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• Pakistan: Balancing Reform and Counterterrorism, Hearing Before the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, July 14, 2004

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  From the opening statement of Richard G. Lugar. "The Foreign Relations Committee meets today for an important discussion on Pakistan, a key ally of the United States in the global war on terrorism. Pakistan's efforts against terrorists within its borders, its stewardship of its own nuclear arsenal, and its relations with other nations in the region are critical to global security. The commitment of the U.S. Government to provide Pakistan with $3 billion in assistance over 5 years is a measure of Pakistan's importance to our own national security objectives. President Musharraf faces immense challenges in rooting out extremism and putting Pakistan on a stable path toward economic development and democracy. He has called for modernization and conciliation across the Islamic world to reverse the spread of terrorist influences and movements. Pakistan has improved its economic performance over the last 2 years and increased spending on health and education. To be fully successful, Pakistan's efforts at reform and modernization will require broad-based participation by the Pakistani people. Institutional checks and balances, along with accountability and transparency, are important elements needed for long-term stability in Pakistan. The international community and the United States should support reforms and contribute to the strengthening of Pakistani civilian institutions." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Joseph R. Biden, Richard G. Lugar, Teresita C. Schaffer, and Marvin Weinbaum.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• National Border Patrol Strategy

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  "The National Border Patrol Strategy has an ambitious goal: operational control of our nations border, and particularly our borders with Mexico and Canada. This is a goal vital to our national security. The new National Strategy embraces and builds upon many elements of Operations Gatekeeper and Hold the Line; however, it goes beyond the deterrence strategy embodied in those operations and it is more than a strategy just for the southwest border. The Border Patrols new Strategy consists of six core elements: (1) securing the right combination of personnel, technology and infrastructure; (2) improving mobility and rapid deployment to quickly counter and interdict based on shifts in smuggling routes and tactical intelligence; (3) deploying defense-in-depth that makes full use of interior checkpoints and enforcement operations calculated to deny successful migration; (4) coordinating and partnering with other law enforcement agencies to achieve our goals; (5) improving border awareness and intelligence; and (6) strengthening the Headquarters command structure. Achieving the new Border Patrol Strategy requires having the right combination of highly trained and well-equipped Border Patrol agents, integrated detection and sensor technology and air and marine assets, and strategically placed tactical infrastructure."

  U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  2004
• Serial No. 108-14: The Department of Homeland Security's Security Initiatives to Secure America's Borders: Hearing before the Select Committee on Homeland Security, House of House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, June 25, 2003

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  From the opening statement of Jennifer Dunn: "The committee is meeting today to hear testimony assessing the Department of Homeland Security's initiatives to secure America's borders... Considering the complexity of America's ports, the long stretch of its borders, and the vast expanse of our critical infrastructure, one might simply ask our witness, where do we begin? The fact is, however, that the department has made significant progress on all these fronts, and we look forward to hearing about that progress this afternoon. It is also true that we have a lot more progress to make in the months and years ahead, and we also want to hear today about the department's plans to further enhance America's security. Internationally, we have been pushing our first line of defense overseas by placing customs agents in foreign ports to screen and inspect cargo before it arrives on our shores. Additionally, we are working with the private sector to ensure that all high-risk air cargo is screened before it is placed on the airplane bound for the United States." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Christopher Cox, Robert E. Andrews, Lincoln Diaz-Balart, Dave Camp, Jennifer Christensen, Norman D. Dicks, Jennifer Dunn, Bob Etheridge, Barney Frank, Jim Gibbons, Bob Goodlatte, Asa Hutchinson, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Zoe Lofgren, Edward J. Markey, Karen McCarthy, Kendrick B. Meek, Eleanor Holmes Norton, Loretta Sanchez, Christopher Shays, Mark E. Souder, John E. Sweeny, and Jim Turner.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• S. Hrg. 108-327; Serial No. J-108-31: L-1 Visa and American Interests in the 21st Century Global Economy: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, July 29, 2003

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  From the opening statement of Saxby Chambliss: "Congress created the L-1 visa to allow international companies to move executives, managers and other key personnel within the company and into the United States temporarily. A current concern is whether some companies are making an end-run around the visa process by bringing in professional workers on an L-1 visa who are not solely intra-company transferees. With media reports that some American workers have been displaced, cause for closing the so-called L-1 loophole are increasing. Today we will hear from a full range of perspectives and will evaluate what actions can be taken without potentially adverse consequences." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Chambliss Saxby, John Cornyn, Dianne Feinstein, Orrin G. Hatch, Edward M. Kennedy, Patrick J. Leahy, Daryl R. Buffenstein, Christopher J. Dodd, Patricia Fluno, Austin T. Fragomen, Jr., Michael W. Gildea, Beth R. Verman, and Stephen Yale-Loehr.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• S. Hrg. 108-509; Serial No. J-108-57: Evaluating a Temporary Guest Worker Program: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, February 12, 2004

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  From the opening statement of Hon. Chuck Hagel: "Mr. Chairman, on behalf of Senator Daschle and myself, we appreciate an opportunity to address this Committee on this critical issue of immigration reform, an issue, as Senator McCain noted, that Congress cannot defer any longer. Last month, Senator Daschle and I introduced S.2010, the Immigration Reform Act of 2004. Our legislation is a bipartisan, comprehensive proposal that addresses the complicated and difficult issues related to U.S. immigration law, and again, I wish to thank Senator Kennedy and his staff for their input. Our bill would, very briefly, first, strengthen national security by identifying undocumented immigrants living in the U.S., tracking foreign workers entering our borders and increasing funds for border security; second, fix the current system for immigrants who follow the law by reducing visa processing backlogs, reuniting families and remedying current inequities under the current law; and third, improve economic stability by establishing an enforceable program to bring needed foreign workers into the U.S. for jobs that would otherwise go unfilled." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Saxby Chambliss, John Cornyn, Larry E. Craig, Orrin G. Hatch, Edward M. Kennedy, Jon Kyl, Patrick J. Leahy, Jeff Sessions, Eduardo Aguirre, Richard R. Birkman, Vernon M. Briggs, Charles Cervantes, Chuck Hagel, Asa Hutchinson, Steven J. Law, John McCain, Demetrios G. Papademetriou, Debra Holder, and Gary Clayton.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Serial No. 77: US-VISIT--A Down Payment on Homeland Security: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, March 18, 2004

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  Serial No. 77: The hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims on March 18, 2004 examines the Department of Homeland Security's new capabilities in the entry inspection of foreign travelers into the U.S. under the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program. It also reviews its progress in meeting statutory deadlines. The Subcommittee also examines how US-VISIT has worked to prevent and deter alien criminals, terrorists, and immigration law violators from entering the United States while avoiding delays for legitimate travels. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John N. Hostettler, Lamar Smith, Howard L. Berman, Steve King, Sheila Jackson Lee, Robert M. Jacksta, Robert A. Mocny, Alfonso Martinez-Fonts, Jr., and Randolph C. Hite.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• 9/11 and Terrorist Travel: Staff Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States

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  This report begins with "A Factual Overview of the September 11 Border Story." This introduction summarizes many of the key facts of the hijackers' entry into the United States. The chronology that follows in chapter 2, "The September 11 Travel Operation," is a detailed account of how each hijacker acquired a visa and entered the United States. The next chapter, "Terrorist Entry and Embedding Tactics, 1993 to 2001," explores the topic of fraudulent documents, which terrorists have long used to support their international travel. Chapter 4, "Immigration and Border Security Evolve, 1993 to 2001," provides an overview of counterterrorism activities as they relate to border security in the Intelligence Community, the State Department, and the Immigration and Naturalization Service. Chapter 5, "Planning and Executing Entry for the 9/11 Plot," discusses visa issuance and admission into the United States as it specifically applied to the hijackers. "Crisis Management and Response Post-September 11," chapter 6, reports on actions taken by the intelligence community, the departments of State and Justice, and the INS following the attacks, up to the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security. Appendix A contains graphics relevant to the 9/11 plot. Appendix B, "The Saudi Flights," examines the facts and circumstances surrounding the departure of Saudi nationals from the United States in the days after the 9/11 attack. The procedure followed for each flight, including the inspection of passengers and their belongings, is covered in detail. Finally, Appendix C describes the immigration histories of certain terrorists.

  National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States

  Eldridge, Thomas R.; Ginsburg, Susan, 1953-; Hempel, Walter T., II

  2004
• Manual of Job-Related Thinking Skills

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  "A Border Patrol Agent deciding whether an impending confrontation involves dangerous individuals, an Inspector determining if an alien should be admitted, a supervisory Special Agent deciding whether to open a case based on certain evidence -- all of these are DHS [Department of Homeland Security] employees using their thinking skills. Every day, DHS employees use their thinking skills in countless decisions, determinations, and investigations. Thinking skills are by no means the only skills used by DHS employees, but they are the most important. They are used in applying rules, making determinations, making predictions, and in problem solving, on-thespot decision making, and complex, deliberate decision making. In spite of the importance of thinking skills, most people do not receive special training in thinking. Employees receive training in job knowledge and supervisors usually receive training in supervisory techniques. Those types of training help employees think about very specific problems. By contrast, the purpose of this module is to teach general thinking skills that can be applied to any subject or situation. In college programs, thinking skills are taught in logic courses. In addition, courses in research methods and statistics teach people how to collect and analyze data in order to draw correct conclusions. This manual draws heavily on the parts of logic and statistical reasoning that are useful to DHS employees."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2004
• Securing Our Homeland: U.S. Department of Homeland Security Strategic Plan 2004

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  This document provides the vision and direction, as well as the goals and objectives for the Department of Homeland Security. "One year ago, no single federal department had homeland security as its primary objective. Now it is our mission. Our most important job is to protect the American people and our way of life from terrorism. We have a single, clear line of authority to get the job done. While we can never eliminate the potential for attack, particularly in a society that's as open, as diverse, and as large as ours, we will significantly reduce the Nation's vulnerability to terrorism and terrorist attack over time. Through partnerships with state, local and tribal governments and the private sector, we are working to ensure the highest level of protection and preparedness for the country and the citizens we serve. This plan outlines our approach to implement the National Strategy to secure the United States from terrorist threats and attacks, and prepare our country by building up capacity to respond if either occurs. It provides the frame of reference in which we will set priorities and focus our operations. We, in the Department of Homeland Security, are working to protect our fellow citizens and our very way of life by securing our borders, our airports, our waterways and our critical infrastructure. We undertake the challenges before us with the understanding that Americans do not live in fear. We live in freedom, and we will never let that freedom go."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2004
• America after 9/11: Freedom Preserved or Freedom Lost? Hearing Before the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, November 18, 2003

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  From the opening statement of Orrin G. Hatch: "Today's hearing focuses on the issue of our civil liberties in the aftermath of the horrific September 11 attacks against our people. The unprovoked and unjustified attacks on 9/11 require us all to take every appropriate step to make sure that our citizens are safe. This is the first responsibility of Government... While we all share this common commitment to security and freedom, the question we are examining today is how best to do so in an environment where terrorists like the 9/11 attackers are able to operate within our borders, using the very freedoms that we so dearly cherish, to carry out their deadly plots against our country... This hearing will examine our Government's efforts to promote our freedoms, not just the freedom to live in a safe and security society, but the freedoms that our country was founded on and the freedoms that each of us enjoy each and every day and, of course, the freedoms that are the lifeblood of our very society. I am especially interested in hearing from today's witnesses about the details of any specific abuses that have occurred under our current laws. We have invited five critics to ensure that interested parties have ample opportunity to express their concerns. I am very interested in listening to them." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Larry E. Craig; Orrin G. Hatch; Edward M. Kennedy; Patrick J. Leahy; Bob Barr; Muzaffar Chishti; Robert J. Cleary; James X. Dempsey; Viet D. Dinh; Nadine Strossen; James J. Zogby; Russell D. Feingold; Joseph R. Biden, Jr.; Mary Rose Oakar; Carla Hayden; Stephen Richard; Robert J. Cleary; Glenn A. Fine; Katherine Cullition; Elisa Massimino; Clifford Krauss; Nadine Strossen; Timothy H. Edgar; DeNeen L. Brown; and Philip Allen Lacovar.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Refugees: Seeking Solutions to a Global Concern: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship of the Committee on the Judiciary, United States Senate, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, September 21, 2004

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  From the opening statement of Hon. Saxby Chambliss: "I thank our witnesses for being here today to talk about a very important issue, and that is the number of refugees around the world and what the United States is doing to resettle them here or to seek other viable solutions to their displacement. According to the United States High Commissioner for Refugees, there were about 9.7 million refugees worldwide at the end of 2003, down from 10.5 million at the end of 2002. The U.S. Committee for Refugees' World Refugee Survey estimates that of the world's refugee population, more than 7 million refugees have been restricted to camps for 10 years or more. While the overall decrease in the world's refugee population is promising, the numbers remain staggering. The United States has long been a world leader in providing permanent resettlement to refugees around the world. In fact, it is U.S. policy to admit half the refugees identified by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees each year. Despite all the work the U.S. has done to offer resettlement to some, the worldwide refugee population remains a vast concern. I hope today's hearing can shed light on what the United States is doing bilaterally or multilaterally to encourage other nations to increase their efforts to resettle refugees." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include the following: Saxby Chambliss, Russell D. Feingold, Edward M. Kennedy, Alan Adler, Eduardo Aguirre, Jr., Kenneth J. Bacon, Arthur E. Dewey, Mark Franken, Charles H. Kuck, Lavinia Limon, and Daniel A. Stein.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Freedom of Information Act Annual Report - FY 2003

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  "This is the Fiscal Year 2003 Freedom of Information Act/Privacy Act (FOIA/PA) Report for the Department of the Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security was established on January 24, 2003; the twenty-two agencies that became part of this Department transferred to DHS as of March 1, 2003. DHS consists of four new operating directorates: Science and Technology (S&T), Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection (IAIP); Border and Transportation Security (BTS); and Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR). The Directorates are listed in bold in the following charts. To the extent that these directorates processed FOIA requests this year, with the exception of the Office of the Inspector General, the work was done primarily by the DHS Privacy Office, which also handled FOIA requests for DHS Headquarters offices. EPR and BTS, however, encompass components that pre-existed the creation of DHS; these components have provided data on FOIA processing for compilation into this report."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2004
• Fact Sheet: US-VISIT

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  "US-VISIT is a top priority for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security because it enhances security for our citizens and visitors while facilitating legitimate travel and trade across our borders. US-VISIT helps to secure our borders, facilitate the entry and exit process and enhance the integrity of our immigration system while respecting the privacy of our visitors. US-VISIT is part of a continuum of security measures that begins outside U.S. borders and continues through a visitors arrival in and departure from the United States. It incorporates eligibility determinations made by both the Departments of Homeland Security and State."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security

  2004
• Pushing the Border out on Alien Smuggling: New Tools and Intelligence Initiatives: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, May 18, 2004

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  Serial No. 88: This document provides the transcript of a hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims on May 18, 2004, to examine the operations of the Department of Homeland Security and the State Department in deterring and preventing alien smuggling into the United States. The hearing examines new initiatives and proposals that might help "push the border out" in combating alien smuggling on all levels, such as: strengthening the sentencing guidelines for alien smugglers; devoting more resources and officers to uncover and disrupt alien-smuggling networks at source and transit countries; working with foreign law enforcement to do the same; creating a rewards program for informants to provide valuable information to law enforcement about alien-smuggling operations; creating another "S" visa category for alien-smuggling informants; and providing more outreach to the public . Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John N. Hostettler, Sheila Jackson Lee, Linda T. Sanchez, Joe D. Morton, Robert L. Harris, John P. Torres, Michael W. Cutler, Steve King, and Elton Gallegly.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Serial No. 82: Diversity Visa Program and its Susceptibility to Fraud and Abuse: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, April 28, 2004

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  Serial No. 82: This hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims on April 29, 2004, examines the Diversity Visa or (DV) Program. It reviews the history of the program and its implementation. "The DV Program was part of the Immigration Act of 1990. It was designed to increase diversity in the U.S. immigrant population by providing nationals of countries that have had low immigration rates to the United States the opportunity to apply for immigrant visas. Applicants for the DV Program participate in a lottery in which the winners are selected through a computer-generated random drawing. Qualifying winners are issued visas on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 50,000 aliens enter under the program annually. Critics argue that the program is susceptible to fraud and manipulation, and that identity fraud is 'endemic.'" Critics also assert that the program poses a danger to national security. These issues are addressed at this hearing. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John N. Hostettler, Howard Berman, Steve King, Bob Goodlatte, Sheila Jackson Lee, Anne W. Patterson, Jan Ting, Steven A. Camarota, and Charles Nyaga.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Alien Removals under Operation Predator, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, March 4, 2004

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  From the opening statement of John N. Hostettler: "Operation Predator is an initiative Mr. Garcia launched on July 9, 2003, to identify alien child predators and remove them from the United States. As part of this operation, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working with State and local police to help arrest alien predators and apprehend smugglers of children. ICE is prioritizing for removal aliens already convicted of sex offenses, as well as identifying alien sex offenders in prisons around the country so that they can be removed upon release. The Subcommittee will examine these components of Operation Predator in more detail to see how ICE has taken the lead in protecting our children from harm. We will also examine how this Subcommittee may further empower ICE in ridding the country of alien predators of child sex crimes."

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Impact of the Drug Trade on Border Security, Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, June 29, 2004

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  The purpose of this hearing is to examine the impact of the drug trade on border security. Subcommittee Chairman Mark E. Souder made the following remarks in his opening statement, "Since the summer of 2001, this subcommittee has been making a comprehensive study of law enforcement at our Nation's borders, including a field hearing last April in El Paso. There have been some major developments since that hearing in how our Federal Government approaches the drug trafficking threat, most notably the reorganization of the former Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service within the new Department of Homeland Security. The Southwest Border remains the primary conduit of illegal drugs into our country, with up to three-quarters of narcotics coming across it." Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: Luis E. Barker, Kenneth Cates, Errol J. Chavez, Luis Garcia, Sandalio Gonzalez, Steve Swingle, Richard Williams, Stevan Pearce, Mark E. Souder, and Steve Swingle.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Funding for Immigration in the President's 2005 Budget: Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session, February 25 and March 11, 2004

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  From the opening statement of John N. Hostettler: 'I am pleased to note that in his FY 2005 budget, the President has addressed many of the deficiencies in the Government's implementation of the immigration laws that were uncovered by the Subcommittee. [...] The Subcommittee will examine these proposed funding increases and assess to what degree the increases assist the U.S. Government in responding to the main immigration challenges facing the United States today: reducing the large illegal alien population, protecting the American people from alien criminals and terrorists, and ensuring that applications for immigration benefits are adjudicated correctly and in a timely manner.' Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John N. Hostettler, Sheila Jackson Lee, Elton Gallegly, Zoe Lofgren, Linda T. Sanchez, Eduardo Aguirre, Jr., Michael T. Dougherty, Daniel B. Smith, Seth M. M. Stodder, T.J. Bonner, Timothy J. Danahey, Michael W. Cutler, and Demetrios G. Papademetriou.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• Serial No. 81: To Prescribe the Oath of Renunciation and Allegiance for Purposes of the Immigration and Nationality Act: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims of the Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Second Session on H.R. 3191, April 1, 2004

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  Serial No. 81: This hearing before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims on April 1, 2004 addresses H.R. 3139, legislation introduced to memorialize in the Immigration and Nationality Act the current language of the Oath of Renunciation and Allegiance. "This solemn oath, taken by applicants for naturalization, is the final step in becoming a U.S. citizen. Recent proposals to modify the oath have generated a large measure of controversy and have refocused attention on the oath's meaning and on the proper forum to consider changes... The U.S. Commission on Immigration Reform worried whether the oath, with its use of archaic language such as ''potentate'' and ''abjure,'' was sufficiently comprehensible and thus meaningful to new citizens. The Commission recommended a new draft of the oath, one which was largely adopted by the Department of Homeland Security late last year in a proposed revision." There are concerns, however, that the Department's proposed oath may not fully embody the five principles set forth in the Immigration and Nationality Act. Statements, letters, and materials submitted for the record include those of the following: John N. Hostettler, Lamar Smith, Steve King, Sheila Jackson Lee, Jim Ryun, Alfonso Aguilar, John Fonte, and Andrew Schoenholtz.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004
• World Law Bulletin: January 2004

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  This issue of the monthly publication of the Law Library of Congress includes the following relevant titles: 'Mexico-OAS Convention against Terrorism', and 'China-Terrorist Organization List and Criteria'. "Mexico recently adopted a comprehensive treaty to prevent and punish terrorism. The Inter-American Convention against Terrorism, the first such treaty since the attacks of September 11, 2001, seeks to prevent the financing of terrorist activities, strengthen border controls, and increase cooperation among law enforcement authorities in different countries, among other measures. Thirty-three countries of the Western Hemisphere signed the treaty, under the auspices of the Organization of American States. The Convention addresses crucial financial regulatory, as well as criminal law, aspects. In particular, the Convention mandates the establishment of financial intelligence units for the collection, analysis, and dissemination of terrorist financing information and the establishment and enhancement of channels of communication between law enforcement authorities for secure and rapid exchange of information concerning all aspects of terrorist offenses; the exchange of information to improve border and customs control measures to detect and prevent movement of terrorists and terrorist-related materials; and technical cooperation and training programs. […] On December 15, 2003, China's Ministry of Public Security (MPS) for the first time publicized a list of the 'first batch' of four groups identified as 'Eastern Turkestan' terrorist organizations (describing for each their alleged acts of terror, the chief leader, the major sources of funding and recruits, and relations with other terrorist organizations) and the names of 11 persons identified as members of these groups (including the four chief leaders) with an account of their activities."

  Law Library of Congress (U.S.)

  Johnson, Constance Axinn; Zeldin, Wendy I.

  2004-01
• Homeland Security: Preliminary Observations on Efforts to Target Security Inspections of Cargo Containers, Statement of Richard M. Stana, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, Committee on Energy and Commerce, House of Representatives

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  "After the attacks of September 11, 2001, concerns intensified that terrorists would attempt to smuggle a weapon of mass destruction into the United States. One possible method for terrorists to smuggle such a weapon is to use one of the 7 million cargo containers that arrive at our nation's seaports each year. The Department of Homeland Security's U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is responsible for addressing the potential threat posed by the movement of oceangoing cargo containers. Since CBP cannot inspect all arriving cargo containers, it uses a targeting strategy, which includes an automated targeting system. This system targets some containers for inspection based on a perceived level of risk. In this testimony, GAO provides preliminary findings on its assessment of (1) whether CBP's development of its targeting strategy is consistent with recognized key risk management and computer modeling practices and (2) how well the targeting strategy has been implemented at selected seaports around the country. GAO is completing its assessment and developing recommendations to address strategy development and implementation challenges." -- Highlights

  United States. General Accounting Office

  2003-12-16
• Homeland Security and European Commission Reach Agreement on PNR Data [December 16, 2003]

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  "In an historic effort to keep the United States' and European Union's borders safer from terrorism and international crime while protecting travelers' privacy, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Tom Ridge and European Commissioner Frits Bolkestein have reached an agreement regarding the legal transfer of Passenger Name Record (PNR) data to Homeland Security. The agreement finds that Homeland Security's handling of the PNR data is sufficient for an adequacy finding."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security. Press Office

  2003-12-12
• Posthearing Questions Related to Aviation and Port Security

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  This document answers the following questions posed by Senator Frank Lautenberg: How will DHS ensure that, during high-threat periods, there are adequate personnel both in air marshal roles and at the border as customs/immigration agents? Are any new air marshals currently being trained? DHS has recently tried to divert $30 million from the Operation Safe Commerce pilot program intended to identify and implement the systemic port security initiation in order to cover a budget shortfall in airport security. Do you believe federal port security programs are adequately funded?

  United States. General Accounting Office

  2003-12-12
• Human Capital: Significant Challenges Confront U.S. Trade Agencies, Statement of Loren Yager, Director, International Affairs and Trade, Testimony before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce and the District of Columbia, U.S. Senate

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  "Recent developments in global trade have created human capital challenges for U.S. trade agencies. At least 17 federal agencies, with the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) as the lead, negotiate, monitor, or enforce trade agreements and laws. These agencies' strategies for effectively aligning their current and emerging needs in handling international trade functions and their human capital resources are critical to improving agency performance. GAO was asked to summarize its recent studies to illustrate important human capital challenges arising from current trade developments as U.S. trade agencies strive to negotiate, monitor, and enforce existing trade agreements and laws. For this testimony, GAO discussed the challenges that USTR, the Commerce Department, and the Bureau of Customs and Border Protection are facing in light of three recent developments in international trade: (1) the increased importance of security, (2) the ambitious U.S. negotiating agenda, and (3) the shifting global trade environment."

  United States. General Accounting Office

  2003-12-09
• Intellectual Property Rights: Fiscal Year 2003 Seizure Statistics

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  This document contains information on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement FY 2002 and FY 2003 Top IPR [Intellectual Property Rights] Commodities Seized. It also includes data on the U.S. trading partners for IPR seizures. From the Document: "The value of IPR seizures in FY 2003 decreased 5% from FY 2002, but was the third highest domestic value in the history of Customs/Department of Homeland Security."

  United States. Department of Homeland Security; U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Office of Trade

  2003-12-02
• Optimists Have the Lead, for Now: Russia's China Debate

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  "Despite their differing approaches to post communist transition, Russia and China have established close political, military and economic relations. The two countries basically share the same views on principles governing international relations, emphasizing in particular their preference for a multipolar world.However, for Russia, China represents not only an opportunity for retaining global and regional influence but also a potential security threat as a rising great power, undergoing impressive military modernization and economic expansion, overpopulated and sitting astride the wide expanses of Russia's underpopulated Far East,where energy and other natural resources abound. The dissonance between the positive that has been achieved between Moscow and Beijing and the unpredictability of what lies ahead in the relationship between the two has triggered a lively debate in Russia's political, diplomatic, military and academic circles. There are several schools of thought in Russia regarding its relations with China. The optimists see China as a strategic ally against the West, while the pessimists believe China is Russia's largest threat. The differences of opinion on China can be drawn along ideological lines, strategic perspectives, geographic location or practical gains or losses of particular actors. The most controversial areas of Russo-Chinese relations are border issues, migration, arms sales, and energy cooperation. The intensity of Russia's China debate depends on the evolving correlation of national power between Russia and China, the fluctuating level of understanding between Moscow and the Russian Far East but also on the state of Russia's and China's uneasy relations with the United States. At the moment, the optimists prevail in the debate, which can be explained by the huge commercial benefits of cooperation with China as well as Beijing's reluctance to challenge Russia's global and regional interests, in contrast to the United States' more ambitious role in the world including the former Soviet republics."

  Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

  Azizian, Rouben

  2003-12
• Giving Lip Service with an Attitude: North Korea's China Debate

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  "China's influence in North Korea is grossly misrepresented and exaggerated. In the past five years, Beijing's economic assistance to Pyongyang and the latter's economic dependence on China in terms of food, fuel, fertilizers, and monetary remittances declined in both absolute and relative terms. China's military-technical assistance is sporadic and of questionable value. The DPRK-PRC mutual defense alliance is hollow and on paper only. Controversial cross-border contacts aggravate tensions and increase uncertainty in the overall stressful bilateral relationship. North Korean elite perceptions and popular images of China grow increasingly ambiguous and negative. Strategic interaction on international security issues is self-interested, with very few common interests and shared approaches. Despite calendar exchanges of standard reverences, political relations are frosty. Revolutionary traditions have faded away, and personal loyalties and leadership bonds have already dissolved. The North Korean breed of resurgent neo-traditionalist and isolationist nationalism is hardly compatible with the hegemonic ideology of the revisionist Chinese pseudo-Marxist internationalism. Pragmatism and rational calculation of national interests prevail in both capitals. The United States should not count on China's perceived ability 'to deliver the DPRK'--it hardly can. Although Beijing may be able to bring Pyongyang to 'the party' occasionally, it definitely cannot make North Korea dance to its music, let alone to the tunes emanating from Washington. North Korea would rather spoil the multinational party than give the spoils to its Chinese 'benefactor' or American 'villain,' if its concerns are not satisfied 'in a just and appropriate manner.'"

  Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies

  Mansourov, Alexandre Y.

  2003-12
• Cargo Security Initiative: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Response to Terrorism

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  This PowerPoint presentation provides an overview of the Cargo Security Initiative (CSI) program. The presentation includes a timeline, list of CSI ports, key elements, benefits, and intentions of the CSI.

  U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  2004
• Data Management Improvement Act (DMIA) Task Force: Second Annual Report to Congress

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  "The DMIA Task Force, chaired by the Attorney General's designee and by the Secretary of DHS' designee later in 2003, is comprised of 17 representatives from six federal agencies, two state and local government groups, and nine private industry trade and travel organizations (see Appendix A, Task Force Components). Members of the Task Force were chosen to represent those agencies and organizations with the expertise necessary to find solutions to ensure the continued free flow of goods and people across our borders while addressing increased security concerns. The Task Force is required to report to Congress on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with statutory mandates of the DMIA 2000. After being chartered, the DMIA Task Force officially began work with the first meeting on February 20, 2002. The first Task Force report to Congress in December 2002 focused primarily on recommendations for an electronic entry/exit system, currently known as the United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) Program."

  U.S. Customs and Border Protection

  2003-12
• Serial No. 108-73; 108-4: Improving Security and Facilitating Commerce at the Northern Border: Joint Hearing before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform and the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, House of Representatives, One Hundred Eighth Congress, First Session, May 19, 2003

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  This hearing addresses the issue of border security between the United States and Canada. Although the U.S./Canadian border shows less illegal activity than the southern border of Mexico, the nature of illegal activity along the northern border is of particular concern. Cross-border smuggling, particularly of drugs legal in Canada but illegal in the U.S. such as marijuana and pseudoephedrine, the potential ties of smugglers to Middle Eastern terrorist groups, and the potential for terrorists to sneak through the northern border are all addressed at this hearing. Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Thomas A. Beilein, Dave Camp, Michael D'Ambrosio, Russell Deveso, Kevin Feely, Paul M. Gugg, Dawn Hamilton, Sheila Jackson-Lee, Derek Lee, John Maloney, Stephen Mayer, Peter Moran, Jack Quinn, Luke Rich, Loretta Sanchez, Louise Slaughter, Peter J. Smith, John E. Sweeney, William Walker.

  United States. Government Printing Office

  2004