DHS Announces Plans to Test Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Technology at Land Borders under US-VISIT
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a press release announcing that the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program is planning to test radio frequency identification (RFID) technology at the U.S. land border.
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RFID to Be Tested at Simulated Port this Spring, Then at Certain Border Ports
According to DHS, RFID technology will be tested at a simulated port in the spring of 2005. By July 31, 2005, the testing will begin at the ports of Nogales East and Nogales West in Arizona; Alexandria Bay in New York; and Pacific Highway and Peace Arch in Washington. DHS states that the testing or "proof of concept" phase is expected to continue through the spring of 2006.
DHS states that RFID technology allows for a unique and automatic identifier issued to pedestrians and visitors crossing in vehicles in order to make an automatic recording of visitors' arrival and departure. According to DHS, the test of this technology is designed to occur in multiple ports that illustrate various weather and traffic conditions.
RFID Systems Can Help Facilitate Legitimate Travel and Trade
In a Fact Sheet, DHS states that RFID technology refers to wireless systems that allow a device to read information contained in a wireless device or "tag" from a distance without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight between the two. DHS states that RFID technology can be found in such items as car keys, highway toll tags, and security access cards.
According to DHS, as US-VISIT moves toward improving the automated entry-exit system at U.S. land border ports of entry, RFID technology offers a potential solution for an entry-exit operation that better facilitates legitimate travel and trade.
DHS press release (dated 01/25/05) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4308
DHS Fact Sheet: Radio Frequency Identification Technology available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4307
DHS Fact Sheet: Vision for 21st Century Immigration and Border Management System available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=4306