Posted on 03/05/2002 5:03:54 PM PST by RCW2001
U.S. security chief says Mexico border control outdated, proposes express route for low-risk crossers
TRACI CARL, Associated Press Writer
Tuesday, March 5, 2002
©2002 Associated Press
URL: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/news/archive/2002/03/05/international1656EST0702.DTL
(03-05) 17:48 PST MEXICO CITY (AP) --
U.S. and Mexican officials are considering a "fast lane" across the border for pre-approved, low-risk users after heightened security following Sept. 11 slowed crossings to a crawl, Homeland Security Director Tom Ridge said Tuesday.
During two days of meetings in Mexico City, Ridge said officials were making progress on a border security agreement with Mexico similar to one reached with Canada in December.
"I think we are going to reach an agreement," he said.
Calling the way the U.S. southern border is managed "outdated," Ridge said the new plan would use technology to clear goods in factories, rail yards and seaports instead of waiting until they reach the border crossing.
Heightened security following the Sept. 11 attacks on the United States, including rigorous checking and more frequent searches, has created what Ridge described as "unconscionable" delays.
Still, he acknowledged that Mexico -- home to both drug and migrant smugglers -- provides unique challenges.
"We cannot guarantee a foolproof system," he said.
He said customs officials were looking at the possibility of screening and pre-approving trusted businesses and border crossers, creating secure travel that is "fast to enhance commerce and security ... a fast lane."
"Once you've got the no-risk and the low-risk set aside, then you can direct your human and your technology resources to the cargo and the people that you know nothing about," he said.
Ridge is holding two days of meetings with Mexican officials, including President Vicente Fox, Interior Secretary Santiago Creel and Foreign Secretary Jorge Castaneda, among others.
President Bush is scheduled to continue discussions on the border security plan with Fox during the U.N. International Conference on Financing for Development later this month in Monterrey.
Once the United States has an agreement with Mexico, Ridge said officials eventually would like a "trilateral approach" toward security that would include Canada.
Commerce has tripled along the U.S.-Mexican border since the start of the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1994, and Ridge said both Mexico and the United States aren't happy with how the border is managed today.
"This is not only an opportunity to secure our border, but we ought to view it as an opportunity to facilitate and enhance the commercial integration between the two countries," he said. "And if we come up with the right, smart, 21st century accord, we will advance both interests."
He said he will continue to push for consolidating agencies that manage the border -- like customs and immigration services -- despite strong opposition in Washington.
Visitors to the United States are met at the border by "multiple faces of the federal government," he said. "And I think we ought to have one face at the border. At least in terms of accountability, there ought to be one agency, one Cabinet member. Somebody ought to be accountable for what we do or don't do at the border."
Ridge said Fox's government has been responsive to U.S. needs, sharing information with its American counterparts. He added that the more than 1,500 National Guard troops being deployed along the borders with Mexico and Canada are temporary.
"We don't want to militarize the border with our friends," he said.
©2002 Associated Press
The PANista sales and marketing folks have also been grumping about not getting several customers because they could not guarantee delivery. There were some Muslim guys who needed some material, very heavy because of the lead shielding, delivered to specific spots across the US on dates certain. Big, big bucks, but the had to turn the business away. So, this will be great for "low risk" crossers and, a great revenue opportunity for the Mexican officials who decide who gets the get-across-the-border-easy documents.
You are falling through outer space,
Your eyes are getting very heavy,
You feel yourself floating.
When I count backwards from 10
You will be under my control.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Send FR $500.00! Or whatever amount you can...
border patrol agent-excuse me sir,are you an us citizen?
are you a legal resident?
oh no,senor we are illegal mexican aliens driving on our way to chicago.
border patrol agent-ok sir,drive safe,and have a nice trip.
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