CBP Announces Plans to Modernize 39 Ports of Entry for WHTI IDs
U.S. Customs and Border Protection has issued a press release announcing plans for construction work and the deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to improve 39 major entry points (354 vehicle lanes) along the U.S borders with Canada and Mexico over the coming months.
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Use of RFID Will Allow Swifter Processing for Travelers WHTI-Compliant Docs
Use of RFID will facilitate the use of state-of-the-art travel documents, such as passport cards and enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs) being produced by several states.
(Washington State began producing an EDL in February and currently has issued over 17,000. The State Department currently has received over 300,000 passport card applications and will be in full production in July. In addition, the State Department will be incorporating RFID technology into the next generation Border Crossing Cards (BCCs). These new cards, which the State Department will begin issuing later this year, will further enhance and streamline border crossing for BCC-holders.)
These documents are the result of a new requirement, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which went into effect for air travel in January 2007. Full implementation of WHTI for land and sea travel is scheduled go into effect June 1, 2009.
Phased Approach with Construction/Installation Phases to be Completed Prior to June 2009
To help mitigate impact, CBP is taking a phased approach with separate construction and installation phases, which will be complete prior to June 2009. Where possible, construction is taking place during non-peak hours.
The construction is occurring in Blaine, WA and Nogales, AZ in June 2008, and in the following locations throughout summer and fall (listed in no particular order): Buffalo, Champlain, Massena and Alexandria Bay, NY; Detroit, Port Huron and Sault St. Marie, MI; El Paso, Laredo, Brownsville, Hidalgo, Rio Grande City, Fabens, Progreso, Del Rio, Roma, Presidio and Eagle Pass, TX; Derby Line, Highgate Springs and Alburg, VT; Sweetgrass, MT; Calais, Houlton and Madawaska, ME; International Falls, MN; Sumas Point Roberts and Lynden, WA; Pembina, ND; San Ysidro, Andrade, Tecate, Otay Mesa and Calexico, CA; San Luis, Douglas and Lukeville, AZ; and Columbus, NM.
(See ITT's Online Archives or 04/04/08 news, 08040405, for BP summary of the WHTI final rule for land/sea travel.
See ITT's Online Archives or 11/30/06 news, 06113015, for BP update on the WHTI air final rule.)
CBP press release on the 39 ports of entry (06/23/08) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/06242008.xml
CBP press release on San Diego area ports of entry getting RFIDs (dated 06/24/08) available at http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/newsroom/news_releases/06242008_10.xml