Thread: Digital fingerprints at border: will help speed up crossing

Digital fingerprints at bridge: Program will help speed up crossing

by Diana Washington Valdez \ El Paso Times
Posted: 09/19/2011 12:07:09 AM MDT

U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are collecting digital fingerprints from pedestrians at the Paso del Norte Bridge for a biometrics system that is intended to help expedite border crossings in the future.

The biometrics, or digital fingerprints, are being entered into a database that will be used for a pilot project set to begin in November.

"Enhanced biometrics will provide us with a higher confidence level in identifying the traveler," said Hector Mancha, port director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection in El Paso.

"There are many benefits to be realized, including more efficient processing, because we are eliminating manual data entry."

The system requires a set of high-quality fingerprints to be on file and linked with an entry document, such as a laser visa.

CBP officers will be working at the pedestrian area of Paso del Norte Bridge over the next two weeks collecting biometrics from frequent border crossers.

Non-U.S. citizens who have an older border crossing card or legal permanent resident card (issued before 2008), or those who have not applied for an I-94 travel permit in the last three years, will need to submit biometrics to take part in the pilot.

Dennis Melonas, executive director of the El Paso Central Business Association, said the new biometrics system that officials will be testing "is a must."

"El Paso benefits from having a border-crossing system that is as efficient as possible," he said.

Travelers who have biometrics on file will already be added to the database and won't need to resubmit digital fingerprints.

Once it's in place, the new system will use Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and biometric data to speed up the entry process. Pedestrian lane Nos. 11, 12 and 13 at the Paso del Norte Bridge will be used during the pilot.

The lanes will have a gated system in which someone's RFID-enabled document will be read and fingerprints scanned before they approach the inspection station.

The U.S. officer working the primary inspection booth will receive results of the biometric verification and all required information before the pedestrian arrives at the inspection station.

"The turnout and cooperation from border crossers have been fantastic," Roger Maier, spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said last Friday. "So far, we have enrolled 2,598 people for the pilot. Of those, 1,864 have border crossing cards and 734 are permanent legal residents who had the old cards. We're averaging about 500 a day."

Officials said U.S. citizens having the right documents, such as a U.S. passport book or U.S. passport card, also helps to cross the border faster and more efficiently.

"It is expected that this system will speed the entry process while also enhancing overall security," Mancha said.

Diana Washington Valdez may be reached at dvaldez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6140.

The El Paso Passport Agency will observe Passport Day in the USA with a special once a year opening Saturday to process routine and expedited U.S. passport and U.S. border card applications:

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.

Where: 303 N. Oregon St. (7th floor, Mills Building); 496-2007.

How: No appointment is needed. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (old or current passport); U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate (originals only); valid photo ID; passport-sized (2X2) color photo taken within the last six months, check, money order or credit card.

Download application online at http://www.travel.state.gov/

First-time applicants need form DS-11; those who are renewing a passport need form DS-82. Fill out the form but do not sign it.
Cost: First-time applicants, $135 for the passport book; $55 for a passport card; expedited service is extra.

Passports on Saturday
The El Paso Passport Agency will observe Passport Day in the USA with a special once a year opening Saturday to process routine and expedited U.S. passport and U.S. border card applications:

When: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17.

Where: 303 N. Oregon St. (7th floor, Mills Building); 496-2007.

How: No appointment is needed. Bring proof of U.S. citizenship (old or current passport); U.S. birth certificate or naturalization certificate (originals only); valid photo ID; passport-sized (2X2) color photo taken within the last six months, check, money order or credit card.

Download application online at http://www.travel.state.gov/

First-time applicants need form DS-11; those who are renewing a passport need form DS-82. Fill out the form but do not sign it.
Cost: First-time applicants, $135 for the passport book; $55 for a passport card; expedited service is extra.

http://www.elpasotimes.com/news/ci_18925367