical oversight of DHS-designated Civil 
Surgeons who perform medical examinations of both arriving aliens and 
of those requesting status as lawful permanent residents; and
    2. Ensure that all health issues potentially affecting public 
health and safety in the United States are being or have been, 
adequately addressed.
    CC. To a Federal, State, local, tribal, or territorial government 
agency seeking to verify or ascertain the citizenship or immigration 
status of any individual within the jurisdiction of the agency for any 
purpose authorized by law.

[[Page 43563]]

    DD. To the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the purpose of 
issuing a SSN and card to an alien who has made a request for a SSN as 
part of the immigration process and in accordance with any related 
agreements in effect between the SSA, DHS, and DOS entered into 
pursuant to 20 CFR 422.103(b)(3), 422.103(c)(3), and 422.106(a), or 
other relevant laws and regulations.
    EE. To Federal and foreign government intelligence or 
counterterrorism agencies or components when DHS becomes aware of an 
indication of a threat or potential threat to national or international 
security, or when such use is to conduct national intelligence and 
security investigations or assist in anti-terrorism efforts.
    FF. To third parties to facilitate placement or release of an 
individual (e.g., at a group home, homeless shelter) who has been or is 
about to be released from DHS custody, but only such information that 
is relevant and necessary to arrange housing or continuing medical care 
for the individual.
    GG. To an appropriate domestic government agency or other 
appropriate authority for the purpose of providing information about an 
individual who has been or is about to be released from DHS custody 
who, due to a condition such as mental illness, may pose a health or 
safety risk to himself/herself or to the community. DHS will only 
disclose information about the individual that is relevant to the 
health or safety risk they may pose and/or the means to mitigate that 
risk (e.g., the individual's need to remain on certain medication for a 
serious mental health condition).
    HH. To foreign governments for the purpose of coordinating and 
conducting the removal of individuals to other nations under the INA; 
and to international, foreign, and intergovernmental agencies, 
authorities, and organizations in accordance with law and formal or 
informal international arrangements.
    II. To a Federal, State, local, territorial, tribal, international, 
or foreign criminal, civil, or regulatory law enforcement authority 
when the information is necessary for collaboration, coordination, and 
de-confliction of investigative matters, prosecutions, and/or other law 
enforcement actions to avoid duplicative or disruptive efforts and to 
ensure the safety of law enforcement officers who may be working on 
related law enforcement matters.
    JJ. To the DOJ Federal Bureau of Prisons and other Federal, State, 
local, territorial, tribal, and foreign law enforcement or custodial 
agencies for the purpose of placing an immigration detainer on an 
individual in that agency's custody, or to facilitate the transfer of 
custody of an individual from DHS to the other agency. This will 
include the transfer of information about unaccompanied minor children 
to HHS to facilitate the custodial transfer of such children from DHS 
to HHS.
    KK. To Federal, State, local, tribal, territorial, or foreign 
governmental or quasi-governmental agencies or courts to confirm the 
location, custodial status, removal, or voluntary departure of an alien 
from the United States, in order to facilitate the recipients' exercise 
of responsibilities pertaining to the custody, care, or legal rights 
(including issuance of a U.S. passport) of the removed individual's 
minor children, or the adjudication or collection of child support 
payments or other debts owed by the removed individual.
    LL. To a Federal, State, tribal, territorial, local, international, 
or foreign government agency or multilateral governmental organization 
for the purpose of consulting with that agency or entity: (1) To assist 
in making a determination regarding redress for an individual in 
connection with the operations of a DHS component or program; (2) for 
the purpose of verifying the identity of an individual seeking redress 
in connection with the operations of a DHS component or program; or (3) 
for the purpose of verifying the accuracy of information submitted by 
an individual who has requested such redress on behalf of another 
individual.
    MM. To family members, guardians, committees, friends, or other 
agents identified by law or regulation to receive notification, 
decisions, and other papers as provided in 8 CFR 103.8 from DHS or EOIR 
following verification of a familial or agency relationship with an 
alien when DHS is aware of indicia of incompetency or when an 
immigration judge determines an alien is mentally incompetent.
    NN. To the news media and the public, with the approval of the 
Chief Privacy Officer in consultation with counsel, when there exists a 
legitimate public interest in the disclosure of the information or when 
disclosure is necessary to preserve confidence in the integrity of DHS 
or is necessary to demonstrate the accountability of DHS's officers, 
employees, or individuals covered by the system, except to the extent 
the Chief Privacy Officer determines that release of the specific 
information in the context of a particular case would constitute a 
clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.
    OO. To domestic governmental agencies seeking to determine the 
immigration status of persons who have applied to purchase/obtain a 
firearm in the United States, pursuant to checks conducted on such 
persons under the Brady Handgun Violence Prevention Act or other 
applicable laws.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR STORAGE OF RECORDS:
    Records in this system are stored electronically or on paper in 
secure facilities in a locked drawer behind a locked door. The records 
may be stored on magnetic disc, tape, and digital media.

POLICIES AND PRACTICES FOR RETRIEVAL OF RECORDS:
    DHS/USCIS retrieves records by searching in CIS using the following 
data alone or in any combination:
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> Full name;
    <bullet> Alias;
    <bullet> Sounds-like name with or without date of birth;
    <bullet> Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization Certificate 
number;
    <bullet> Driver's License number;
    <bullet> FBI Identification/Universal Control Number;
    <bullet> Fingerprint Identification Number;
    <bullet> I-94 admission number;
    <bullet> Passport number;
    <bullet> SSN; or
    <bullet> Travel Document number.
    DHS/USCIS retrieves records by searching electronic A-Files in EDMS 
by any of the following fields alone or in any combination:
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> Last name;
    <bullet> First name;
    <bullet> Middle name;
    <bullet> Aliases;
    <bullet> Date of birth;
    <bullet> Country of birth;
    <bullet> Gender; and
    <bullet> Through a full text-based search of records contained in 
the electronic A-File (based on optical character recognition of the 
scanned images).
    DHS/USCIS retrieves records by searching in USCIS ELIS using the 
following data alone or in any combination:
    <bullet> Full Name;
    <bullet> Aliases;
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> USCIS Online Account Number;
    <bullet> Date of birth;
    <bullet> Immigration benefit type and/or agency action requested 
(e.g., deferred action);

[[Page 43564]]

    <bullet> Fee receipt data;
    <bullet> Date benefit request was filed;
    <bullet> Date benefit request was received;
    <bullet> Representative name;
    <bullet> Preparer name; and
    <bullet> Interpreter name.
    DHS/USCIS retrieves the location of A-Files, whether paper or 
electronic, by searching in NFTS using the following data:
    <bullet> A-Number;
    <bullet> USCIS Online Account Number; or
    <bullet> Receipt File Number.
    DHS/USCIS retrieves genealogy records and requests in MiDAS by 
searching the following data alone or in any combination:
    <bullet> Requestor's first name;
    <bullet> Requestor's last name;
    <bullet> Requestor's Case and/or Control Number;
    <bullet> Record subject's A-Number or immigration case file number;
    <bullet> Record subject's first name;
    <bullet> Record subject's last name; and
    <bullet> Record subject's alias.

Policies and Practices for Retention and Disposal of Records:
    The official A-File record may take three possible forms: (1) 
Records contained within the paper A-File; (2) records contained within 
the electronic record from EDMS or USCIS ELIS; or (3) a combination of 
paper and electronic records and supporting documentation. A-File 
records are maintained in accordance with N1-566-08-11. DHS/USCIS 
transfers A-Files to the custody of NARA 100 years after the 
individual's date of birth.
    CIS records are maintained in accordance with N1-566-10-01. CIS is 
an internal DHS-mission critical system that contains records that 
serve as a finding aid to agency case files. Records in CIS are 
permanently retained because they are the index of the A-File, 
summarize the history of an immigrant in the adjudication process, and 
identify the A-File location(s).
    NFTS records are maintained in accordance with N1-566-06-01. NFTS 
records are temporary and deleted when they are no longer needed for 
agency business. NFTS records associated with an A-File will be 
retained on a permanent basis even after the A-File has been retired to 
NARA to retain accurate recordkeeping. Other immigration case files 
with a shorter retention period will have the associated NFTS record 
destroyed or deleted once the file has been destroyed.
    MiDAS information (data and electronic images) pertaining to 
correspondence with the public and government requestor is retained and 
disposed every six years in accordance with the NARA General Records 
Schedules 4.2 and 14. The immigration case files contained in MiDAS are 
retained permanently. Records are transferred to NARA after 100 years 
after the last completed action.
    Records replicated on the unclassified and classified networks for 
analysis and vetting will follow the same retention schedule.

Administrative, Technical, and Physical Safeguards:
    DHS/USCIS safeguards records in this system according to applicable 
rules and policies, including all applicable DHS automated systems 
security and access policies. USCIS has imposed strict controls to 
minimize the risk of compromising the information that is being stored. 
Access to the computer system containing the records in this system is 
limited to those individuals who have a need to know the information 
for the performance of their official duties and who have appropriate 
clearances or permissions.

Record Access Procedures:
    The Secretary of Homeland Security has exempted this system from 
the notification, access, and amendment procedures of the Privacy Act, 
and those of the Judicial Redress Act (JRA) if applicable, because it 
is a law enforcement system. However, DHS/USCIS will consider 
individual requests to determine whether or not information may be 
released. Thus, individuals seeking access to and notification of any 
record contained in this system of records, or seeking to contest its 
content, may submit a request in writing to the Chief Privacy Officer 
and USCIS Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Officer, whose contact 
information can be found at http://www.dhs.gov/foia under ``Contacts 
Information.'' If an individual believes more than one component 
maintains Privacy Act records concerning him or her, the individual may 
submit the request to the Chief Privacy Officer and Chief Freedom of 
Information Act Officer, Department of Homeland Security, Washington, 
DC 20528-0655. Even if neither the Privacy Act nor the Judicial Redress 
Act provide a right of access, certain records about you may be 
available under the FOIA.
    When seeking records about yourself from this system of records or 
any other Departmental system of records, your request must conform 
with the Privacy Act regulations set forth in 6 CFR part 5. You must 
first verify your identity, meaning that you must provide your full 
name, current address, and date and place of birth. You must sign your 
request, and your signature must either be notarized or submitted under 
28 U.S.C. 1746, a law that permits statements to be made under penalty 
of perjury as a substitute for notarization. While no specific form is 
required, you may obtain forms for this purpose from the Chief Privacy 
Officer and Chief Freedom of Information Act Officer, http://www.dhs.gov/foia or 1-866-431-0486. In addition, you should:
    <bullet> Explain why you believe the Department would have 
information on you;
    <bullet> Identify which component(s) of the Department you believe 
may have the information about you;
    <bullet> Specify when you believe the records would have been 
created; and
    <bullet> Provide any other information that will help the FOIA 
staff determine which DHS component agency may have responsive records.
    If your request is seeking records pertaining to another living 
individual, you must include a statement from that individual 
certifying his/her agreement for you to access his/her records.
    Without the above information, the component(s) may not be able to 
conduct an effective search, and your request may be denied due to lack 
of specificity or lack of compliance with applicable regulations.

Contesting Record Procedures:
    For records covered by the Privacy Act or covered JRA records, see 
``access procedures'' above.

Notification Procedures:
    See ``Record Access procedure.''

EXEMPTIONS PROMULGATED FOR THE SYSTEM:
    The Secretary of Homeland Security has exempted this system from 
the following provisions of the Privacy Act pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 
552a(j)(2): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (c)(4), (d), (e)(1), (e)(2), (e)(3), 
(e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(4)(I), (e)(5), (e)(8), (e)(12), (f), (g)(1), 
and (h). Additionally, the Secretary of Homeland Security has exempted 
this system from the following provisions of the Privacy Act pursuant 
to 5 U.S.C. 552a(k)(1) and (k)(2): 5 U.S.C. 552a(c)(3), (d), (e)(1), 
(e)(4)(G), (e)(4)(H), (e)(4)(I), and (f).
    When this system receives a record from another system exempted in 
that source system under 5 U.S.C. 552a(j)(2), DHS will claim the same 
exemptions for those records that are claimed for the original primary 
systems of records from which they originated and claims any additional 
exemptions set forth here.

History:
    DHS/USCIS/ICE/CBP-001 Alien File, Index, and National File Tracking

[[Page 43565]]

System of Records, 78 FR 69864 (Nov. 21, 2013); Alien File, Index, and 
National File Tracking SORN, 76 FR 34233l (Jun. 13, 2011); Alien File 
(A-File) and Central Index System (CIS) Systems of Records 78 FR 1755 
(Jan. 16, 2007).

Jonathan R. Cantor,
Acting Chief Privacy Officer, Department of Homeland Security.
[FR Doc. 2017-19365 Filed 9-15-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 9111-97-P