Implementation of Public Law 105-277, Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, Relating to Firearms Disabilities for Nonimmigrant Aliens, and Requirement for Import Permit for Nonimmigrant Aliens Bringing Firearms and Ammunition Into the United States (2001R-332P)

We are amending the regulations to implement the provision of Public Law 105-277, Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999, relating to firearms disabilities for nonimmigrant aliens. These regulations implement the law by prohibiting, with certain exceptions, the transfer to and possession of firearms and ammunition by aliens in the United States in a nonimmigrant classification. In addition, we are amending the regulations to give the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate the authority to require nonresidents bringing firearms and ammunition into the United States for hunting or sporting purposes to obtain an import permit. In the interest of national security and public safety, ATF will require nonimmigrant aliens to obtain import permits for all importations of firearms and ammunition into the United States (except for those exempt importations specified in the regulations) as of the effective date of this regulation. The temporary rule will remain in effect until superseded by final regulations. In the same issue, but a separate part of this Federal Register, we are also issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking inviting comments on the temporary rule for a 90-day comment period following the publication date of this temporary rule.