Biometrics At The Border
Our nation’s borders could be its most visible security risk. The United States has more than 7,500 miles of borders. Each year, more than 500 million people, 11.2 million trucks, 2.2 million rail cars and 51,000 foreign ships cross them. The U.S.-Mexico border alone is 1,951 miles long and is the busiest border in the world.
To control who and what is entering the country, the federal government is turning to biometrics, among other technologies, to eliminate the use of false documentation when entering the country. The recently passed Enhanced Border Security and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 mandates the use of biometric identifiers in the passports of participants of the visa waiver program.
“We can do a better job of making our borders more secure, and make our borders more smart,” Bush said in an address following the bill’s passage. “We must use technology and be wise about how we use it.”
Bush’s proposed Cabinet-level Department of Homeland Security would take the responsibilities concerning secure borders. Incorporating new technology is one of the principal methods of achieving Bush’s plan.
The issuance of machine-readable, tamper-resistant travel documents with biometric identifiers and the installation of equipment and software capable of reading the new documents must be completed at all U.S. ports of entry by October, 2003.
According to Bush’s “smart border” plan, the biometric identifiers should be developed for permanent resident cards and all other recognized travel documents. The plan also calls for the U.S. government to supply equipment and training to enable access to real-time FBI fingerprint data via an electronic link.
Creating a “smart border” can also ease travel for American citizens and other low-risk travelers. The so-called NEXUS program would allow for two-way movement of pre-approved travelers and is already being implemented at three points of entry along the British Columbia/Washington state border. If the pilot programs — which are part of Bush’s plan — are successful, NEXUS will be expanded to other land crossings and to air travelers.
The border security initiatives also include adding 285 more Customs agents by 2003, and according to an issue brief by the national Taxpayers Union, the new border agents will “use new equipment such as cameras, explosives detectors, radiation detectors and dogs to secure the borders.”
“No nation can be totally secure, or more secure, unless it’s well-protected, and unless borders are well-screened,” Bush said.
