A vision for integration of security, facilitation

A vision for integration of security, facilitation Commentary

      There was a time when many saw homeland security through the narrow prism of enforcement, which assumed economic security must take a back seat to national security.
      But time has a way of clarifying our challenges and bringing forth new threats. After spending much of my career working toward a better border, including the last year with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on border policy, I believe it is time for a new vision that maximizes both security and economic opportunity. The two are not mutually exclusive. They go hand in hand.
      As commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, I intend to pursue policies where security and economic facilitation are integrated, not separate. To further this vision, I will seek to ensure CBP operations and programs more effectively segment risk so that frontline personnel will more effectively identify threats and expedite lawful trade and travel.
      Given today's challenges, we must bring every tool to bear in creating safe and efficient borders, to coordinate with and support our Mexican and Canadian partners, and to maintain an efficient border that builds economic benefit for all.
      CBP has no interest in averting its attention from our solemn vow to keep the citizens of the United States safe from all threats. We have an unwavering commitment to the security of our homeland. But we also understand what worked yesterday may well be insufficient tomorrow. We must be open to new ideas, tools, partners and practices that will empower us to succeed in the face of emerging threats.
      One concept I am committed to build on is our known shipper and trusted traveler programs. Launched as a way to expedite processes for frequent shippers and commuters, these programs are exceeding expectations of participation and impact.
      With nearly a million travelers and more than 57,000 containers entering the United States each day, searching out dangers in our operational environment has been compared to finding a needle in a haystack. We have gotten better, through training, intelligence, technology and determination, at finding the needle. Our challenge now is to apply the lessons of these programs and thin the haystack by pre-identifying the flow of people and goods to the greatest degree possible.
      This segmentation not only will allow speedier handling of those we know more about; more importantly, it will free us up to apply greater scrutiny to those we know little about. Through these activities, facilitation and security are strengthened simultaneously. By growing these programs, we intend to process more cargo and travelers in a way that reduces waits and is more secure.
      Today we have 750,000 members in these known traveler and shipper programs, an impressive number. But I know we can do better and I will instruct my staff to launch a membership campaign as soon as possible. I believe we can reach one million members within a year.
      Finally, I don't need to tell you that America faces a long, hard return to economic vitality. We have suffered severe blows, and recovery will not be quick or easy. CBP seeks to do our part in the recovery, so we will make every effort to enhance economic opportunity, not stifle it.
      President Obama has set an ambitious goal of doubling U.S. exports during the next five years. I believe CBP's influence reaches around the world, safeguarding the global supply chain for all. So the runway is clear for our exports to take off and CBP will work with shippers and our federal partners to assure a smooth transit and to create an environment when security and facilitation are complementary.
      But to do all this well, we need your help. Please let me know what you think. What is working? What can we do better? Please e-mail my staff at CBPTradeRelations@DHS.gov. I look forward to hearing from you and building a better border for us all.

Alan Bersin
commissioner,
U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
Washington, D.C.