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1 1 (December 28, 2004)

handle is hein.crs/crsahxz0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Order Code RS21258 Updated December 28, 2004 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Border Security: U.S.-Canada Immigration Border Issues Lisa M. Seghetti Analyst in Social Legislation Domestic Social Policy Division Summary The United States and Canada are striving to balance adequate border security with other issues such as the facilitation of legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. Congress has taken action to improve border facility infrastructure, increase the number of border patrol agents and immigration inspectors at the northern border, and provide these officials with additional technologically upgraded equipment. Congress has also taken action to track the entry and exit of foreign visitors by mandating an automated entry/exit system, however, its anticipated implementation at the northern border may not have an adverse impact on travel as most Canadian nationals will be exempt from the requirements of the system. Moreover, there have been several bi-national initiatives aimed at making the border more secure while facilitating travel. These initiatives are outlined in a 30-point plan, which was signed by officials from both countries in December 2001. Introduction The September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and continued threats of future attacks have directed Congress's attention to U.S.-Canada border security-related issues. Both countries are striving to balance adequate border security with other issues such as the facilitation of legitimate cross-border travel and commerce, and protecting civil liberties. Previous Congresses passed significant border security-related legislation, and issues pertaining to the oversight of the legislation and possible policy implications for U.S.- Canada border relations may be of interest to the 109'h Congress. The 109th Congress may also address several border security-related issues pertaining to the U.S.-Canada border that continue to be of interest. These may include (1) more information sharing with Canada, including joint intelligence sharing; (2) greater sharing of technology such as fingerprint data and passport readers; (3) off-site pre-inspection and pre-clearance areas; (4) the expansion of NEXUS for low-risk frequent travelers; and (5) improving infrastructure at the border and ports of entry. Congressional Research Service ** The Library of Congress