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DHS is revising regulations that authorize the means to serve decisions and other notices in-person or by mail, to include electronic and other means of service. This rule is consistent with Executive Order 14058, which directs agencies to take actions that improve service delivery and customer experience by decreasing administrative burdens, enhancing transparency, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of government. Current regulations limit ICE, a component of DHS, to serve documents in-person, or by certified, registered, or ordinary mail, which is time consuming, inefficient, and unreliable. This interim final rule would enable ICE to issue and serve certain notices, decisions, and other documents electronically to noncitizens, parties, attorneys, or other persons of interest who voluntarily opt-in to be served electronically. The intent is to improve convenience, transparency, and provide quicker information and communication to both the public and the government. This interim final rule would also permit ICE to issue bond-related notifications to obligors electronically for immigration bonds.The ICE transition to electronic notifications for bond-related documents is part of an electronic bonds system ICE developed to simplify the posting of bonds.   

Statement of Need:

This interim final rule is needed for ICE to begin transforming from a paper environment to electronic or other means to streamline processes and increase efficiency.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits:

ICE is in the process of assessing the anticipated impacts of this rule. This interim final rule is expected to result in cost-savings and benefits to both the government and private parties due to the optional electronic servicing of bond-related notifications, including expedited delivery, improved reliability, and other modernization features.  It may impose nominal use and familiarization costs to those who elect to create accounts and use the system.