On August 14, 2024, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) issued notice of a final rule amending its public regulations concerning Security Threat Assessments (STAs). The purpose was to correct what the agency described as a “technical oversight” in its regulations concerning the types of immigration information that noncitizens can submit in support of STA applications. Currently, noncitizens may only provide an Alien Registration Number (ARN) in support of their applications. TSA’s amendment will allow noncitizens to provide additional documentation, such as the Form I-551 Permanent Resident Card and other relevant documents, to facilitate the STA vetting process.

This change is effective immediately upon publication (anticipated on August 15, 2024) and does not impose new substantive requirements or burdens on STA applicants. The TSA determined that public notice and comment were unnecessary due to the limited nature of the amendment, which merely expands the types of documents acceptable for the STA without altering existing immigration standards. The TSA will maintain a list of acceptable documents on its website to assist applicants.

Overall, this technical amendment aims to streamline the STA application process for noncitizens seeking security clearance in air cargo operations, thereby enhancing the efficiency of the vetting process while ensuring compliance with existing regulatory standards