U.S.–VISIT entry procedures have been operational in secondary inspection areas in the 50 busiest land border ports of entry since December 29, 2004, and are also in place at 115 airports and 15 seaports. Phase I entry procedures were implemented at Laredo’s land ports in November 2004.

The Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. – VISIT office has undertaken a proof concept test of U.S. – VISIT land border exit procedures and technology (Phase II) at five land border locations along the United States-Canada and United States-Mexico borders (Washington, New York and Arizona) beginning in July 2005, and expected to conclude in March 2006.

Before this measure is implemented along the entire United States-Mexico and United States-Canada borders, the proposed technology to be used for U.S.-VISIT must be tested for accuracy and the Department of Homeland Security must continue to consult with the City of Laredo and all stakeholders to assure all involved that this program will not disrupt commerce, trade and travel.

The City of Laredo is the largest inland port in the United States and its goal is to provide effective and efficient transportation to move people and goods to and from the U.S. and Mexico in the most secure manner possible.

Mr. Jim Williams, Director of U.S. – VISIT, has communicated to the City of Laredo that he intends to continue communicating and obtaining input from all stakeholders. The mandate for the Department of Homeland Security is that U.S. – VISIT can only be implemented if it does not impede the flow of trade and goods. The City of Laredo expects to be involved in further planning and discussions to be notified by the Department of Homeland Security on the status of testing before any further implementation of U.S. – VISIT occurs.

On November 4, 2005, city staff traveled to Nogales, Arizona, for a demonstration by the Department of Homeland Security and Customs Border Protection on U.S. – VISIT entry /exit procedures and technology (Phase II). During the tour, city staff witnessed the operations of Phase II and had some concerns on the malfunctions and failures of the technology during the demonstration. In addition, delays of traffic due to these malfunctions, lack of signage or instructions on the use of the new system, and the technology tracking only the I-94 Form and not the traveler, were also witnessed. Based on the outcome of the demonstration witnessed in Nogales, Arizona, the technology is not ready to be implemented border-wide.

Biometric procedures being used in Phase II are digital, inkless finger scans. When obtaining I-94 Forms electronically, digital photographs are used. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) continues to be the technology being tested for Phase II of U.S. – VISIT.

The City of Laredo seeks for the Department of Homeland Security to continue collecting input from all stakeholders for the purpose of minimizing the negative impact on the flow of goods and people through all ports. The City of Laredo does not support the implementation of the exit procedures of Phase II of U.S. – VISIT until the Department of Homeland Security has proven that the proposed technology will not affect cross border travel.

• Department of Homeland Security