How to Import into the US

Robert Charles, Assistant Secretary for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs Statement on Narcotics Certification Washington, DC September 16, 2004

Yesterday, President Bush sent to Congress the “Majors List” and his annual determinations on narcotics certification for fiscal year 2005. This year’s “Majors List” is comprised of 22 countries. They are: Afghanistan, The Bahamas, Bolivia, Brazil, Burma, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Haiti, India, Jamaica, Laos, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, and Vietnam.

First, I would like to bring to your attention a change in Majors List membership from last year.

The President has removed Thailand from the list of major drug-transit or major illicit drug producing countries.

Thailand was removed from the Majors List because: (1) Thailand’s opium poppy cultivation is well below the levels specified in the Foreign Relations Authorization Act; (2) No heroin processing laboratories have been found in Thailand for several years; (3) Thailand can no longer be said to be a significant direct source of illicit narcotic or psychotropic drugs or other controlled substances significantly affecting the United States; and (4) Thailand is no longer a country through which such drugs or substances are being transported to the United States.

Next, of the 22 countries on the Majors List, the President designated one country — Burma — as having “failed demonstrably to make substantial efforts” during the previous 12 months to meet its international counter-narcotics obligations.

Burma is the worlds second largest producer of illicit opium and remains among the worlds largest producers and traffickers of amphetamine-type stimulants. Production and trafficking of methamphetamine from Burma continues to be one of the most serious problems facing Southeast Asia.

These factors plus Burmas unsatisfactory efforts of the government of Burma to combat the production and trafficking of methamphetamine; its unwillingness to hinder the activities of drug gangs that operate freely along Burmas borders with China, Thailand, and Laos; and other factors cited in the Presidents statement of justification preclude Burmas certification.

The President also expressed concern about a number of countries in his determination — some that are on the Majors List, and some that are not.

Haiti. The President noted that, in sharp contrast to the government of Haitis dismal performance last year under the Aristide regime, the new interim government of Haiti headed by Prime Minister Latortue, has taken substantive — if necessarily limited — counter-narcotics actions in the few months it has been in office.

The President expressed deep concern, however, about the ability of Haitian law enforcement institutions to reorganize and restructure sufficiently to carry out sustained counter-narcotics efforts. A sustained commitment is now critical.

Netherlands. While the President noted the decreased use of MDMA or Ecstasy among young people in the United States as a hopeful sign, he emphasized the need to counter the threat posed by club drugs, including MDMA, for which the Netherlands continues to be the dominant source country.

While the President commended the Government of the Netherlands as an enthusiastic and capable partner in this area, he expressed concern about obstacles to mutual legal assistance and extradition from the Netherlands, and stated that there is a clear need to work more deliberately and aggressively to disrupt known criminal organizations responsible for the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs.

Working with the Netherlands, we urge the enhanced use of financial investigation tools, including full exploitation of anti-money laundering statutes and financial investigators to identify and dismantle trafficking organizations. Finally, we would urge the Netherlands use its existing legal regime to the fullest extent possible including provisions allowing for asset forfeiture from those in the drug trade.

Canada. While the vast majority of illicit drugs entering the United States continue to come from South America and Mexico, the President also remains concerned about the flow of illicit, high-purity drugs from Canada.

The President congratulates Canada for its successful efforts at curbing the diversion of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production. He also notes that we are now working intensively with Canadian authorities to address the increase in smuggling of Canadian-produced marijuana into the United States.

The President stated, however, that he is concerned about the lack of significant judicial sanctions against marijuana producers, which could be an invitation to greater activity by organized crime, and could, at the same time, undermine law enforcement and prosecutorial efforts on both sides of the border. Canada, for its part, has expressed its own concern to us about the flow of cocaine and other illicit substances through the United States into Canada, and we take those concerns seriously.

The big picture is certainly encouraging: United States and Canadian law enforcement personnel have collaborated on a number of investigations that have led to dismantling several major criminal organizations. We will continue to work closely together in the year ahead to confront these shared threats.

Afghanistan. Despite good faith efforts on the part of the central Afghanistan government, the President expressed concern about the increase in opium crop production in the provinces.

Nigeria. The President reported that although Nigeria put measures in place to increase the effectiveness of their National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, and met modest, agreed-upon interdiction targets, Nigerias counter-narcotics efforts continue to be undermined by, what can only be described as, pervasive political corruption.

The President called on Nigeria must take significant and decisive action to investigate and prosecute political corruption, as well as to increase transparency across the government. Such measures in addition to its decision to enter into a compact to promote transparency and combat corruption at the recent G8 meetings in Sea Island Georgia will tie directly to — and directly benefit Nigeria’s anti-narcotics efforts; strengthen the rule of law and reinforce vital democratic institutions institutions institutions central to the counter-narcotics fight.

North Korea. The President is deeply concerned about heroin and methamphetamine linked to North Korea being trafficked to East Asian countries. The President considers it highly likely that state agents and enterprises in North Korea are involved in the narcotics trade. While we know that some opium poppy is cultivated in North Korea, reliable information confirming the extent of opium production is currently difficult to attain and verify. In addition, there are clear indications that North Koreans traffic in, and probably manufacture, methamphetamine.

Although there is no evidence that narcotics originating in, or transiting, North Korea reach the United States, the United States is working closely with our partners in the region to track, deter, and stop North Korean involvement in illicit narcotics production and trafficking.

Finally, the President expressed appreciation for the efforts of China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and others in the region to stop the diversion of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine used to manufacture methamphetamine. At the same time, in view of the growing methamphetamine problem in North America and Asia, he called for additional collaborative efforts to control these precursor chemicals.

[End]

Released on September 16, 2004

(Friday, September 24, 2004)

Detection and confirmation of adult

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the U.S. Department of Agricultures Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA/APHIS) have implemented emergency interim measures at all land border ports in California, Arizona, New Mexico and in El Paso, Texas. The Medfly, one of the most destructive pests known to man, causes damage by laying its eggs just beneath the skin of ripening fruit. Commodities that can be attacked by the Medfly includes more than 250 different types, including fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Because this insect pest is so potentially injurious to crops, year-round trapping is maintained as an early warning system in Florida, Texas, Arizona, and California, and in Northern Mexico and Baja. The instant a detection is made, eradication and regulatory restrictions are set in place to prevent the movement of the pest to other areas.

Los Indios, Texas – It is with deep regret that the McAllen Border Patrol Sector announces that on Tuesday, September 21, 2004, at approximately 1:30 a.m., joint recovery operations lead by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents succeeded in locating the body of Senior Patrol Agent Travis W. Attaway. Searchers located his body approximately one-quarter mile east of the accident scene. At approximately 3:05 a.m., search teams then located the body of Senior Patrol Agent Jeremy M. Wilson 50 yards away from Agent Attaway’s location. “Senior Patrol Agents Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson paid the ultimate price, sacrificing their lives to defend our great nation. Senior Patrol Agents Attaway and Wilson embody the dedication and commitment of all our officers and agents to guard our border,” said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner. “Defending our country’s borders is a dangerous occupation. Agents like Travis Attaway and Jeremy Wilson are at risk everyday. We Americans mourn their loss while we praise their service. We remember them and we keep them in our prayers.”

Two days prior to their bodies being recovered, Attaway and Wilson, along with Senior Patrol Agent Javier Sandoval, were involved in a single-craft boating accident west of the Los Indios Port of Entry, Los Indios, Texas. Although a nearby Border Patrol marine unit rescued SPA Sandoval, they were unable to initially locate Attaway and Wilson. A two-day search and recovery operation unified local, state, and other federal agencies in an exhaustive search of the river area near the accident.

(Tuesday, September 21, 2004)

WASHINGTON, D.C. U. S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Robert C. Bonner announced today that the Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) has reached a major milestone with over 7,000 members making it the largest voluntary partnership between government and the private sector in United States’ history. C-TPAT was launched in November 2001 with just seven partners in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks and represents the commitment of government and business to secure and protect the United States from international terrorism. Today C-TPAT members include almost all major U.S. importers and cover over 50percent by value of maritime cargo. C-TPAT is a joint government-business initiative, designed not only to strengthen overall supply chain and border security but also to facilitate legitimate trade

The growth of C-TPAT has been nothing short of astonishing and proves the commitment the private sector has to combat international terrorism. By working with Customs and Border Protection to secure the supply chain we have additional eyes, ears, and technology working side by side with us to increase security from the factory to the loading docks, Commissioner Bonner said. CBP is using its expertise, authority, knowledge and its historic relationship with the private sector as part of an overall layered strategy for maritime security against the threat posed by global terrorism.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is addressing the terrorist threat 24-hours a day. We have a multi-layered approach that encompasses working with our foreign counterparts, employing intelligence, technology, advanced information in the field and the most professional workforce worldwide. We are aware of the terrorist threat and are evolving hourly to face it and keep America safe. CBP uses various strategies and employs the latest in technology to accomplish its goals. We have extended our zone of security beyond our physical borders through the use of bilateral and private-sector partnerships, targeting and scrutinizing advance information on people and products coming into this country. We are cultivating smart borders through the use of technology and have established a layered defense strategy. And we have created one face at the border, a unified, recognizable presence at the border that combines and capitalizes on the authorities and skills of our diverse workforce. CBP has achieved much since its creation in March 2003. Some of the most significant accomplishments are as follows:

Strengthening control of the United States borders

Technology

Augmented Integrated Surveillance Intelligence System (ISIS), that uses remotely monitored night-day camera and sensing systems to better detect, monitor, and respond to illegal crossings, on both the Northern and Southern borders.

Deployed radiation detection technology including Personal Radiation Detectors (PRDs) to more than 10, 400 CBP officers and agents, and Radiation Isotope Identification Detection System (RIIDS) to over 60 Border Patrol field locations.

Increased the amount of Remote Video Surveillance Systems (RVSS) which are pole mounted cameras that provide coverage 24 hours a day/7 days a week to detect illegal crossings, on both our Northern and Southern borders.

Deployed two Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) to support the Arizona Border Control Initiative. UAVs are equipped with sophisticated on-board sensors that provide long-range surveillance and are useful for monitoring remote land border areas where patrols cannot easily travel and infrastructure is difficult or impossible to build.

Implemented a Geographic Information System (GIS), a Southwest border initiative, which tracks illegal migration patterns to better deploy personnel and resources to establish control of our border.

Increased use of radiation portal monitors. These detection devices provide CBP with a passive, non-intrusive means to screen trucks and other conveyances for the presence of nuclear and radiological materials.

Encourage use of smart and secure containers. In order to qualify as a smart box container, it must use a seal or other type of high-security, tamper-evident technology that meets the standards of the International Organization for Standardization. The containers must also have to be equipped with tamper-proof or tamper-evident container security devices.

Increased Border Patrol aircraft and helicopter and marine operations on the northern, southern and coastal areas to enhance our ability to protect and secure our waterways. Resources and Initiatives

Tripled the number of Border Patrol Agents on the Northern Border before 9/11, bringing the total number of agents to 1,000 assigned to the U.S border with Canada. Currently, there are about 11,200 Border Patrol agents nationwide.

Reassigned 200 CBP Border Patrol Agents to the high-threat smuggling corridors of the Arizona-Mexico border. CBP is continuing deployments of special units including the Border Patrol Tactical Unit, Special Response Teams, and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Team in these areas. U.S. Customs and Border Protection will maintain and expand coordinated, heightened security efforts under the Arizona Border Control Initiative (ABCI) to establish operational control over the weakest and most vulnerable area of our Southwest Border where more than 40 percent of illegal aliens are apprehended.

Established additional Border Patrol checkpoints in strategically-located zones of egress from border areas to improve border security by strengthening our defense in depth.

Deployed specially trained explosive and chemical detector dogs to conduct inspections at our Border Patrol Checkpoints.

Implemented the Interior Repatriation Program in July 2004. Interior repatriation is a voluntary program that repatriates Mexican nationals who are apprehended to Mexico City or Guadalajara, Mexico and then to their point of origin instead of to the closest port of entry into Mexico. This program is designed to save lives and break the cycle of smuggling into the United States through the Tucson, Arizona corridor.

Developed a set of policies and practices to ensure that when CBP does encounter an individual, package or conveyance that presents a potential national security risk the proper anti-terrorism procedures are followed. These procedures are designed to ensure that anti-terrorism responses involve appropriate coordination and information sharing among all relevant law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and required CBP to improve communication and coordination with other agencies such as the FBI and ICE.

Worked with national intelligence agencies to share data on suspicious activity and share information with CBP personnel on the front lines.

Expanded the use of expedited removal, already available at ports of entry, to areas between ports of entry patrolled by CBP Border Patrol Agents. This permits aliens apprehended after illegally entering the U.S. to be more efficiently and expeditiously removed from the United States.

Secure traveler programs

Implemented NEXUS, an alternative inspection system, which allows pre-screened, low-risk travelers to be processed in an expedited manner by CBP, via a dedicated commuter lane at several Canadian land borders.

Used the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) at ports of entry along the U.S. -Mexico border. Dedicated commuter lanes and an automated system allow motorists at selected southern land border ports to enter the United States faster.

Improved selectivity, screening, and targeting

National Targeting Center was established on October 21, 2001before September 11, no national level targeting of people or goods crossing our borders existed. The NTC is the centralized coordination point for all of CBPs anti-terrorism efforts. Utilizing sophisticated targeting methodology it analyzes, screens, and targets for intensive anti-terrorism inspection all passengers and cargo before arrival in the United States.

Established the 24-hour rule, which requires that CBP receive detailed electronic information on all U.S.-bound sea cargo before the cargo is loaded at the foreign port, which provides for improved targeting capability.

CBP uses advance information from the Automated Targeting System (ATS), Automated Export System (AES), and the Trade Act of 2002 Advance Electronic Information Regulations to perform transactional risk assessments, evaluate potential national security risks, and identify cargo that may pose a threat.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CBP personnel are working side by side at the NTC to protect the U.S. food supply by screening high-risk imported food shipments and implementing provisions of the Bioterrorism Act of 2002. CBP and FDA are able to react quickly to threats of bio-terrorist attacks on the U.S. food supply or to other food related emergencies.

The Aviation Transportation Security Act of 2001 (APIS) and the Enhanced Border Security and Visa Reform Act of 2002, mandated the electronic transmission of passenger and crew manifest for inbound and outbound commercial air and sea carriers to the APIS system.

The Student and Exchange Visitor System (SEVIS) was implemented in August 2003. It is an Internet/Intranet based system operated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement that electronically captures, maintains, and monitors information relevant to each foreign student, exchange visitor, and their dependents. SEVIS provides CBP with a mechanism to facilitate the entry of bonafide students and exchange visitors and quickly identify possible status violators.

The Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) continues to make electronic risk management far more effective. The ACE Secure Data Portal provides a single, centralized on-line access point to connect CBP and the trade community. CBP’s modernization efforts enhance border security while optimizing the ever-increasing flow of legitimate trade.

Pushing Our Zone of Security Outward

Established the Container Security Initiative (CSI) ( Container Security Initiative (CSI) ) . CSI allows CBP to target, and with our foreign counterparts, screen containers, prior to the container being laded on ships destined for the United States. Teams of CBP officers have been assigned to 25 overseas ports to target and screen containers that pose a potential risk for terrorism destined for the United States. Nineteen countries have committed to participation in CSI. There are 37 ports within those nineteen countries that are in various stages of CSI implementation.

Instituted the Immigration Security Initiative (ISI) pilot program that places teams of CBP officers at key foreign hub airports working with foreign law enforcement and airline officials to inspect high-risk passengers prior to boarding U.S. bound aircraft. The first two foreign airports to participate in the program are Amsterdam, Holland and Warsaw, Poland. Private/public sector and international partnerships

Established Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) ( Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) ) to work with importers, carriers, brokers, and other industry sectors to emphasize a seamless security-conscious environment throughout the entire commercial process, from manufacture through transportation and importation to ultimate distribution. Begun in November, 2001, C-TPAT now has more than 7,000 members and is the largest public/private partnership in federal government in U.S. history. C-TPAT provides a forum for the business community and CBP to exchange anti-terrorism ideas, concepts and information to further secure the entire commercial process.

Established the Free and Secure Trade Program (FAST) ( FAST Application Information ) , an expedited processing program to speed the movement of secure truck shipments across our shared borders.

Expanded the Border Safety Initiative (BSI), whose primary objective is the reduction of injuries and prevention of deaths in the southwest border region and the creation of a safer border environment. BSI is a bi-lateral agreement with the Mexican government to inform potential migrants of the hazards of crossing the border illegally and to respond to those who are in a life-threatening situation.

Established Smart Border Action Plans, which are cooperative agreements with Canada and Mexico to protect our common borders as well as our shared economic prosperity. The plans provide for additional security personnel to protect our shared borders.

One Face at the Border

Successfully integrated four different organizations from three different departments of government into CBP with no interruption in operations.

Named a single port director for unified CBP operations at each of the more than 300 ports of entry.

Established a short, clear chain of command from the field to headquarters that encompassed the customs, immigration, and agriculture responsibilities of the new agency.

Issued new DHS badges to CBP officers, CBP agriculture specialists, and CBP Border Patrol agents. The new badge is the visible, unifying symbol of the entire CBP frontline workforce, and represents DHS and CBPs commitment to preserve and protect our nation.

Expanded coverage of the Customs Officer Pay Reform Act (COPRA) to bring fairness to inspector overtime pay. To address the inequities created by numerous overtime systems for frontline inspectors transferring to CBP, the agency proposed that based on its advantages, COPRA, which has been in effect since 1994, be used for all inspectors.

Converted over 18,000 Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture Inspectors to two new positions — Customs and Border Protection Officer (1895 Series) and Agriculture Inspector (0401 Series). This initiative fully integrates the inspectional functions of CBPs legacy inspectors, enhancing the agencys ability to perform its anti-terrorism and traditional missions.

Implemented shared HRM services to optimize service and efficiency to its customers. HRM has established a new shared services organization that fully integrates additional staff from legacy agencies. The new service provides the tri-bureaus of ICE, USCIS, and CBP with high-quality HR service as well as service to other DHS clients.

Established CareerFinder as the agencys online vacancy system. Careerfinder will be used to fill all tri-bureau vacancies (USCIS, CBP, ICE), excluding only entry-level positions that require testing.

Initiated an innovative Border Patrol relocation expense program. The new program reduces the average cost of voluntary moves for Border Patrol Agents from approximately $72,000 to $12,000 per move.

Training

Improved anti-terrorism training for all CBP personnel. CBP has implemented anti-terrorism training for all personnel with a special focus on training related to weapons of mass effect. This includes identifying and intercepting potential instruments of terrorism using non-intrusive inspection technology and radiation detection equipment.

Produced an agriculture fundamentals module for classes of new CBP Officers as their initiation to the agriculture component of their new training. A new agriculture procedures module will be delivered to all current CBP Officers at the nation’s ports of entry.

Keeping our borders and our future safe and secure CBP will continue its efforts to defend our borders against terrorists and their weapons through innovative use of detection technology, advanced information systems, risk-management, and collaborative ventures with the trade and foreign governments while maintaining a vigorous and welcoming tourism and commercial trade posture.

(Thursday, September 16, 2004)

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – The Coast Guard assisted U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) with the apprehension of a stowaway on board the Antiguan-flagged, 315-foot motor vessel

Due to the high frequency of stowaways attempting to enter the United States illegally, all vessels traveling here from the Dominican Republic are required to conduct a security sweep of the vessel prior to entering port and report the results to the Coast Guard. While conducting this sweep, crewmembers discovered and detained one stowaway. He reported to the crew that there were more stowaways on board. The master of the vessel notified the Coast Guard of the situation, who further notified CBP.

(Monday, September 20, 2004)

Washington, D.C. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced the success of a pilot that will allow CBP to collect duties and fees on a monthly basis. In the first three months, nearly $32 million were collected from importers and brokers using the monthly statement and payment capabilities in the Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), the new CBP technology system for imports. Customs and Border Protection is transforming the way the federal government collects duties for imported goods,” said Commissioner Bonner. “For the first time in 215 years, importers and brokers can make a single monthly duty payment on all imported goods instead of paying duties on them one entry at a time. ACE is successfully modernizing the import business process, while improving efficiency and security for both CBP and the importing community.”

The ACE is enhancing processing and communications with the trade community, and providing quicker, more comprehensive reporting and information gathering capabilities to all users. ACE users can now develop up to 60 different reports, query accounts, integrate ledgers, create on-line account action plans, receive shipment alerts or notifications, view import transactions on a national basis, review a monthly listing of their daily account statements, and make monthly electronic duty payments.

(Wednesday, September 15, 2004)

Marfa, Texas – Vigilance and good police work by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Border Patrol agents resulted in the arrest of three people sought for questioning in a double homicide in Colorado. The trio were stopped and arrested yesterday morning at the Border Patrol’s Immigration Checkpoint on Interstate 10 near Sierra Blanca, Texas. While conducting an immigration check at the primary inspection point, agents became suspicious when a Border Patrol canine positively alerted to the presence of hidden humans or drugs in the vehicle, a 2001 Chrysler PT Cruiser. The vehicle had Colorado license plates and was driven by 23-year-old Misty Chavez. Border Patrol agents detained the car and its passengers for a secondary inspection.

The passengers in the vehicle were 26-year-old Aaron Joseph Bernal and 25-year-old JoAnn Yvette Redwillow. While in the secondary inspection area, one of the Border Patrol agents remembered that the car, Bernal and Redwillow were named in a Law Enforcement Lookout that and were wanted for questioning in a double homicide committed on Sunday, September 12th in Denver, Colorado. Agents also recovered a stolen, loaded .40 caliber pistol and 80 rounds of ammunition from the vehicle.

(Tuesday, September 14, 2004)

WASHINGTON, D.C. Beginning September 7, 2004, the U.S. Customs and Border Protections (CBP) Canine Enforcement Training Center, often called the Ivy League of Canine Enforcement Training Centers, in full partnership of Homeland Security, started the training of new explosive detector dog teams for the U.S. Coast Guard. Instructors assigned to the CBP Canine Enforcement Training Center are conducting the explosive detection-training course for eight Coast Guard law enforcement officers and their canine companions. The course was modified slightly for the maritime environment including vessel searches, to better serve the Coast Guards mission. CBPs support of these Coast Guard explosive detection teams will continue long after the course is concluded to include additional training and future certifications.

The Department of Homeland Security continues to increase its arsenal of explosive detector dogs since 9-11. Working together and training the various DHS canine teams will only forge a greater bond in the canine enforcement efforts within the Department of Homeland Security. It will mean better communication, better understanding, and enhanced explosive detection capabilities, Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said.

(Thursday, August 26, 2004)

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Robert C. Bonner today announced an initiative to ensure that the agency and its personnel practice the highest of standards in professionalism.

The CBP Professionalism Initiative calls for a total commitment to exemplary conduct in providing services to travelers, as well as the appropriate use of discretion in dealing with technical immigration violations. The initiative will also ensure that CBP is serving the American public with vigilance and integrity, while providing courteous and helpful treatment to visitors, immigrants, and travelers. “U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the guardian of this country’s borders, but it is also the face of our nation and the U.S. government to all who enter our country,” said Commissioner Bonner. “Today, we are implementing standards and policies to ensure the highest degree of professionalism and courtesy at our nation’s ports of entry and we are allowing CBP Officers the discretion necessary to resolve technical infractions rapidly, while carrying out their primary mission of preventing terrorists and terrorist weapons from entering the country.”

A major part of the Homeland Security reorganization, CBP is a merger of all U.S. Customs, Immigration, and Agriculture inspectors at our nation’s 317 ports of entry, along with the entire Border Patrol, which protects our nation’s borders between the ports of entry. CBP was created to protect our nation’s borders from the threat of terrorism, while continuing the important traditional work of the legacy agencies. To transform the separate inspectional workforces into one, CBP established “One Face at the Border,” a unified occupation with the resources, skills and best practices of the separate workforces. CBP adopted a single uniform for its inspectional workforce, conducted anti-terrorism training and cross-training for legacy Customs and Immigration inspectors, and selected a single overtime compensation system. On July 25, 2004, all legacy Customs and Immigration inspectors were converted to a new position: that of “CBP Officer.” These historic changes together with a continuous commitment to professionalism will make CBP the most professional law enforcement organization in the nation.

“I expect professionalism and courtesy to be the hallmark of every CBP Officer. It is my goal that all visitors and traveling U.S. citizens see the CBP uniform as a symbol of our Nation’s great strength, ideals, and liberty,” said Commissioner Bonner.

The principles of professionalism and discretion will be utilized throughout every aspect of the CBP workforce. As part of this initiative, CBP’s “Pledge to Travelers” will be prominently displayed at airports, seaports, and land border ports of entry. It states, “We pledge to cordially greet and welcome you to the United States. We pledge to treat you with courtesy, dignity, and respect. We pledge to explain the CBP process to you. We pledge to have a supervisor listen to your comments. We pledge to accept and respond to your comments in written, verbal, or electronic form. We pledge to provide reasonable assistance due to delay or disability.”

An important part of professionalism is the appropriate exercise of discretion in determining whether to refuse or permit entry of people attempting to enter the United States. Since the overwhelming majority of travelers pose absolutely no threat to our national security, CBP will use discretion to permit entry, whenever the law allows, for individuals that have committed a technical or inadvertent immigration violation, but who otherwise pose no threat whatsoever. Potential terrorists, those that may be engaged in criminal activity, and those who may add to the illegal population of the United States will be refused entry.

The CBP Professionalism Initiative encompasses training, employee musters, guidance on exercising discretion, the “Pledge to Travelers” campaign, the overhaul of the complaint and compliment processing unit, and the development of metrics to measure agency progress.

“We have a unique opportunity to capitalize on this historic reorganization, and in doing so, develop the culture of professionalism for years to come. We are raising the bar. We are a world class law enforcement organization and even a single instance of rude or discourteous behavior is one too many,” Commissioner Bonner added. “At U.S. Customs and Border Protection, as ‘One Face at the Border,’ we are building a tradition of excellence.”