Official website of the Department of Homeland Security
Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness
On February 4, 2011, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper announced the United States-Canada joint declaration, Beyond the Border: A Shared Vision for Perimeter Security and Economic Competitiveness. Beyond the Border articulates a shared approach to security in which both countries work together to address threats within, at, and away from our borders, while expediting lawful trade and travel.
On December 7, 2011, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper released the Beyond the Border Action Plan (PDF, 40 pages - 505 KB), which sets out joint priorities and specific initiatives for achieving this vision.
On September 29, 2016, the White House released the fourth annual Beyond the Border Implementation Report, which summarizes the significant progress made in the fourth year following the release of the Beyond the Border Action Plan. On May 19, 2015, December 19, 2013 and December 14, 2012, the White House released the third, second, and first annual Beyond the Border Implementation Reports respectively. The governments of the United States and Canada have worked together in a concerted way to advance our shared interests in perimeter security and economic competitiveness, achieving results that will improve the lives of residents, visitors, and businesses in both our countries.
Beyond the Border Documents
- Beyond the Border Action Plan
- 2015 Beyond the Border Implementation Report (PDF, 16 pages – 565 KB)
- 2014 Beyond the Border Implementation Report (PDF, 17 pages - 158 KB)
- 2013 Beyond the Border Implementation Report (PDF, 13 pages - 131 KB)
- 2012 Beyond the Border Implementation Report (PDF, 11 pages - 157 KB)
Provide Input on the Action Plan
Your input on innovative approaches to security and economic competitiveness will help guide the implementation of the Beyond the Border Action Plan and ensure its success.
Beyond the Border Outreach
Additional Information
Other Publications
- U.S.-Canada Binational Border Infrastructure Investment Plan - 2.0
- Beyond the Border Action Plan: Wood Packaging Material Inspections Feasibility Study
- Trusted Traders: Tier II Joint Stakeholder Report (PDF, 8 pages - 172 KB)
- Report on the Comparison and Review of the Importer Self-Assessment and Customs Self-Assessment Programs (PDF, 7 pages - 182 KB)
- Considerations for U.S. - Canada Border Traffic Disruption Management
- Compendium of U.S.-Canada Emergency Management Mechanisms
- U.S.-Canada Binational Border Infrastructure Investment Plan
- Entry/Exit Information System Phase 1 Joint Report (PDF, 9 pages - 222 KB)
- Facilitating the Conduct of Cross-Border Business
- Canada - U.S. Border Fees Inventory (PDF, 19 pages - 322 KB)
- Statement of Privacy Principles by the United States and Canada