U.S. and U.K. Border Agencies Announce Cooperative Agreement
Posted Oct 10, 2008
©MurthyDotCom
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) published a September 23, 2008 news release, announcing the beginning of an exchange of critical passenger information with the United Kingdom Border Agency (UKBA). This cooperative agreement is intended to protect both countries through the sharing of information on potential threats, including smugglers, foreign criminals, and immigration violators.
©MurthyDotCom
Agreement Signed in Washington DC
©MurthyDotCom
This joint agreement was signed by CBP and UKBA officials at a ceremony held in Washington DC, on June 24, 2008. CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham and UKBA Head of Border Force Brodie Clark both issued statements. As a result of this joint agreement, CBP's National Targeting Center (NTC) and UKBA's Joint Borders Operations Centre will share information meant to strengthen verification of travel documents, detection of false identities, determinations of admissibility, and identification of persons who pose a security risk to either nation.
©MurthyDotCom
Improvements to Existing Programs
©MurthyDotCom
The purpose of the agreement is to develop a bilateral pilot program to facilitate travel between the U.S. and U.K. The International Expedited Traveler Initiative (IETI) will integrate CBP's Global Entry Program (GEP) with the U.K.'s registered traveler program. Regular MurthyDotCom and MurthyBulletin readers may recall a detailed June 20, 2008 discussion of the GEP program available in our NewsBrief entitled, CBP Global Entry Pilot Program.
©MurthyDotCom
Conclusion
©MurthyDotCom
This joint agreement between CBP and UKBA should strengthen the efficiency of both border agencies and the security of both countries. It seems likely that future agreements and arrangements may be entered into with other countries to improve travel and enhance security.