Opinion ID: 484728
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The 1981 Amended Operating Instruction

Text: 26 We conclude that the 1981 Operating Instruction presents even a clearer case of a general statement of policy. Like the 1978 Operating Instruction, it operates only prospectively. Moreover, the wording and structure of the amended Instruction emphasizes the broad and unfettered discretion of the district director in making deferred action determinations. None of the factors listed in the 1981 Instruction establishes a binding norm: they require the district director to evaluate the sympathetic appeal of the deferred action applicant and to surmise the possible internal agency reaction and publicity that would result from his deportation and exclusion. The Instruction leaves the district director free to consider the individual facts in each case. Ryder 716 F.2d at 1377. We conclude as a result, that the 1981 Operating Instruction constitutes a general statement of policy, and was validly promulgated without notice-and-comment proceedings. See 5 U.S.C. Secs. 553(b)(A), 553(d)(2). 27 Because we conclude that notice-and-comment proceedings were not required under section 553 either to repeal the original, 1978 Operating Instruction or to promulgate the 1981 Operating Instruction, we reject Mada's challenge to the denial of his deferred action petition based upon the APA.