ers. False identities are used by terrorists to avoid being detected on a watch-
list.These biometric identifiers make such evasions far more difficult.
program, beginning this year, covered travelers will still constitute only about
12 percent of all noncitizens crossing U.S. borders. Moreover, exit data are not
uniformly collected and entry data are not fully automated. It is not clear the
system can be installed before 2010, but even this timetable may be too slow,
given the possible security dangers.
they enter the United States; nor should Canadians or Mexicans. Cur-
rently U.S. persons are exempt from carrying passports when return-
ing from Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. The current system
enables non-U.S. citizens to gain entry by showing minimal identifi-
cation. The 9/11 experience shows that terrorists study and exploit
America's vulnerabilities.
The daily commuter should not be subject to the same measures as
first-time travelers.An individual should be able to preenroll, with his
or her identity verified in passage. Updates of database information
and other checks can ensure ongoing reliability. The solution, requir-
ing more research and development, is likely to combine radio fre-
quency technology with biometric identifiers.
system to enable the development of an integrated system, which in
turn can become part of the wider screening plan we suggest.
a U.S. visa, has been suspended. Because "transit without visa" can be
exploited by terrorists to enter the United States, the program should
not be reinstated unless and until transit passage areas can be fully
secured to prevent passengers from illegally exiting the airport.
sular offices to immigration services offices--will need appropriate electronic
access to an individual's file. Scattered units at Homeland Security and the State