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DHS and CBP Reach Agreement with Tribe on Cross-border ID Document |
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Written by Jordana Hart
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Tuesday, 03 November 2009 |
The Department of Homeland Security and the Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona today formalized an agreement to develop a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant Enhanced Tribal Card (ETC)—signed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski and Tohono O’odham Nation of Arizona Chairperson Ned Norris,Jr., in a ceremony in Washington.
The ETC verifies tribal citizenship and identity for the purpose of native peoples entering the United States by land or sea from Canada or Mexico, enhancing safety and security of U.S. borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.
“This agreement will strengthen safety along our borders while providing Tohono O’odham members a secure and standardized ID card,” said Secretary Napolitano. “In the months ahead, we will continue to build upon these efforts—from secure identification to preparing for emergencies—with our tribal partners across the country.”
Since January, CBP has also signed agreements with the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho, the Pascua Yaqui of Arizona and the Seneca Nation of New York. CBP is currently working with approximately 25 other tribes across the country on the ETC initiative.
WHTI is a joint initiative between DHS and the Department of State that implements a key 9/11 Commission recommendation and Congressional mandate to establish document requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt,including citizens of the United States, Canada and Bermuda.
DHS implemented WHTI at land and sea ports of entry as of June 1, 2009, requiring travelers to present an approved travel document to enter the United States. Approved documents include passports, U.S. passport cards, trusted traveler program cards and state- or province-issued enhanced driver’s licenses. Upon successful testing and issuance, ETCs, developed in accordance with the signed agreement, will also be accepted for border crossings.
There are more than 28,000 enrolled members of the Tohono O’odham Nation. The Nation’s lands include 75 miles of the international border in south-western Arizona and extend into Mexico, covering an area the size of Connecticut. |
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 03 November 2009 )
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