U.S. and Mexico Outline Plans to Improve Border Management
On May 19, 2010, the U.S. and Mexico issued a declaration agreeing to take on a number of 21st century border management activities with respect to trade and security:
Standardized, single entry of trade data. The standardized collection and single entry of trade data, so that importers and exporters are asked for a given piece of information only once, reducing the administrative burden of compliance and the cost of trade;
Mutual recognition of trusted shipper programs. The creation, expansion, or mutual recognition of “trusted shipper” programs such as Free and Secure Trade (FAST) and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) and “trusted traveler” programs such as SENTRI and Global Entry, allowing enforcement authorities to concentrate their efforts where they are most needed to stop illicit border flows;
Closer supply chain partnerships. Promotion of a closer partnership with the private sector, the trade community, and international partners to secure supply chains;
Reduction of border delays. Programs focused on reducing congestion and delays in cross-border traffic entering both Mexico and the United States, building a foundation for efficient border and expanded economic growth, improving community safety and quality of life, and reducing unhealthy emissions from idling vehicles;
Pre-screening, pre-clearance. Pre-screening, pre-clearance, and pre-inspection of people, goods, and products, particularly where such activities increase the ability of the U.S. and Mexico to intercept dangerous individuals, hazardous goods, and contraband before they cause harm and to alleviate congestion at ports of entry;
Security information sharing. The improvement of bilateral mechanisms to share information related to aviation security and border security.
Complementary risk management strategies. The development of complementary risk management strategies aimed at separating high-risk and low-risk shipments, as well as high-risk and low-risk individuals, including specific procedures for repatriation of individuals with criminal records;
Bi-national coordination on ports of entry. Improved bi-national coordination in planning, financing, permitting, designing, building, and operating ports of entry, as well as optimal staffing of ports of entry;
Shared priorities for ports. Development of shared priorities for public investments in ports of entry along the border, planned in coordination with the infrastructure feeding into them, as well as funding mechanisms for such projects, including private sector participation;
Joint threat assessments. Joint assessments of threats, development of a common understanding of the operating environment, and joint identification of geographic areas of focus for law enforcement operations; and
Information sharing to disrupt crime. Augmentation of their collection, analysis, and sharing of information from interdictions, investigations, and prosecutions to disrupt “criminal flows” and enhance public safety.
(Border security will also include establishing a Customs training academy in Mexico, and providing non-intrusive inspection equipment for land and airports.)
Bilateral Committee to Coordinate, Facilitate Implementation
To coordinate and facilitate work aimed at furthering the goals noted in the Declaration, the U.S. and Mexico intend to establish a Twenty-First Century Border Bilateral Executive Steering Committee (ESC) composed of representatives from the appropriate federal government departments and offices.
For the U.S., this includes representatives from the Departments of State, Homeland Security, Justice, Transportation, Agriculture, Commerce, Interior, Defense, and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.
The inaugural meeting of the ESC is expected to be convened no later than August 19, 2010.
Declaration (dated 05/19/10) available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/declaration-government-united-states-america-and-government-united-mexican-states-c.
State Dept press release on U.S.-Mexico border activities (dated 05/19/10) available at