Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection
Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) is "a land border management process that provides expedited" U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) "processing for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. Applicants must voluntarily undergo a thorough biographical background check against criminal, law enforcement, customs, immigration, and terrorist indices; a 10-fingerprint law enforcement check; and a personal interview with a CBP Officer." [1]
"SENTRI was first implemented at the Otay Mesa, California port of entry on November 1, 1995. SENTRI Dedicated Commuter Lanes also exist in El Paso, TX.; San Ysidro, CA.; and Nogales, AZ; with new enrollment centers in Laredo, TX; McAllen, TX; and Brownsville, TX." [2]
Qualifications
"Applicants will not qualify for participation SENTRI program if they (as stated):
- Provide false or incomplete information on the application;
- Have been convicted of any criminal offense or have pending criminal charges to include outstanding warrants;
- Have been found in violation of any customs, immigration, or agriculture regulations or laws in any country;
- Are subjects of an ongoing investigation by any federal, state, or local law enforcement agency;
- Are inadmissible to the United States under immigration regulation, including applicants with approved waivers of inadmissibility or parole documentation;
- Cannot satisfy CBP of their low risk status or meet other program requirements.
"Once an applicant is approved they are issued a Radio Frequency Identification Card (RFID) that will identify their record and status in the CBP database upon arrival at the U.S. port of entry. An RFID transponder is also issued to the applicant’s vehicle. SENTRI users have access to specific, dedicated primary lanes into the United States."
Contact Information
SENTRI website.
Related SourceWatch Resources
- e-Passports
- illegal immigration
- NEXUS
- North American Union
- Registered Traveler Program
- U.S.-Canada Smart Borders Accord
- U.S.-Mexico Border Partnership Declaration
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
- US-VISIT
External links
- Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI), U.S. Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, July 14, 2006.
