Port Security

The 25% Challenge: Speeding Cross-Border Traffic in Southeastern Michigan
Journal of Homeland Security, April 19, 2006
This article describes how a public-private partnership met and exceeded then-Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge's goal to reduce cross-border transit times in Southeastern Michigan within 1 year.

Border and Transportation Security
Congressional Research Service, March 29, 2005
Border and transportation security are pivotal in protecting the American people from terrorists. This three-part series of reports uses analytical frameworks to better understand and explain complex problems in border and transportation security and to facilitate the consideration of alternative policies and practices.

• The Complexity of the Challenge (PDF)
  This report uses a series of graphical presentations to form one possible framework that might assist policymakers in understanding the complex nature of border and transportation security.

• Selected Programs and Policies (PDF)
  This report addresses selected programs and policies now in place that seek to attain higher levels of border transportation security.

• Possible New Directions and Policy Options (PDF)
  This report addresses possible new approaches and policy options that might be explored by Congress.

Border and Transportation Security: Overview of Congressional Issues (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, December 2004
This report discusses the roles and responsibilities of various federal agencies engaged in border and transportation security activities. It also defines terms and selected concepts used in border and transportation security debates.

Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, January 3, 2008
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must keep terrorists and other dangerous people from entering the country while also moving millions of travelers across our borders at 326 air, sea, and land ports of entry. In response to a congressional request, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examined CBP's efforts to inspect travelers, the progress it has made and the challenges that remain in staffing and training at ports of entry, and CBP's progress in developing strategic plans and performance measures for its traveler inspection program. To do this, GAO reviewed and analyzed CBP data and documents related to inspections, staffing, and training; interviewed managers and officers; observed inspections at eight major air and land ports of entry; and tested inspection controls at eight small land ports of entry. This GAO testimony is based on a report GAO issued on November 5, 2007.

Border Security: Inspections Practices, Policies, and Issues (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, May 26, 2004
This report examines the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's “one face at the border” approach, which unifies inspections operations at all U.S. borders. In particular, it examines three types of border inspections: immigration, customs, and animal and plant health. It also discusses trends at ports, modes of entry, budget issues, and staffing functions.

Border Security: Key Agencies and Their Missions (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated May 9, 2005
This report is a primer on the key federal agencies charged with border security. Those agencies are the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), which patrols the border and conducts immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which investigates immigration and customs violations in the interior of the country; the U.S. Coast Guard, which provides maritime and port security; and the Transportation and Security Administration (TSA), which is responsible for securing the nation's land, rail, and air transportation networks.

Border Security: New Policies and Increased Interagency Coordination Needed to Improve Visa Process (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, July 2003
This Congressional testimony discusses the visa process and recommends ways to strengthen border security through information sharing and more clear policies and guidelines. The testimony also addresses visa revocation as an anti-terrorism tool.

Border Security: The Role of the U.S. Border Patrol (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated May 10, 2005
This report considers recent and future issues that fall under the purview of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP), such as drug smuggling, human smuggling, and human trafficking. It also covers efforts to combat these activities, including the new National Border Patrol Strategy, which emphasizes the interdiction of terrorists; the Arizona Border Control Initiative; U.S.-Canadian northern border cooperation; and civilian patrol groups. CBP staffing and training needs are also presented.

Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, December 6, 2006
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) established the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program to collect, maintain, and share data on selected foreign nationals entering and exiting the United States at air, sea, and land points of entry. These data, including biometric identifiers such as digital fingerprints, are to be used to screen persons against watch lists, verify visitors' identities, and record arrival and departure. In this report, the Government Accountability Office analyzes efforts to implement US-VISIT entry and exit capabilities and DHS's efforts to define how US-VISIT fits with other emerging border security initiatives.

Coast Guard: Condition of Some Aids-to-Navigation and Domestic Icebreaking Vessels Has Declined; Effect on Mission Performance Appears Mixed (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, September 22, 2006
To facilitate the safety and efficiency of the marine transportation system, the Coast Guard's fleet of more than 200 vessels maintains aids-to-navigation (ATON), such as buoys and beacons, and conducts domestic icebreaking. After the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, many of these assets took on additional responsibilities for security patrols and other homeland security duties. Although some assets have been recently acquired, many others are reaching or have exceeded their design service lives, raising concerns about how well and for how much longer these older assets can carry out their missions. This document examines recent trends in the amount of time these assets have spent performing missions; the condition of these assets and how their condition affects mission performance; and the Coast Guard's actions to continue to achieve the missions of these assets.

Coast Guard Meets Safe Port Act Deadline
U.S. Coast Guard, April 3, 2007
The U.S. Coast Guard has announced that it met the April 1, 2007 deadline mandated by the SAFE Port Act of 2006 to track all large commercial vessels within U.S. waters.

Coast Guard: New Communication System to Support Search and Rescue Faces Challenges (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, September 2003
The Coast Guard has reported that its 30-year-old search and rescue communication system, called the National Distress and Response System, has several deficiencies and is difficult to maintain. Thus, the Coast Guard contracted to replace and modernize it with a new system, called Rescue 21. This report identifies the status and plans of the Coast Guard's acquisition of Rescue 21 and the technical and program risks associated with it.

Combating Terrorism: Actions Needed to Improve Force Protection for DOD Deployments through Domestic Seaports (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, 2002
Focusing on security issues associated with domestic seaports, this report analyzes (1) the security environment at domestic seaports used by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) for military deployments and (2) DOD's processes for securing military deployments through those ports. As part of the evaluation, researchers examined seaport force protection efforts at six strategic U.S. seaports. For security reasons, location-specific information is not disclosed.

Container Security: Current Efforts to Detect Nuclear Materials, New Initiatives, and Challenges (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, November 2002
Presented as testimony before the Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform, this report describes programs designed to prevent the smuggling of illegal fissile material or tactical nuclear weapons into the United States. It also highlights new efforts to counter such smuggling, both domestically and abroad, and presents the key challenges to implementing such efforts.

Container Security: Expansion of Key Customs Programs Will Require Greater Attention to Critical Success Factors (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, July 2003
This report presents recommendations for improving management, oversight, long-term success, and accountability of two customs programs: the Container Security Initiative, which screens high-risk cargo at overseas ports; and the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism, which secures the global supply chain of the private sector.

Container Security Initiative Fact Sheet
U.S. Customs and Border Protection, September 26, 2006
This fact sheet discusses the purpose and operation of the Container Security Initiative, intended to help increase security for containerized cargo shipped to the United States from around the world.

DHS Issues Maritime Security Regulations and Commemorates Importance of Immigration and Citizenship
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 1, 2003
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced the publication of security regulations that require sectors of the maritime industry to implement measures designed to protect America's ports and waterways from terrorist attack. The regulations, which implement major provisions of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, will increase security by "requiring completion of security assessments, development of security plans, and implementation of security measures and procedures."

The Economic Impacts of Bioterrorist Attacks on Freight Transport Systems in an Age of Seaport Vulnerability, Executive Summary (PDF)
U.S. Department of Transportation and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, May 9, 2003
This paper details the costs and consequences of bioterrorist attack under current and near future improved defense conditions, estimating the potential costs of an attack on a major seaport.

The Economic Impact of Nuclear Terrorist Attacks on Freight Transport Systems in an Age of Seaport Vulnerability, Executive Summary (PDF)
U.S. Department of Transportation and Volpe National Transportation Systems Center, April 30, 2003
This paper details the costs and consequences of nuclear attack under current and near future improved defense conditions, estimating the potential costs of an attack on a major seaport.

Evaluating the Security of the Global Containerized Supply Chain (PDF)
RAND Corporation, December 2004
This report provides guidance and a framework for assessing the nation's security measures as they relate to cargo and container security. The report also reviews current cargo and container security risk reduction efforts and policies.

Evaluating the Viability of 100 Percent Container Inspection at America's Ports (PDF)
RAND Corporation, May 2006
Currently, only 5 percent of containers arriving at U.S. seaports are inspected. A cost-benefit analysis indicates that 100 percent scanning is not currently feasible, but future technologies and process improvements may make such inspections cost effective.

Export Controls: Improvements to Commerce's Dual-Use System Needed to Ensure Protection of U.S. Interests in the Post-9/11 Environment (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, June 26, 2006
In regulating exports of dual-use items—that is, items that have both commercial and military applications—the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS), seeks to allow U.S. companies to compete globally, while minimizing the risk of items falling into enemy hands. This Report to the Chairman, Committee on International Relations, House of Representatives summarizes the examination of BIS dual-use export control systems.

Fact Sheet: Maritime Security Requirements
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, October 2003
This fact sheet examines how the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002, the new security amendments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974, and its complementary International Ship and Port Facility Security Code strengthen and add additional protective layers of defense to our nation's port security.

Federal Port Security Credential Now Available Nationwide
Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, September 17, 2008
The Transportation Security Administration has announced that all Transportation Worker Identification Credential fixed enrollment sites are open and ready to register port workers, truckers, and others.

Hearing on Port Security: Credentials for Port Security
Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, February 2002
This hearing transcript investigates the best way to implement a nationwide security system that requires transportation workers to hold secure identity cards and includes testimony from Administration, transportation industry, and labor representatives.

Homeland Security: Coast Guard Operations—Background and Issues for Congress (PDF)
Congressional Research Service Report for Congress, July 2004
This report examines Coast Guard homeland-security operations, specifically the Coast Guard's key role in maintaining port security. It summarizes threat level, Coast Guard responsibilities, emerging issues, and relevant legislation.

Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, March 6, 2008
Since September 11, 2001, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has spent billions of dollars to prevent the illegal entry of individuals and contraband between ports of entry—government-designated locations where DHS inspects persons and goods to determine whether they may be lawfully admitted into the country. This report summarizes analysis dating back to May 2006 on selected DHS efforts to inspect travelers at U.S. ports of entry, detect individuals attempting to enter the country illegally between ports of entry, and screen international travelers before they arrive in the United States.

Homeland Security: First Phase of Visitor and Immigration Status Program Operating, but Improvement Needed (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, May 2004
This report assesses the expenditure plan of the first stage of the operational capability of US-VISIT (United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology) at 115 air and 14 sea ports of entry. It also reviews the progress of implementing previously made recommendations, the majority of which are aimed at correcting fundamental limitations in the ability to manage US-VISIT in a way that reasonably ensures program delivery commensurate with time and budget.

Homeland Security: Preliminary Observations on Efforts to Target Security Inspections of Cargo Containers (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, December 2003
This report presents preliminary findings on (1) whether the strategy used by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection to target cargo for inspection is consistent with key risk management and computer modeling practices and (2) how well that targeting strategy has been implemented at selected seaports.

Homeland Security: Process for Reporting Lessons Learned from Seaport Exercises Needs Further Attention (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, January 2005
This report examines the emerging framework for coordinating entities involved in security responses, legal and operational issues emerging from exercises conducted to date, and Coast Guard management of reports analyzing exercises.

Homeland Security Recommendations to Improve Management of Key Border Security Program Need to Be Implemented (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, February 2006
The current status of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) implementation of the 18 recommendations is mixed, and progress in critical areas has been slow. DHS has implemented two of the recommendations: it defined program staff positions, roles, and responsibilities, and it hired an independent verification and validation contractor.

Homeland Security: Summary of Challenges Faced in Targeting Ocean-Going Cargo Containers for Inspection (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, March 31, 2004
This report summarizes the progress of the system used by the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection to target seaport cargo containers that may pose a terrorism threat (e.g., weapons smuggling). In particular, it examines personnel training, data collection and analysis, space limitations at ports for screening equipment, and the extent to which risk management principles have been incorporated into the targeting strategy.

Homeland Security: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Border Surveillance (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, June 28, 2004
This report examines the strengths and limitations of deploying unmanned aerial vehicles along U.S. borders to improve border security.

Human Resources at U.S. Ports of Entry to Protect the Public's Health: Interim Letter Report
Institute of Medicine, The National Academies, 2005
Many infectious diseases have appeared in and spread to multiple continents since 1970. A significant vehicle for this spread is the speed and volume of international and transcontinental travel, commerce, and human migration. In response to these trends and the risk of bioterrorism, the U.S. Congress and the Bush Administration have mandated that the Division of Global Migration and Quarantine, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than triple the size of its system of quarantine stations at U.S. ports of entry and that it play an active role in biosurveillance. This interim letter report—the first of two reports—outlines the skills and types of professionals recommended for the quarantine system.

Immigration Enforcement Actions: 2005 (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, November 2006
This annual report describes the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's efforts to arrest, detain, and remove from the United States foreign nationals who are in violation of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Violations include losing legal status by failing to abide by the terms and conditions of entry, or by engaging in crimes such as terrorist activity, violent crimes, document fraud, and drug smuggling.

The International Terrorist Threat to Maritime Transportation (PDF)
Canadian Security Intelligence Service (redacted), May 2003
This unclassified report analyzes attacks on maritime transportation worldwide to assess potential threats. Conclusions drawn may be helpful to policymakers and planning and prevention specialists.

Maritime Security: Better Planning Needed to Help Ensure an Effective Port Security Assessment Program (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, September 2004
This congressional report discusses the U.S. Coast Guard's Port Security Assessment Program and provides suggestions to enhance its effectiveness as a tool for improving port security.

Maritime Security: Information-Sharing Efforts Are Improving (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, July 2006
This testimony before the Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability, Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives is a summary and update to the April 2005 report Maritime Security: New Structures Have Improved Information Sharing, but Security Clearance Processing Requires Further Attention (GAO testimony number GAO-05-394). It discusses the impact that committees and interagency operational centers have had on improving information sharing, and identifies barriers that have hindered information sharing.

Maritime Security: One Year Later: A Progress Report on the SAFE Port Act (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, October 16, 2007
The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act ( SAFE Port Act) modified existing legislation and created and codified new programs related to maritime security. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Security Agency, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have key maritime security responsibilities. This testimony synthesizes the results of the Government Accountability Office's completed work and preliminary observations from its ongoing work related to the SAFE Port Act pertaining to (1) overall port security, (2) security at individual facilities, and (3) cargo container security.

Maritime Security: Partnering Could Reduce Federal Costs and Facilitate Implementation of Automatic Vessel Identification System (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, August 2004
This report discusses the progress being made by the U.S. Coast Guard and other federal agencies in developing an automatic identification system that helps monitor ships traveling to and through U.S. waters and the challenges and opportunities that these agencies may encounter in completing their work.

Maritime Security: Progress Made in Implementing Maritime Transportation Security Act, But Concerns Remain (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, September 2003
This report presents preliminary findings of a review of agencies' efforts to implement the security requirements of the Maritime Transportation Security Act of November 2002. It identifies five areas of concern: three that relate to security issues and two that relate to operational and organizational matters.

Maritime Security: Substantial Work Remains to Translate New Planning Requirements into Effective Port Security (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, June 2004
The Maritime Transportation Act of 2002, implemented by the U.S. Coast Guard, calls for owners and operators of about 3,150 port facilities and about 9,200 vessels to develop and implement security plans by July 1, 2004. This report assesses the progress toward developing, reviewing, and approving plans by July 1; the Coast Guard's monitoring and oversight strategy for ensuring that plans are implemented; and the accuracy of the Coast Guard's cost estimate.

Maritime Security: The SAFE Port Act and Efforts to Secure Our Nation's Seaports (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, October 4, 2007
The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act) modified existing legislation and created and codified new programs related to maritime security at the nation's 361 seaports. This testimony synthesizes the results of the Government Accountability Office's preliminary observations and completed work from its ongoing assessment of overall port security, individual facility security, and cargo container security. To perform this work, the office visited domestic and overseas ports; reviewed agency program documents, port security plans, and postexercise reports; and interviewed officials from the federal, state, local, private, and international sectors.

Maritime Security: The SAFE Port Act: Status and Implementation One Year Later (PDF)
U.S. Government Accountability Office, October 30, 2007
The Security and Accountability for Every Port Act (SAFE Port Act) modified existing legislation and created and codified new programs related to maritime security. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and its U.S. Coast Guard, Transportation Security Administration, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have key maritime security responsibilities. This testimony synthesizes the results of the Government Accountability Office's (GAO's) completed work and preliminary observations from GAO's ongoing work related to the SAFE Port Act as it pertains to overall port security, security at individual facilities, and cargo container security.

Maritime Terrorism Risk and Liability (PDF)
RAND Corporation, October 2006
Policymakers have become increasingly concerned in recent years about the possibility of maritime terrorist attacks. Historically, the occurrence of such attacks has been limited, but recognition that maritime vessels and facilities may be particularly vulnerable to terrorism has galvanized concerns. In addition, some plausible maritime attacks could have very significant consequences in the form of mass casualties, severe property damage, and disruption of commerce. These risks also provide the context for understanding the government institutions that will respond to future attacks, particularly with regard to the U.S. civil justice system.

Port and Maritime Security: Background and Issues for Congress (PDF)
Congressional Research Service, Updated May 10, 2005
This report provides background information and discusses potential issues for Congress to address regarding port security. The terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 heightened the nation's awareness of the vulnerability of U.S. ports and the shipping industry to terrorist attack. The issues Congress needs to address involve providing oversight on port security and proposals for improving it. Legislation in this area can have significant implications for public safety, the economy, and federal, state, and local homeland security responsibilities and expenditures.

Port and Maritime Security: Potential for Terrorist Nuclear Attack Using Oil Tankers (PDF)
Jonathan Medalia, Congressional Research Service, December 7, 2004
This report examines the potential of, and potential outcomes for, terrorist placement and detonation of an atomic device in a tanker in a U.S. port. Various options to address this threat are suggested.

Port Security: Nation Faces Formidable Challenges in Making New Initiatives Successful (PDF)
U.S. General Accounting Office, August 2002
This report presents testimony before the House Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations on the vulnerabilities of commercial ports, the initiatives taken by federal agencies and other key stakeholders to enhance seaport security, and challenges faced in implementing security-enhancing initiatives.

Protecting the Nation's Seaports: Balancing Security and Cost (PDF)
Public Policy Institute of California, July 2006
This report offers an overview of port security, including arguments for balancing security and cost. Ports are using new and developing security technologies, including sensors, identification and authentication Internet technology, and tracking and inspection technologies. The report states that the federal government should do more to encourage research and development in these areas.

Review of CBP Actions Taken to Intercept Suspected Terrorists at U.S. Ports of Entry (PDF)
Office of Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 25, 2006
This report assesses the actions that the U.S. Bureau of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) takes to intercept suspected terrorists at U.S. ports of entry. It is based on interviews with employees and officials of relevant agencies and institutions, direct observations, and a review of applicable documents.

Review of the Port Security Grant Program (PDF)
Office of the Inspector General, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, January 2005
This audit report assesses the strengths and weaknesses of the Department of Homeland Security's port security grant program, which provides funds for security within the maritime industry.

"Seacurity": Improving the Security of the Global Sea-Container Shipping System
Maarten van de Voort and Kevin A. O'Brien with Adnan Rahman and Lorenzo Valeri, RAND Corporation, 2003
This document raises awareness of maritime security, specifically container commerce, and its vulnerability to terrorism by identifying obstacles to achieving a less vulnerable maritime system. It includes recommendations and references.

Secretary Ridge Announces New Initiatives For Port Security
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 2003
On June 12, 2003, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge announced new port security initiatives and investments, including the second phase of the Container Security Initiative, $170 million in port security grants, and $58 million in funding for Operation Safe Commerce.

Secure Border Initiative: Observations on Deployment Challenges [Testimony] (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, September 10, 2008
Customs and Border Protection's Secure Border Initiative program is responsible for developing a comprehensive border protection system using a mix of surveillance and communication technologies known as SBInet (e.g., radars, sensors, cameras, and satellite phones), and tactical infrastructure (e.g., fencing). This testimony reports observations of the program's technology and infrastructure deployment. It also presents its definition of its human capital goals and progress toward those goals.

Secure Seas, Open Ports: Keeping Our Waters Safe, Secure and Open for Business (PDF)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), June 2004
This document summarizes new baseline measures that are part of DHS's layered approach to port security. The layered security measures are designed to protect three phases of a journey: overseas, in transit, and on U.S. shores.

Terrorist Nuclear Attacks on Seaports: Threat and Response (PDF)
J. Medalia, Congressional Research Service, January 24, 2005
A nuclear attack on a U.S. seaport could cause local devastation and also affect the global economy. Although the ability to detect a bomb appears limited, the U.S. is using technology, intelligence, international cooperation, and other methods to thwart such an attack. This report summarizes different scenarios that involve terrorists' acquiring nuclear bombs, discusses different responses, and reviews policy issues.

Transportation Security: DHS Should Address Key Challenges Before Implementing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program
Government Accountability Office, September 29, 2006
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is developing the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) to ensure that only workers who do not pose a terrorist threat are allowed to enter secure areas of transportation facilities. TSA completed TWIC testing in 2005 and is implementing the credential in the maritime sector. This report provides the results from, and recommendations following, an evaluation on the status of TWIC.

Transportation Security: Transportation Worker Identification Credential: A Status Update [Testimony] (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, September 17, 2008
This testimony discusses the progress made in implementing the Transportation Security Administration's Transportation Worker Identification Credential Program and some of the program's remaining challenges.

US-VISIT (Fact Sheet)
U.S. Department of Homeland Security, June 1, 2004
This fact sheet provides an overview of US-VISIT, a program of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that enhances border security, facilitates the entry and exit process at U.S. borders, legitimizes travel and trade across borders, and promotes the integrity of the immigration system by respecting the privacy of visitors.

Various Issues Led to the Termination of the United States-Canada Shared Border Management Pilot Project (PDF)
Government Accountability Office, September 4, 2008
Each year, approximately 70 million travelers and 35 million vehicles cross the border from Canada into the United States. The heightened emphasis on border security following the 2001 terrorist attacks has lengthened processing time for travelers and cargo crossing into the United States. The United States and Canada have cooperated on various cross-border management initiatives intended to increase the flow of legitimate travel across the border while maintaining security. This report discusses an initiative that failed because of disagreements over sovereignty and the authority of U.S. law enforcement authorities on Canadian soil.