Ports Of Entry Expanding Technology To Quicken Crossings

HIDALGO, Texas (AP) – The federal government will install radio frequency technology at border ports of entry this summer that will eventually shorten wait times for entering the country.

But in the short-term, installation of the radio frequency readers will extend lines during the busy summer travel season as some lanes are closed, officials said.

“They might add to wait times for awhile,” said Hector Mancha, director of the Pharr/Hidalgo Port of Entry. But “these changes will make our borders more efficient and our country more secure.”

New passports, as well as the passport cards that are scheduled to go into production next month, will be imbedded with chips that sensors at border crossings will detect as vehicles approach border stations. It will link to a Department of Homeland Security database that will have a person’s identification information on file. The scanners will also pick up the new enhanced drivers licenses, so far only issued in Washington state.

The radio frequency identification technology has been in use for more than a decade for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveler programs, which require a fee and extensive background check. Now it will allow inspection agents in all crossing lanes to have travelers’ information in front of them before their car even stops.

It saves the inspectors from having to manually type in a person’s information when they arrive.

Installing the technology is expected to take one week to two weeks at each port of entry, officials said.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)