Posted by Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute

Today, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) proposed a revision to its customs declaration regulations that will save returning U.S. travelers time and save the agency money while still maintaining security at our ports of entry.

The proposed update addresses when members of a family residing in one household and traveling together on their return to the U.S. may make a joint declaration for all members of the family. We anticipate that expanding the definition of “members of a family residing in one household” will reduce the amount of paperwork and time that CBP officers would need to review during inspection and, therefore, facilitate passenger processing. Streamlining this procedure is expected to result in more than $2 million in time savings annually and allow CBP officers to dedicate more attention to other admissibility issues and travelers that may pose threats.

CBP is proposing to expand the definition of the term “members of a family residing in one household” to include domestic relationships, which would allow more U.S. returning residents to file a joint customs declaration for articles acquired abroad. “Domestic relationship” would include foster children, stepchildren, half-siblings, legal wards, and other types of dependents. This definition would also include two adults who are in a committed relationship, including long-term companions and couples in civil unions or domestic partnerships where the partners share financial assets and obligations. Of course, “members of a family residing in one household” will continue to encompass relationships by blood, adoption, and marriage.

CBP’s mission is to facilitate legal travel in the U.S. while protecting our borders. By reducing costs, improving traveler processing, and more accurately reflecting relationships between members of the public who are traveling together as a family, we believe this rule update will assist CBP in delivering on its goal.

Posted by Assistant Secretary for the Private Sector, Douglas A. Smith

Earlier this month, the Private Sector Office, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Miami and the Federal Bureau of Investigation coordinated a DHS for a Day event for 12 university presidents from across the country representing the National Security Higher Education Advisory Board (NSHEAB), a public-private partnership coordinated by the FBI. 

As part of the event, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) provided tours of the Port of Miami and the Miami International Airport, highlighting DHS’ efforts to strengthen security while promoting the flow of legitimate trade and travel.  

The program also featured a panel discussion with representatives from DHS and the Department of State on the international student process.

NSHEAB members shared experiences from international students at their schools and provided recommendations to improve the entry process. To support the implementation of these recommendations, DHS will continue to use its Study in the States website to provide information to international students and academic officials on the international student process. Launched in September 2011, Study in the States serves as a central online information hub for DHS and its agency partners to provide up-to-date information on student visa and exchange visitor programs.

Posted by Commissioner Alan D. Bersin, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Earlier this week I had the pleasure of speaking to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s national security task force. Before I spoke, I listened with great interest to task force chairman and former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge emphasize that U.S. ports of entry must be where both security and prosperity thrive.

I could not agree more. In fact, from my view as commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I see that our national security and economic security mission are more than complementary activities. Securing the nation's borders—land, air, and sea—while facilitating the flow of lawful people and goods entering the United States is vital to our homeland security, as well as our economic prosperity. And, over the past several years, we have deployed unprecedented levels of personnel, technology, and resources to enhancing both security and legal commerce at our nation’s borders.

As the global security and economic pictures have evolved in the post-9/11 world, so has our approach to border security. This new border paradigm has helped CBP refine our way of doing business by adding more time and space to our inspection process, and allowing us to identify dangerous people and goods at the earliest point possible.

Of course, this new border paradigm will not be fully embraced overnight. While we have made significant progress in the private commercial sector, we need to do more to encourage businesses and individuals to join these efforts. This week, I asked the U.S. Chamber to work with us on expanding trusted traveler and shipper programs and with building better, smarter borders that continue to strengthen security and expedite legal commerce.

Here’s the bargain: If you are a frequent international traveler or U.S. border crosser, or you are involved in importation into the U.S., we urge you to join one of our trusted traveler or shipper programs.  The more goods and people we encounter who participate in these programs, the more resources we can dedicate to those we know far less about. Participate because you want a safer border, or participate because you want your border experience to be faster and easier. Either way, we all win.

Friday, December 3, 2010
Written by: LTJG Stephanie Young




Homeported in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Farallon patrols the Caribbean and executes counter-narcotics,  alien migrant interdiction and homeland security missions.   Photo by: USCG

 
Whether in corporate culture or the military, buzzwords are often used to describe the success of an organization. One of these buzzwords is “teamwork,” but for Coast Guard Cutter Farallon, and LT James O’Mara, teamwork isn’t just another word. It’s a way to achieve mission excellence.

As Commanding Officer of Farallon, O’Mara has the responsibility to create a positive culture aboard his unit. At no time was that teamwork more evident than during a seven-day period where his crew stopped two drug smuggling ventures and one migrant smuggling attempt.

Farallon’s mission-filled week began with the report of an unidentified air contact. When the aircraft began acting suspiciously, Farallon detected two surface contacts moving into the area and attempting to pull contraband from the water, apparently dropped by the aircraft.

The cutter’s small boat, joined by a small boat from Coast Guard Station San Juan and British authorities, intercepted the first vessel involved in the airdrop while the second vessel fled south and unloaded their contraband into the bushes of a nearby island. While those smugglers evaded authorities, the eight bales of cocaine they attempted to conceal were recovered. Three suspects aboard the intercepted vessel were transferred to British authorities for prosecution and overall, the inter-agency, multi-national effort disrupted a major drug trafficking route and prevented an estimated $7.2 million of cocaine from hitting the streets.
 

This photo, from a Customs and Border Protection aircraft shows the vessel Farallon interdicted with 15 Dominican nationals  attempting to gain illegal entry to the United States. Photo by: USCG

Later that week the crew again found themselves at the forefront of homeland security when they received notification from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of a possible migrant vessel. Aided by CBP and Puerto Rican authorities, Farallon boarded a vessel with 15 Dominican nationals attempting to gain illegal entry to the U.S. and one smuggler. All 16 individuals were brought aboard the cutter and using biometrics a suspect was positively identified and linked to a known human trafficking organization.

“This case put Farallon’s teamwork on display,” said O’Mara. “It was the middle of the night, other agency assets were on scene, lives were at stake on an overcrowded vessel. Puerto Rico’s lights were literally in sight, this vessel was that close to ‘making it.’ My crew did a fantastic job managing law enforcement interactions on scene, including a challenging three-hour tow of the vessel back to port for evidence. The case was textbook and I was proud of every single one of my Shipmates.”

Farallon was not done with their missions though. The next night, a U.S. Customs aircraft reported two suspicious vessels dead in the water where the exclusive economic zones of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic meet.

The crew, fatigued from the week’s previous missions, kicked into high gear once again to perform at their best. At this high operational tempo, with back-to-back-to-back missions, Farallon found out who they were as a team.


The Farallon crew, under the command of LT O’Mara, has redefined what it means to work together as a team as they set the example for mission excellence. Photo courtesy of LTJG Christopher O’Meara.

 “This is where our motto makes its mark: ‘Deal Justice,’” said O’Mara. “That’s what this unit, this crew and this team does every time we take in lines and head out there because we know we are being counted on to deal justice. This team steps up, comes together and delivers every time.”

Working with U.S. Customs aircraft support, the Farallon monitored the vessels as they transferred contraband at sea. The loaded vessel was then tracked covertly as it headed towards Puerto Rico, back into U.S. waters. On the Farallon’s mark, the cutter, boarding team and aircraft moved in.

“As soon as we closed in, the smuggling vessel increased speed, began to maneuver erratically and jettisoned the contraband,” said O’Mara. “My coxswain had positioned the small boat and boarding team perfectly – the smugglers had no choice but to stop. The quick end to the chase enabled the cutter to remain in the vicinity of the jettisoned contraband. This positioning was crucial to my crew’s ability to detect and recover individual bricks of cocaine floating on the surface of the water – not an easy task in the middle of the night, but my Shipmates focused, searched for hours and made it happen.”

Farallon detained the vessel, two drug smugglers and recovered a total of 77 cocaine bricks worth an estimated street value of $2.64 million.

These high-pressure situations demanded teamwork, and the Farallon brought it. When so much was at stake, O’Mara and his crew were able to perform as a team.

Congratulations LT O’Mara on your crew’s mission excellence!

Paul Behe, a CBP Paralegal Specialist in Cleveland, devised an innovative idea for how his office could cut costs and streamline operations. And with your help, this bright idea just might win the President’s 2010 SAVE Award.

The SAVE Award contest offered every federal employee the chance to submit their ideas for how to make the federal government leaner, smarter and more effective – goals that are very familiar to DHS employees through Secretary Napolitano’s DHS-wide Efficiency Review initiative.

Paul was inspired to participate in this challenge after noticing a backlog of over 900 seized items in CBP’s Cleveland office. Because of limited funding available for print advertising, CBP faced a hefty price-tag to store seized items until they could be advertised.

Paul proposed that instead of using print advertisements, CBP should consider advertising online to reduce the cost of ads and storage for items awaiting adjudication.

Paul’s idea was hand-picked to be one of four finalists from the more than 18,000 ideas submitted government-wide. If Paul wins, he will get the chance to visit the White House, meet President Obama, and have his Efficiency Review initiative incorporated into the FY 2012 Budget.

From today until Friday, Nov. 12, you can help us make this innovative idea the winning SAVE idea by visiting http://www.save.gov/ and voting for Paul.

As we celebrate the first anniversary of DHS’ Efficiency Review this week, we’re going to spotlight a few of the many DHS employees who are using their creativity and experience every day to cut costs, streamline operations and promote greater accountability, transparency and customer satisfaction across the Department.

Robert Namejko and Richard Winkler of Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Office of Administration and Judy Shetler and Dora Shomette of CBP’s Office of Internal Affairs are great examples of employees working together to make a difference. Together, these four employees identified millions of dollars in cost avoidances by lowering the costs of background investigations.

According to Dora, “there was a need to unify our background investigation contracts to ensure that all contractors were working from the same rules and regulations, and eliminate requirements that were no longer relevant or essential.”

By combining Dora and Judy’s security expertise with Robert and Richard’s experience with procurement issues, CBP was able to cut the costs of the contracts for background investigation services by almost $3.2 million in fiscal year 2010 while reducing the average required time to complete a case from 60 to 40 days.

As the second year of the Efficiency Review gets underway, we’re sure that CBP and DHS will identify even more efficiencies as a result of Dora, Judy, Robert and Richard’s continued efforts to seek innovative ways to make the most of taxpayer dollars.

Today Secretary Napolitano and World Customs Organization Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya joined together in Brussels to announce the results of an unprecedented international law enforcement operation that led to the seizure of more than $3.5 million in smuggled cash over a five day period.

Dubbed Operation ATLAS (Assess, Target, Link, Analyze and Share), this groundbreaking investigation brought together law enforcement agencies from over 80 countries worldwide to target and disrupt cash couriers--people employed by criminal organizations to move their illicit funds across international borders.

Operation ATLAS focused on identifying these illicit cash couriers by employing several different methods to detect cash carried in baggage, on travelers and in shipments aboard commercial flights at designated airports. ATLAS also promoted the sharing of information and intelligence among customs agencies. In the United States, this operation was led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with participation from Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and coordinated by the World Customs Organization.

Operation ATLAS is the latest and largest example of how increased international cooperation among law enforcement and customs agencies has resulted in the identification of new smuggling routes and methods used by criminal organizations throughout the world.

In September, ICE worked closely with law enforcement partners in Colombia and Mexico to uncover more than $41 million smuggled in shipping containers bound for Colombia. And in July, an ICE-led multilateral operation targeting cash couriers seized more than $3.5 million and detected an additional $4.2 million in undeclared currency at ports of entry around the globe.

This level of multilateral coordination is truly unprecedented and illustrates how the Department and our international allies are working together to shut down criminal organizations’ old ways of doing business.

John Morton
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Human Trafficking is a crime that isn't limited by the borders of a country or the culture of a society or community. It has ballooned into an organized, international practice that robs men, women, and children of the opportunity to pursue their own potential.

Now, chances are that you don't think you know a family member, friend, or neighbor affected by this criminal behavior. This is not a crime that always happens out in the open; it's not as common a news story in this country as theft or fraud. However, every day individuals are quietly moved or "trafficked" from their homes in other countries - often through deception or coercion - and moved across land borders and bodies of water, where they are forced or even sold into prostitution and servitude. It's not just an international problem, though - trafficking regularly takes place within countries and states. No community is immune to this crime of exploitation, even here in the United States.

The Secretary addressed the issue of Human Trafficking this morning during a discussion with students, faculty, journalists and representatives from government, law enforcement and the NGO community at the Danish Institute for International Studies in Copenhagen. She sees it as an urgent problem that affects the United States, our international partners, and particularly less developed nations - where much of the trafficking originates.

“Human trafficking is a global problem that requires a global solution.” said Secretary Napolitano. “The United States, Denmark and all our international partners must continue to work together to better identify and dismantle criminal trafficking organizations.”

The Secretary talked about U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) role in combating the practice, and particularly ICE's work with the Danish National Police and other international partners to dismantle the infrastructure that helps to facilitate the movement of individuals across borders. ICE also employs more than 300 Victim Assistance Coordinators worldwide who work with non-governmental organizations to help provide long-term assistance efforts.

Customs and Border Protection (CBP) also manages an international Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign, aimed at raising awareness about the issue.

The Secretary also discussed the public's responsibility. We often talk about our shared responsibility to prepare for disasters, to be alert and vigilant in recognizing potential criminal or terrorist activity, and to protect ourselves and each other from the spread of communicable diseases like the seasonal and H1N1 flu strains. Add this one to that list.

You'd think that human trafficking isn't always visible or noticeable. However, victims of this crime are commonly domestic servants or employees at a "sweat shop." ICE launched a campaign last year called "Hidden in Plain Sight," an initiative designed to raise awareness about this issue in the United States. Individuals who suspect someone is being held against their will should call the ICE tip line at 1-866-DHS-2ICE.

Stay tuned for more updates on the Secretary's trip.

It’s one of the most horrific crimes imaginable: The sexual exploitation of children. In recent years, many sex offenders have sought to cover their tracks by traveling overseas, where they hope to conduct their criminal activities far from the reach of U.S. law enforcement.

Today we’re sending a message that they won’t get away with it.

I’m in Los Angeles, where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Department of Justice announced that three U.S. citizens, all previously convicted sex offenders, are being returned from Cambodia to the United States, where they will face federal charges for child sex tourism.

Under Operation Twisted Traveler, which launched in February, ICE is working closely with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI and our law enforcement counterparts in Cambodia to identify and arrest Americans engaging in child sex tourism in that Southeast Asia country.

Today’s arrests and charges are the direct result of an extraordinary cooperation between ICE, the Cambodian National Police, the Department of State, and the non-governmental organizations who work in Cambodia to identify suspected sex tourists and rescue victims. Offering vital contributions to the effort are Action Pour Les Enfants (APLE), the International Justice Mission, and HAGAR International, three non-governmental organizations that shared valuable information to facilitate these arrests.

The three individuals named today are all alleged to have molested or raped children, some as young as 9 years old, in Cambodia. All have previous records of crimes against children. One of the suspects, a 75-year-old man, is reported to have ridden a motor scooter through the streets of the city of Siem Riep, dropping money behind him as a way to entice children, according to witness reports.

Combating the sexual exploitation of minors has been a leading priority for ICE under Operation Predator. Under this long-running initiative, we’ve arrested more than 11,000 sex offenders—including more than 1,100 outside the United States. Thanks to tougher laws against child sex tourism, we have the tools to target those offenders who travel abroad in the effort to evade capture by law enforcement.

There might have been a time when it was easier for predators to hide their crimes by crossing borders. ICE is leading the effort to ensure that child sex tourism becomes an issue of the past.

John Morton

John Morton is the Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

You may have heard some talk in the news over the last few days about a new DHS program called Global Entry. We wanted to give you some details, in case it might apply to you. Global Entry is designed to speed trusted travelers through the customs and immigration inspection process when re-entering the United States. And among travelers already enrolled in the program, 75 percent are processed in five minutes or less.

The way it works: U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents apply for the program, pay a $100 fee, and are interviewed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer. Following a successful background investigation, they are accepted into the program. Once accepted into the program, membership is good for five years and can be used at any participating airport in the country.

There are currently twenty international airports in the program. These include airports in or near the following major cities:

• Atlanta
• Boston
• Chicago
• Dallas
• Detroit
• Fort Lauderdale
• Honolulu
• Houston
• Las Vegas
• Los Angeles
• Miami
• New York
• Newark
• Orlando
• Philadelphia
• Sanford
• San Francisco
• San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Seattle
• Washington, D.C. (Dulles)

Here is the process for using the Global Entry system:

Walk up to the computer station.

Place passport or lawful permanent resident card into the machine reader.
Press fingers down on the pad Answer customs declaration inspections questions.
Take receipt Show it to CBP officers.
Travelers should be aware that CBP officers retain the right to question all entrants to the country, even Global Entry participants.

Further information:

The application form is located at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/global_entry/.

Individuals with questions about the program may visit CBP’s Customer Service page at https://help.cbp.gov/cgi-bin/customs.cfg/php/enduser/home.php?p_sid=VsMWsEbj.

Check out the video below from Smart Planet on the new system:

David Aguilar, Acting Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, posted clarification about the $420 million in Recovery Act funding to replace aging infrastructure and enhance safety at 43 ports of entry across the on the Leadership Journal.

The assessment to rank the conditions and needs of all 163 U.S. land ports of entry started in 2003. CBP incorporated over 60 factors across four categories, ranging from health and life safety concerns to workload growth and space and site deficiencies. For ARRA funds, which were tied to construction timelines, CBP also identified and analyzed a range of factors that could impact the feasibility of meeting these timelines.

Read more on the Leadership Journal.

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided critical funding to improve security along our borders at our land ports of entry. Customs and Border Protection, part of the Department of Homeland Security, is utilizing $420 million in Recovery Act funding to replace aging infrastructure and enhance safety at 43 ports of entry across the country- through an objective, thorough, and transparent process.

On August 26, the Associated Press ran a misleading story that portrayed this process as biased and secretive. This is absolutely incorrect. The AP was provided information which it chose not to include in its story that clearly demonstrates how our Recovery dollars are being put to work quickly and transparently.

The AP claimed that political considerations helped determine which ports received ARRA funding. In reality, CBP and the General Services Administration used a thorough, objective, and transparent process based on the merits of each project to select the ports of entry that will be modernized with ARRA funds.

This process was long in the making. The assessment to rank the conditions and needs of all 163 U.S. land ports of entry started in 2003. CBP incorporated over 60 factors across four categories, ranging from health and life safety concerns to workload growth and space and site deficiencies. For ARRA funds, which were tied to construction timelines, CBP also identified and analyzed a range of factors that could impact the feasibility of meeting these timelines. This list is public on Recovery.gov.

The AP also alleges that the Department chose to use ARRA funding for small, low-traffic northern border ports rather than for busier ports along the southwest border, such as the port in Laredo, Texas.

But what the AP story doesn’t reflect is how the funding process works and an understanding of how ownership of a port restricts the funding process. The Department received ARRA funding specifically for ports owned by CBP, which includes 39 ports of entry along the northern border and four along the southwest border. None of these CBP owned ports are in Laredo. GSA owns or leases all the Laredo port facilities, part of the 38 southwest border land ports that GSA controls.
Most of the ports CBP owns are small, rural, low-traffic ports along the northern border. Most are four decades old and unequipped to meet the security needs of a modern, post-9/11 world.

Finally, the AP wrote that CBP had a secretive process for determining port funding and refused to provide justifications for its decisions. This is patently false. Prior to the AP’s story, CBP had published the prioritized list of ARRA port projects, along with detailed information describing the review process, on Recovery.gov.

The Department provided the AP with unprecedented access to a wide array of additional information about final project selections, including a nearly three-hour briefing and access to all supporting documents. CBP also provided written, on-the-record justifications for why specific ports were not eligible for ARRA funds due to feasibility and project readiness issues. We also made available to the AP numerous high-level policymakers for interviews on this topic.

In every instance, we provided the AP with information, which – if reported fully and accurately – would have addressed their questions. Americans should have confidence in the objectivity and openness with which ARRA funds have been dedicated to port projects and both CBP and the Department of Homeland Security are committed to upholding this responsibility. To find out more about how ARRA funds are being used in your community and across the country, visit Recovery.gov.

David Aguilar
Acting Deputy Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

It was a routine stop at the bridge at the Laredo, Texas, border, as an Oklahoma man in a pickup truck was attempting to cross over into Mexico. But a vehicle inspection unveiled much more, as CBP officers discovered a cache of 22 rifles, two shotguns, a 9 mm pistol, ammunition and other weapons parts hidden in the truck.

A subsequent ICE investigation of that failed smuggling attempt led agents to the residence of a former firearms dealer where nearly 1,000 weapons were discovered, along with a large store of ammunition and $30,000 in cash. That routine stop at the Laredo bridge resulted in unraveling a sizable cross-border gun smuggling operation.

It’s exactly the type of investigation that the Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST) initiative was set up to tackle. This partnership initiative, led at DHS by ICE, brings together federal, state, local and foreign law enforcement agencies under a shared umbrella with a common goal: To target cross-border crime and associated violence.

With collaboration from CBP, the BEST initiative is the Department of Homeland Security’s response to the increase in violence at the southwest border, where the activities of drug cartels, weapons traffickers and other criminal organizations are taking a toll on communities all along the border.

What is most innovative about the BEST initiative is the way in which it brings law enforcement partners together under one roof with a shared mission. This allows for closer working relationships, more efficient communication and improved coordination among the various entities. Cooperation is key to the success of the BEST initiative.

There are now 15 BEST forces operating on the southern and northern U.S. borders, and they’re getting outstanding results. And right now, from August 11 to 13, 2009, we’re taking a closer look at the progress that has been made, as well as plans for the future, at the BEST Conference in San Antonio, Texas.

This conference, the second of its kind, brings together federal law enforcement officials from a variety of agencies; state and local officials; members of Congress and other elected officials; and our partners from Mexico, Canada, Columbia, and Argentina to discuss the challenges of combating the drug trade, money laundering, gang activity, arms trafficking, human smuggling and other types of cross-border crime.

As assistant secretary for ICE, I am at the conference, meeting with our partners in this successful law enforcement venture—and exploring ways in which we can strengthen these partnerships in order to crack down on criminal activity and tighten security at the borders. I’ll post a wrap-up after the conferences concludes.

John Morton is the Assistant Secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

We were deeply shocked this morning to learn of the murder of a member of the DHS family: Border Patrol Agent Robert Rosas was shot and killed last night in the line of duty while on patrol in San Diego County, California. DHS is working with the FBI and local law enforcement on the investigation, and a manhunt is underway for the gunmen who killed Agent Rosas.

The Secretary's statement from earlier today:

The Border Patrol is truly “going green,” and we’re not just talking about our uniforms. Our new El Paso Station boasts several eco-friendly values. For example:

Secretary Napolitano met this morning with Irish Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey and discussed implementation of a Preclearance Agreement signed between the United States and Ireland. The agreement, signed last November, allows the Customs and Border Patrol to conduct full preclearance of commercial and private passenger flights to the U.S. So, what does this mean for travelers? Two main things:

First, the original agreement gave CBP the ability to conduct immigration inspections only. The new agreement gives CBP the authority to inspect based on customs, immigration, and agricultural laws, making a stop in Ireland on the way to the U.S. even more worthwhile for passengers and airlines alike – it’s all of the inspections in one fell swoop. CBP will also be able to screen aircraft for radiological and nuclear threats.

The benefit to the average traveler is more efficient baggage processing: passengers flying from Ireland to the U.S. can have their luggage transferred from their international flight to domestic flights without having to claim it first. Anyone who has ever flown into the U.S. and then had to make a connection – after collecting their bags, rechecking them, and going back through security – understands this one.

More on the Secretary's trip as it happens.

Secretary Napolitano paid a visit to a Customs and Border Patrol facility in Shannon, Ireland today. She thanked them for their service and pledged to do all she could on this trip to make sure that the aviation preclearance agreements between Ireland and the US are in place and implemented by the end of July. Stay tuned over the next few days for frequent updates on her trip.

Before January 2008, United States and Canadian citizens were not required to present specific travel documents when entering the United States through a land or sea port. That meant that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer might only have the traveler’s word on which to base his or her decision to allow someone to enter the United States. Not surprisingly, this practice significantly hampered our ability to quickly verify a traveler's identity or citizenship, determine if they pose a threat, and importantly, hampered our ability to speed legitimate travelers across the border. Every day, CBP encountered hundreds of individuals trying to game the system and pass themselves off as American or Canadian—an untenable scenario that turned each traveler into a potential imposter.

On June 1, CBP will implement the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 and a key recommendation of the 9/11 Commission that requires U.S. and Canadian travelers to present a secure travel document that denotes identity and citizenship when entering our country. WHTI narrows the list of acceptable identity and citizenship documents to those in which we have great confidence because of their issuance process and physical security features. As a result, WHTI will strengthen our borders as we facilitate entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign travelers – a core component of CBP's mission.

CBP is fully prepared to implement WHTI—we have ensured that you, the traveling public, have a choice among travel documents to best meet your needs; we have installed infrastructure in our ports to make your entry and inspection process go more quickly and more smoothly; and we have worked hard to communicate the new requirements to you well in advance of the June 1 deadline. We have also heard your concerns and made special provisions to accommodate U.S. and Canadian children under age 16—and those under age 19 traveling in school, sports, religious or other office groups—who need only present a copy of a birth certificate or alternative proof of citizenship to enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean.

Now we need your help to make these improvements to our border security as successful as they can be. We encourage you to obtain WHTI-compliant travel documents for entering the U.S. on June 1 and beyond. Approved documents include the traditional passport book as well as cards that are equipped with radio frequency identification (RFID) technology to make your trip even faster and more efficient: the U.S. passport card, a NEXUS, SENTRI or FAST Trusted Traveler Program card, or a state- or province-issued enhanced drivers license.

RFID-enabled documents are easy to use. When entering the United States from Mexico (or Canada), hold up your travel card (and those of any passengers in your car), drive slowly toward the inspection booth, and stop for an interview with the officer. The automated read of the RFID tag (a unique number that contains no personally identifiable information) links to a secure CBP database. Before you arrive at the booth, the CBP officer can review your photograph, biographic information, and the results of law enforcement checks. By queuing up this information while you’re still driving toward the booth, the officer can more quickly verify your identity and focus more attention on talking to you while shaving 6 – 8 seconds off of the current inspection process. Because all the RFID-enabled travel cards can be read at one time, it saves the officer from having to manually type information about each individual in your car.

We realize that some travelers arriving at the border will not have WHTI-compliant documents. I encourage you to continue with your travel plans and to obtain facilitative and secure WHTI travel documents as soon as possible. U.S. and Canadian citizens who lack WHTI-compliant documents but are otherwise admissible will not be denied entry into the United States on June 1 and during the subsequent transition period.

Obtaining a WHTI-approved document and complying with the law will help make our borders more secure. Getting your WHTI-compliant document will help make your border crossings easier and faster.

For more information on new documents that go into effect on June 1, please visit www.getyouhome.gov.

Jayson P. Ahern
Acting Commissioner, U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Originally published in the May 30, 2009 edition of the Houston Chronicle

On Wednesday I had the opportunity to meet with the families of two fallen Border Patrol agents who gave their lives in the service of our Department and our nation.

Senior Border Patrol Agent Luis Aguilar and Border Patrol Agent Jarod Dittman were killed in the line of duty last year as they performed their responsibilities as Border Patrol agents working to protect our Southwest border.

Agent Aguilar was struck and killed by the driver of a vehicle attempting to evade capture near Calexico, California and return into Mexico. The driver of that vehicle is now in federal custody in Mexico and faces second-degree murder charges and federal narcotics violations in the United States. Agent Dittman was killed in a vehicle accident in Jamul, California in the early morning hours while en route to his patrol area.

I assured the family members that we will never forget the sacrifices made by their loved ones. While no words can ever repay their loss, this week the names of both agents were inscribed into the CBP Valor Memorial in Washington, D.C. to stand as a permanent tribute to their service.

On Wednesday, Agent Aguilar and Agent Dittman's names also were added to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial, along with 131 officers who died in the line of duty in 2008. As part of National Police Week 2009, I attended a candlelight vigil on Wednesday evening in their honor.

It is sometimes easy to forget the sacrifices our law enforcement officers and their families make on a daily basis as they protect our communities and the American people – and the very real dangers they encounter while on the job. This is a good time to honor the memories of those who have fallen, and give thanks to those who keep our nation safe.

Janet Napolitano