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Reports
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1.
Statement of Dr. James Jay Carafano Before the Subcommittee on Management, Integration and Oversight, House Committee on Homeland Security. March 2005.
- This testimony discusses "the proposal to merge the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Immigration-Customs Enforcement (ICE) agencies" and addresses "1) the [DHS 2.0: Rethinking the Department of Homeland Security] report's proposal for merging CBP and ICE and how it was developed, 2) standards that could be used to evaluate the recommendation, and 3) possible next steps for the department and Congress."
Source: Heritage Foundation (All by Source | Source Website).
See Also -
Homeland Security :
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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2.
Various Issues Led to the Termination of the United States-Canada Shared Border Management Pilot Project. September 2008.
- "Recognizing the need to improve both border security and border-crossing efficiency, the United States and Canada have cooperated on various cross-border management initiatives intended to increase the flow of legitimate travel across the border while maintaining security. For example, to facilitate the travel of low-risk prescreened individuals across the northern border, the United States and Canada jointly operate the NEXUS program. The NEXUS program allows registered border residents and frequent cross-border travelers identified as low-risk individuals access to dedicated lanes and expedited processing with minimal inspection. The United States and Canada also coordinate on border law enforcement programs such as the Integrated Border Enforcement Team Program (IBET), which is a bi-national, multi-agency law enforcement initiative that (1) provides, where necessary, support to national security investigations associated to the Canada/United States border and (2) investigates illegal cross-border activities."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-1038.
See Also -
Homeland Security
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3.
Aviation Security: Transportation Security Administration Faces Immediate and Long-Term Challenges. July 2008.
- This testimony, by Gerald Dillingham, director, physical infrastructure issues, before the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, discusses the Transportation Security Administration's progress in enhancing aviation security and in implementing the act's provisions for addressing security weaknesses in aviation and other modes of transportation. The testimony includes observations about (1) what TSA has done since September 11 to strengthen aviation security, (2) what immediate challenges TSA faces to strengthen transportation security, and (3) what longer-term challenges TSA can anticipate as it organizes itself to enhance security in all modes of transportation.
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-02-971T.
See Also -
Aviation Security :
Transportation Security
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4.
Alien Detention Standards: Observations on the Adherence to ICE's Medical Standards in Detention Facilities. June 2008.
- "In fiscal year 2007, Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained over 311,000 aliens, with an average daily population of over 30,000 and an average length of stay of about 37 days in one of approximately 300 facilities. The care and treatment of aliens while in detention is a significant challenge to ICE, as concerns continue to be raised by members of Congress and advocacy groups about the treatment of the growing number of aliens while in ICE's custody. This testimony focuses on (1) the extent to which 23 facilities complied with medical care standards, (2) deficiencies found during ICE's annual compliance inspection reviews, and (3) the types of complaints filed by alien detainees about detention conditions. This testimony is based on GAO's July 2007 report evaluating, among other things, the extent to which 23 facilities complied with aspects of eight of ICE's 38 National Detention Standards. This report did not address quality of care issues."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-869T.
See Also -
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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5.
Border Security: State Department Expects to Meet Projected Surge in Demand for Visas and Passports in Mexico. June 2008.
- "This testimony addresses (1) State's estimates of the workload for consulates in Mexico through 2012 resulting from, in particular, new travel requirements and the reissue of Border Crossing Cards; and (2) the actions State has taken to ensure consulates in Mexico keep pace with projected workload increases through 2012. This testimony is based on work currently in process that involves analyzing State's workload forecasts and forecast methodology, interviewing State officials, and visiting five posts in Mexico. GAO discussed this testimony with State officials, who agreed with GAO's findings."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-931T.
See Also -
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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6.
Border Security: State Department Expects to Meet Projected Surge in Demand for Visas and Passports in Mexico. June 2008.
- "The U.S. Mission in Mexico is the Department of State's largest consular operation. In fiscal year 2007, it processed 1.5 million of the 8 million nonimmigrant visas (NIV) State handled worldwide. The U.S.
Mission in Mexico also provided services, including passport processing and emergency assistance, to 20,000 American citizens in fiscal year 2007.This testimony addresses (1) State's estimates of the workload for consulates in Mexico through 2012 resulting from, in particular, new travel requirements and the reissue of Border Crossing Cards; and (2) the actions State has taken to ensure consulates in Mexico
keep pace with projected workload increases through 2012."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-931T.
See Also -
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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7.
Secure Border Initiative Fiscal Year 2008 Expenditure Plan Shows Improvement,
but Deficiencies Limit Congressional Oversight and DHS Accountability. June 2008.
- "In November 2005, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the launch of Secure Border Initiative (SBI), a multiyear, multibillion-dollar program aimed at securing U.S. borders and reducing illegal immigration. Elements of SBI are carried out by several organizations within DHS. One component is the U.S. Customs and Border Protection's (CBP) SBI program office, which is responsible for developing a comprehensive border protection system using people; technology, known as SBInet; and tactical infrastructure (TI)--pedestrian and vehicle fencing; roads; and lighting. This report is to determine whether the SBI fiscal year 2008 expenditure plan satisfied 15 legislative conditions as required by the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-739R.
See Also -
Federal Funding Information :
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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8.
Secure Border Initiative Fiscal Year 2008 Expenditure Plan Shows Improvement, but Deficiencies Limit Congressional Oversight and DHS Accountability. June 2008.
- "To determine whether the SBI fiscal year 2008 expenditure plan satisfied 15 legislative conditions as required by the Fiscal Year 2008 Consolidated Appropriations Act, we analyzed the SBI March 2008 expenditure plan and supporting documentation. We also interviewed cognizant program officials at CBP headquarters in Washington, D.C. We determined that the financial, staffing, and fencing data provided by DHS were sufficiently reliable for purposes of this product. We based our decision on an assessment for each respective area by questioning cognizant DHS officials about the source of the data and policies and procedures to maintain the integrity of these data. We conducted this performance audit from January 2008 to June 2008, in accordance with generally accepted government auditing standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the work to obtain sufficient, appropriate evidence to provide a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our objectives. We believe that the evidence obtained provides a reasonable basis for our findings and conclusions based on our objectives."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-739R.
See Also -
Federal Funding Information
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9.
Border Security: State Department Should Plan for Potentially Significant Staffing and Facilities Shortfalls Caused by Changes in the Visa Waiver Program. May 2008.
- "Under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), citizens from 27 countries can travel to the United States visa free. Terrorism concerns involving VWP country citizens have led some to suggest eliminating or suspending the program, while the executive branch is considering adding countries to it. Legislation passed in 2007 led the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to develop its Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA), to screen VWP country citizens before they travel to the United States; if found ineligible, travelers will need to apply for a visa. GAO reviewed how (1) program elimination or suspension, (2) program expansion, and (3) ESTA could affect visa demand, resource needs, and revenues. We collected traveler, staffing, facilities, and cost data from the Department of State (State), DHS, and embassy officials and developed estimates related to the three scenarios above."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-623.
See Also -
Homeland Security
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10.
Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Federal Actions Needed to Ensure Safety and Expand Their Potential Uses within the National Airspace System. May 2008.
- "Government and private-sector interest is growing in unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for use in a variety of missions such as U.S. border protection, hurricane research, law enforcement, and real estate photography. However, UASs can fly only after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) conducts a case-by-case safety analysis. GAO's research questions included (1) What are the current and potential uses and benefits of UASs? (2) What challenges exist in operating UASs safely and routinely in the national airspace system? and (3) What is the federal government's response to these challenges? To address these questions, GAO reviewed the literature, interviewed agency officials and aviation stakeholders, and surveyed 23 UAS experts."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-511.
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11.
Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain. March 2008.
- "Since September 11, 2001, the need to secure U.S. borders has increased in importance and attracted greater public and Congressional attention. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has spent billions of dollars to prevent the illegal entry of individuals and contraband between ports of entry--government designated locations where DHS inspects persons and goods to determine whether they may be lawfully admitted into the country. Yet, while DHS apprehends hundreds of thousands of such individuals each year, several hundreds of thousands more enter the country illegally and undetected. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a component of DHS, is the lead federal agency in charge of securing our nation's borders. This testimony summarizes GAO's work on DHS's efforts on selected border security operations and programs related to (1) inspecting travelers at U.S. ports of entry, (2) detecting individuals attempting to enter the country illegally between ports of entry, and (3) screening of international travelers before they arrive at U.S. ports and challenges remaining in these areas. GAO's observations are based on products issued from May 2006 through February 2008. In prior reports, GAO recommended various actions to DHS to, among other things, help address weaknesses in the traveler inspection programs and processes. DHS has generally agreed with our recommendations and has taken various actions to address them."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-542T.
See Also -
Homeland Security :
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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12.
Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry. January 2008.
- "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for keeping terrorists and other dangerous people from entering the country while also facilitating the cross-border movement of millions of travelers. CBP carries out this responsibility at 326 air, sea, and land ports of entry. In response to a congressional request, GAO examined CBP traveler inspection efforts, the progress made, and the challenges that remain in staffing and training at ports of entry, and the progress CBP has made in developing strategic plans and performance measures for its traveler inspection program. To conduct its work, GAO reviewed and analyzed CBP data and documents related to inspections, staffing, and training, interviewed managers and officers, observed inspections at eight major air and land ports of entry, and tested inspection controls at eight small land ports of entry. GAO's testimony is based on a report GAO issued November 5, 2007."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-329T.
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13.
Homeland Security Report No. 181. January 2008.
- Geared toward keeping industry and law enforcement professionals informed of homeland security issues, the January 2008 issue discusses transportation systems and drug testing; the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007; and border security among other topics.
Source: Homeland Security Group (All by Source | Source Website).
See Also -
First Responders :
Homeland Security
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14.
Protecting the U.S. Perimeter: Border Searches Under the Fourth Amendment. January 2008.
- "This report addresses the scope of the government's authority to search and seize individuals at the border pursuant to the constitutional framework that encompasses the border search exception to the warrant and probable cause requirements of the Fourth Amendment. This report also describes the varying levels of suspicion generally associated with each type of border search as interpreted by the courts. In addition, this report highlights some of the border security recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission and legislative actions taken in the 108th, 109th, and 110th Congresses. This report does not address interior searches and seizures performed by immigration personnel since they are not traditional “border searches” in the Court's view. It will be updated as warranted."
Source: Congressional Research Service (CRS), United States (All by Source). Report Number: RL31826.
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15.
Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry. November 2007.
- "U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for keeping terrorists and other dangerous people from entering the country while also facilitating the cross-border movement of millions of travelers. CBP carries out this responsibility at 326 air, sea, and land ports of entry. In response to a congressional request, GAO examined CBP traveler inspection efforts, the progress made and the challenges that remain in staffing and training at ports of entry, and the progress CBP has made in developing strategic plans and performance measures for its traveler inspection program. This is a public version of a For Official Use Only report GAO issued on October 5, 2007. To conduct its work, GAO reviewed and analyzed CBP data and documents related to inspections, staffing, and training, interviewed managers and officers, observed inspections at eight major air and land ports of entry, and tested inspection controls at eight small land ports of entry. Information the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) deemed sensitive has been redacted."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-08-219.
See Also -
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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16.
Homeland Security Report No. 179. November 2007.
- Geared toward keeping industry and law enforcement professionals informed of homeland security issues, the November 2007 issue discusses US efforts to combat nuclear proliferation, new DHS activities to combat terrorism and the new Maritime Strategy.
Source: Homeland Security Group (All by Source | Source Website).
See Also -
First Responders :
Homeland Security :
Nuclear Terrorism, Weapons, Security and Defense
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17.
Homeland Security Report No. 178. October 2007.
- Geared toward keeping industry and law enforcement professionals informed of homeland security issues, the October 2007 issue discusses border security at unmonitored U.S. locations, updates the information on pandemic influenza and provides a copy of the summary statement of a CRS report dealing with the effectiveness of combatting terrorism.
Source: Homeland Security Group (All by Source | Source Website).
See Also -
First Responders :
Homeland Security :
Public Health
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18.
Border Security: Security Vulnerabilities at Unmanned and Unmonitored U.S. Border Locations. September 2007.
- The testimony in this report "will address what GAO investigators found during a limited security assessment of seven border areas that were unmanned, unmonitored, or both—four at the U.S.–Canada border and three at the U.S.–Mexico border. In three of the four locations on the U.S.–Canada border, investigators carried a duffel bag across the border to simulate the cross-border movement of radioactive materials or other contraband. Safety considerations prevented GAO investigators from attempting to cross north into the United States from a starting point in Mexico."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-07-884T.
See Also -
Lessons Learned :
Proceedings - Congressional Hearings, Conferences, Seminars, Workshops, etc.
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19.
Homeland Security Report No. 176. August 2007.
- Geared toward keeping industry and law enforcement professionals informed of homeland security issues, the August 2007 issue reports homeland security issues and updates the terrorism calendar, celebrates the 217th anniversary of the Coast Guard and discusses critical infrastructure protection.
Source: Homeland Security Group (All by Source | Source Website).
See Also -
Critical Infrastructure Protection :
First Responders :
Homeland Security
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20.
Border Security: Security of New Passports and Visas Enhanced, but More Needs to Be Done to Prevent Their Fraudulent Use. July 2007.
- "Travel documents are often used fraudulently in attempts to enter the United States. The integrity of U.S. passports and visas depends on the combination of well-designed security features and solid issuance and inspection processes. GAO was asked to examine (1) the features of U.S. passports and visas and how information on the features is shared; (2) the integrity of the issuance process for these documents; and (3) how these documents are inspected at U.S. ports of entry."
Source: Government Accountability Office (All by Source | Source Website). Report Number: GAO-07-1006.
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