The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is seeking public input on the revised Advance Travel Authorization (ATA) initiative, according to a recent notice in the Federal Register. The ATA initiative, part of the CBP One application, allows certain noncitizens and their immediate family members to request advance authorization to travel to the United States on a case-by-case basis.
Under the ATA initiative, individuals are required to provide facial photographs and other biometric information through the CBP One application for vetting procedures. This streamlines the verification process for air carriers participating in the CBP's Document Validation program. The CBP is now introducing changes to the initiative, including the addition of a new respondent group called "Uniting for Ukraine (U4U)." This allows Ukrainian citizens and their families fleeing from Russian aggression to apply for parole through the ATA facility.
To ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of the revised initiative, the CBP is encouraging public comments. The comments should address the necessity and practical utility of the proposed collection of information, as well as the accuracy of the agency's burden estimate. The CBP estimates a total of 562,000 respondents annually, with approximately 10 minutes required per response. The deadline for public comments is November 13, 2023.
The CBP's commitment to seeking public input underscores its dedication to engaging with stakeholders and shaping the future of the ATA initiative. By including provisions for Ukrainian refugees, the CBP aims to enhance efficiency and security in the parole process for those fleeing conflict and seeking refuge in the United States. The public's feedback will play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the revised initiative.
