Issue: Border Security

The Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 required the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to develop and implement a biometric entry and exit system for foreign visitors. This provision would implement a key 9/11 Commission recommendation to curtail terrorist travel. To date, the biometric exit requirements of the law have not been fully implemented.

SIA Position:

SIA supports legislation and appropriations measures that ensure the full deployment of biometric systems at entry and exit points throughout the nation’ s airports, ports and land borders as soon as practicable.

Between points of entry, security technology can play a key role in providing persistent surveillance at the border, detecting breaches of physical barriers and promoting a rapid response to border incursions, especially in areas that are otherwise difficult for the U.S. Border Patrol to monitor and protect.

SIA supports ensuring that any legislation seeking to improve security at U.S. borders provides for the deployment of modern security technology to its full potential in conjunction with other measures and in a manner that is most cost effective and beneficial for U.S. taxpayers.