For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
MIAMI— Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano today joined U.S. Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz in Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, Fla. to see customs and security operations at Port Everglades and Miami International Airport, and discuss the Department’s on-going efforts to facilitate lawful travel and trade.
“Travel and tourism are critical to Florida’s economy. That’s why we’re doing everything we can, alongside our state, local and airport partners, to make this vital transport hub secure and efficient,” said Secretary Napolitano. “We’ve moving from a one-size-fits-all approach to one where we identify and expedite the lowest risk travelers and cargo more quickly, which not only keeps our ports secure but ensures fast, efficient movement of lawful travel and trade.”
While in Ft. Lauderdale, Secretary Napolitano joined U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Lois Frankel and Mario Diaz-Balart to visit the Port Everglades Seaport, one of the fastest growing seaports on the East Coast. In FY 2012, U.S. Customs and Border Protection processed more than $2.3 trillion in trade across the country while enforcing U.S. trade laws that protect the economy and the safety of the American people.
In Miami, Secretary Napolitano joined U.S. Representatives Debbie Wasserman Schultz, Frederica Wilson, Joe Garcia and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to tour Federal Inspection Services operations at Miami International Airport and met with local airport authorities and stakeholders to discuss collaborative efforts to streamline the processing of travelers arriving from overseas. DHS continues to work closely with the Miami Airport Authority to address staffing at peak arrival times, automate the inspection process wherever possible, and increase enrollment in trusted traveler programs.
Both TSA Pre✓™ and Global Entry are available to travelers at Miami International Airport. Global Entry provides expedited clearance for pre-approved, low-risk air travelers upon arrival in the United States. TSA Pre✓™ is a passenger pre-screening initiative for travelers who volunteer information about themselves prior to flying domestically in order to potentially expedite screening at the checkpoint. Eligible passengers include U.S. citizens who have opted-in through participating airlines as well as those who are members of CBP Trusted Traveler programs, including Global Entry, SENTRI and NEXUS. Individuals interested in joining a CBP Trusted Traveler program can learn more by visiting www.cbp.gov.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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