For Immediate Release
DHS Press Office
Contact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON— Today, Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas delivered remarks at the 2014 East Coast Trade Symposium to highlight the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to facilitate legitimate trade and travel while securing our nation’s borders.
During his remarks, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas underscored the Administration’s efforts to streamline the export/import process for America’s businesses. On Feb. 19, President Obama issued an Executive Order that establishes a December 31, 2016 deadline for completion and government-wide use of the International Trade Data System (ITDS), an automated capability that will allow businesses to transmit, through an “electronic single-window,” the data required by the U.S. Government for the importation and exportation of cargo.
Today’s symposium follows last week’s remarks by Deputy Secretary Mayorkas to the U.S. Travel Association Gateway Airports Council, reiterating DHS’s efforts to make the travel experience quicker and easier for everyone – passengers, airlines, airport operators – while ensuring the safety and security of the traveling public. Deputy Secretary Mayorkas highlighted risk-based security measures including DHS trusted traveler programs such as U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Global Entry program and TSA Pre✓™.
Last week, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas traveled to Ontario, Canada to officially launch Phase II of the truck cargo pre-inspection pilot at the Peace Bridge crossing between Fort Erie, Ontario and Buffalo, New York. The pilot is a key deliverable under the Beyond the Border Action Plan to test the concept of conducting CBP primary inspection of U.S.-bound truck cargo in Canada in order to better manage their shared border and improve economic opportunities for both countries.
On Feb. 18, Deputy Secretary Mayorkas also joined U.S. General Services Administration’s (GSA) Administrator Dan Tangherlini in Laredo, Texas, where they announced plans to modernize and expand the Land Port of Entry in Laredo, Texas. Under this Administration, DHS has dedicated historic levels of personnel, technology, and infrastructure to the Southwest border to reduce illicit activities and facilitate legal trade and travel that contributes to the nation’s economy. This Laredo modernization and expansion project will greatly contribute to this effort by transforming the aging port into a well-equipped modern facility.
For more information, visit www.dhs.gov.
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