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Government/Legislation
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DHS reports accomplishments to protect and secure country
In a fact sheet posted on its Web site, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) describes selected 2008 accomplishments directed at its five major goals. Among the many tasks it took on during the year, two priorities that impact travel fell into the categories of: Secure Documentation Standards and Enhanced Aviation Security.
Secure Documentation Standards:
- Reached 99 percent compliance with Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative requirements for air travel.
- Implemented new procedures at land and sea ports of entry, ending acceptance of oral declarations alone, and significantly reducing the types of acceptable documents.
- Improved the standards of identification cards and offer more secure Trusted Traveler Program and Lawful Permanent Resident Cards to speed border crossings.
- Worked with several states to produce Enhanced Drivers Licenses that will allow for cross border travel at land and sea ports of entry.
- Issued the REAL ID final rule, establishing minimum standards that bolster the integrity and reliability of state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards.
Enhanced Aviation Security:
- Employed more than 2,000 Transportation Security Administration Behavior Detection Officers at more than 150 of the country’s largest airports to identify potentially high-risk passengers.
- Started requiring holders of airport-issued identification credentials to be perpetually vetted against the Terrorist Screening Database, and expanded Travel Document Checking program at passenger security checkpoints.
- Strengthened aviation security by private aircraft to provide more detailed information about the aircraft crew and passengers on board to Customs and Border Protection prior to U.S. arrival and departure.
- Provided for domestic scanning of all incoming international general aviation flight for the presence of radiological or nuclear material.
- Secured air cargo on passenger carrying aircraft.
While the DHS has a variety of goals, the list above illustrates the areas in which these goals can impact travel processes, regulations, and security for both business and leisure travelers. A complete listing of the DHS 2008 accomplishments can be found at its Web site.
Source: DHS.gov
