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Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry

GAO-08-219 Published: Nov 05, 2007. Publicly Released: Nov 05, 2007.
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Highlights

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.

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Topics

AirportsBorder securityEmployee trainingHarborsHomeland securityInspectionInternal controlsOn-the-job trainingPerformance measuresPort securityRisk assessmentRisk managementStandardsStrategic planningTerrorismTerroristsTravelPolicies and proceduresProgram goals or objectivesProgram implementation