In and out the US borders

Jan

Filed Under USA

One of the biggest challenges for the US today is in the protection of its borders. This responsibility was given to the USCBP or the US Customs and Border Patrol. They are in charge of both the northern border in Canada and the southern border in Mexico. With millions of citizens and non-citizens crossing these borders; the department always find themselves busy in protecting the country.

To address this problem the Global Entry System was established. This system is geared towards US citizens who have been proven to be low risk for the country. Instead of going through rigorous inspection by the border patrol, they just have to go through the Global System with their credentials to gain entrance to US.

This was even improved when the Global Entry expanded its acceptance to other forms of border documentation. Those who are frequently crossing Canada could expedite their re-entry to US with the use of their NEXUS membership. On the other hand, the frequent travellers in the south could experience the same comfort if they are a member of SENTRI or Secure Electronic Network for Travellers Rapid Inspection.

Because of this integration, travellers who frequently cross either border could choose Global Entry, Nexus or SENTRI. The application process is almost the same as the travellers who wish to gain these certifications would have to agree to rigorous background check by the government.

A separate certification exists specifically for drivers that cross the US-Mexican Border called FAST or Free and Secure Trade. Although they are not members of Global Entry, they also have the same rigorous background check before approval.