International Trusted Traveler programs top 300,000

    HOULTON — U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that membership in the NEXUS and SENTRI trusted traveler programs has surpassed 300,000 members. These travel programs are for pre-approved, low-risk individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements, and undergo a background check and in-person interview. Once approved, members have access to designated lanes, airport kiosks and designated marine reporting locations to enter the United States from Canada to Mexico.
    In the near future, trusted traveler members will be receiving new NEXUS and SENTRI cards with enhanced security features, which will facilitate cross border travel. In order to receive new membership cards, effective Nov. 20, all NEXUS and SENTRI members must ensure their address information is current in their online accounts so that CBP can send new membership cards in the coming months. Those who applied using the paper application and who do not yet have an online account should register by clicking “Apply Online or Check and Update my Address for NEXUS and SENTRI” under Quicklinks at cbp.gov. This simple process is not a new application; it is simply ensuring members’ current information is up-to-date.
    “These programs help speed cross-border travel, and they help secure our borders and our communities because they allow us to focus on potentially high-risk travelers.” said CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham. “They are also acceptable travel documents under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, and I encourage travelers to sign up now at any of the 26 enrollment centers.”
    SENTI and NEXUS are also alternative documents when new travel document requirements under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative go into effect in 2008. NEXUS in the air mode meets the requirements of WHTI for air travel that went into effect on Jan. 23, 2007. This initiative requires all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, to present a valid passport or other approved secure document when entering the United States at any air, land or sea port of entry.
    These programs leverage Radio Frequency Identification technology to help automate and speed processing. Vicinity RFID technology is a proven means of moving travelers through the land border more quickly and efficiently, and had been successfully used on the land borders since 1995.
    For more information about eligible requirements, application information and locations of operation please visit cbp.gov, click the “Travel” tab, and then the “Trusted Traveler Program” link on the left-hand side.