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S. Hrg. 107-918: Homeland Security: Hearing Before the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, July 17, 2002
From the opening statement of Tom Harkin: "The President has stated and we all agree that we have to be ready to respond to protect American interests against the new and very dangerous threat of terrorism. Protecting our borders and keeping our residents safe from harm is our Government's highest priority and represents an increasingly big challenge to all of us. President Bush's proposal for a new Department of Homeland Security included a call for the transfer of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), but recently the administration has indicated it is agreeable to some of the provisions that they worked out with the House in terms of transferring some of APHIS' functions regarding Plum Island and border security." Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Tom Harkin, Tom Ridge, Alfonso Torres, Ann M. Veneman, Richard G. Lugar, Wayne Allard, American Nursery & Landscape Association (ANLA) and Society of American Florists (SAF), Max Baucus, Patrick Leahy, Ben Nelson, Pat Roberts, letter from Wayne Pacelle and Mimi Brody, and a letter to Secretary Ann M. Veneman from Richard Lugar.
United States. Government Printing Office
2003
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Serial No. 107-130: Improving Security and Facilitating Commerce at the Northern Border: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy and Human Resources of the Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives, One Hundred Seventh Congress, First Session, December 10, 2001
From the opening statement of Mark E. Souder: "Today our subcommittee will explore the status of the Blaine, WA border crossing. This hearing is part of a series of field hearings which this subcommittee is holding at border crossings and ports of entry throughout the United States. At each location, this subcommittee is assessing the problems facing the Federal agencies, local lawmakers, and community and business leaders with respect to border policy. We will focus on what new resources are needed for the Federal Government most effectively to administer the border crossing, as well as what new policies could be pursued to ease the burdens being placed on commerce, travel and tourism. We will also explore how the new emphasis on preventing terrorism may affect the ability of these agencies to carry out their other vital missions." Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Erroll M. Brown, Thomas W. Hardy, Robert S. Coleman, Jr., Ronald H. Henley, Georgia Gardner, Pete Kremen, Jim Miller, Pam Christianson, Barry Clement, Jerry Emery, Val Meredith, David Anderson, Terry Preshaw, Gordon Schaffer, and Mark E. Souder.
United States. Government Printing Office
2003
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S. Hrg. 107-928: Protecting the Homeland: The President's Proposal for Reorganizing our Homeland Security Infrastructure: Hearing before the Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information of the Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Second Session, June 25, 2002
On June 25, 2002, the hearing before the Subcommittee on Technology, Terrorism, and Government Information of the Judiciary Committee met to discuss the President's proposal for reorganizing our Homeland Security Infrastructure. This 136-page document contains the testimonies of Committee members about the President's proposal for a reconstituted merger of several departments into a Department of Homeland Security. The representatives address the changes in agencies like the Coast Guard, Customs, the Immigration Department, Border Patrol and agencies concerned with disease control. Statements, letters, and material submitted for the record include those of the following: Dianne Feinstein, Orrin G. Hatch, Jeff Sessions, Arlen Specter, Ivo H. Daalder, Ivan Eland, James S. Gilmore, III, Paul C. Light, Warren B. Rudman, David Walker, and Richard J. Davis.
United States. Government Printing Office
2003
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Data Management Improvement Act (DMIA) Task Force: First Annual Report to Congress
The DMIA Task Force was created to evaluate how the flow of traffic at U.S. airports, seaports and land border Ports-of-Entry (POEs) can be improved while enhancing security, improving coordination among agencies and governments, and implementing systems for data collection and data sharing. The Task Force is comprised of 17 representatives from six Federal agencies, two state and local government groups, and nine private industry trade and travel organizations. It is required to report to Congress on its findings, conclusions, and recommendations in accordance with statutory mandates of the DMIA 2000. This year's report to Congress focuses primarily on recommendations for an entry/exit system. The Task Force will further address the other areas mandated in the statute (improving the flow of traffic; enhancing systems for data collection/data sharing; better use of technology, resource and personnel issues; facilities and infrastructure issues; and increasing cooperation between public and private sectors, among federal and state and local agencies, and with affected foreign governments).
United States. Department of Justice
2002-12
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U.S. Military and Security Along the U.S. Mexico Border: Evaluation of Its Role in the Post September 11th Era
This thesis examines the use of the U.S. Armed Forces in civil authority support missions along the U.S.-Mexico border from the creation of the boundary between the U.S. and Mexico in 1848, to the post-September 11th border security support operations. Many questions arise from using the military in this capacity, for example; how effective is the military's support to civil authorities (MSCA), can the military perform MSCA operation without the threat to human and rights of civilians, how do MSCA missions such as these impact the combat readiness of the military? This thesis found that military support to civil authorities was indeed effective, especially with in cases where non - federalizes National Guard personnel were employed. It also shows that the military has implemented control measures that enable troops to conduct law enforcement support missions while respecting the human and civil rights of civilians. Lastly, it found that the combat readiness the military was not necessarily diminished, but could actually be enhanced during MSCA operations.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Luoma, Benjamin C., Jr.
2002-12
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Improving Regional Security in Central America: Military Engagement Options for Nicaragua
Nicaragua plays an essential role in the stability and security of the Central American sub region. The de-stabilizing influence of Sandinista policies in the 1980s gave way to the possibility of a cooperative security community in the 1990s. However, border disputes and increased arms and drug trafficking have recently threatened the trend toward increased stability and sub regional security. Sub regional confidence-building measures adopted immediately following the election of Violeta Chamorro have collapsed in the last two years. This collapse of confidence-building measures has led to increased tensions between Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Costa Rica. The U.S. should promote Nicaraguan participation in regional confidence-building measures in order to reduce these tensions. In addition, the relationship between the U.S. and Nicaragua is still strained from the policies of the Sandinista and Reagan administrations. Although relations have been normalized between the two countries, steps should be taken to expand the current passive relationship into a more active one. Confidence-building measures between the U. S. and Nicaragua will help to alleviate some of the strain between the two countries. This thesis recommends U.S. involvement and participation in re- establishing confidence-building measures in the sub region. A perceived gap in U.S.-Nicaraguan civilian engagement could be filled through the implementation of a comprehensive military engagement plan. The use of confidence-building measures in military engagement will foster stability and security in the sub region and strengthen U.S.- Nicaraguan relations.
Naval Postgraduate School (U.S.)
Mason, George W.
2002-12
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Vulnerability Mitigation: Technology Assessment and Deployment
"Mitigating vulnerability to new terrorist threats requires the rapid development, prototyping, and deployment of systems that are tailored to shifting lines of attack. An effective physical security system is well integrated; combines state-of-the-art security and information technologies; and meets the current needs of its users, yet is flexible enough to accommodate evolving security concerns. A key characteristic is a layered design of subsystems with different security features. If one layer fails, there are many others to compensate. Properly linked, they compose a system that can deter a multiplicity of threats. Although robust protection against attack is of paramount concern, it must be achieved without impeding legitimate business and necessary government activities. This objective is challenged by the tremendous flow of people and goods across U.S. borders and through government facilities. Dangerous people and cargo must be screened out from the majority who pose no risk. In developing and implementing security systems that protect many of our nations borders and critical facilities, the Volpe Center applies systems solutions that optimize security, mobility, and economic viability. This section summarizes much of Volpes security systems work for a range of federal agencies. Whether Volpe develops new technology or integrates commercial-off-the-shelf tools, each system is tailored for the clients needs."
John A. Volpe National Transportation Systems Center (U.S.)
2003
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Investigation of Travel Reimbursements in Connection with the INS's Operation Safeguard
"In 1999, Operation 'Safeguard 99' (hereinafter referred to as Operation Safeguard) was established in the Tucson Border Patrol Sector as part of the Immigration and Naturalization Service's (INS) National Strategy to secure control of the southwest border. This Tucson Sector initiative was first launched in 1994, on a much smaller basis, as Operation 'Safeguard 1994.' Similar operations to control illegal crossings in other Border Patrol sectors, such as in the El Paso and San Diego sectors, eventually shifted the flow of illegal crossing into the Tucson Sector's area of operations. Therefore, as part of Operation Safeguard 99, many Border Patrol resources were redirected in 1999 to support the Tucson Sector's prevention and interdiction efforts. As a result, since 1999 the INS has detailed thousands of agents and other personnel to the Tucson Sector, and to Douglas, Arizona in particular, to participate in the operation. The number of Border Patrol agents (BPA) who were detailed to the Tucson Sector varied from month to month, but averaged approximately 100 per month. The rapid increase of BPAs in southern Arizona presented a significant stimulus to that economy, and local lodging providers welcomed the increased business. Despite the large number of Border Patrol agents requiring lodging on a regular basis, however, the INS did not seek to negotiate, as an agency, a competitive lodging rate with area hotels and apartment complexes. Rather, the detailed BPAs were left on their own to secure whatever lodging arrangements they could find."
United States. Department of Justice. Office of the Inspector General
2002-12
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Memorandum for the Secretary of Transportation [November 27, 2002]
"Effective on the date of this memorandum, the Department of Transportation is authorized to act on applications, submitted by motor carriers domiciled in Mexico, to obtain operating authority to provide cross-border scheduled bus services and cross-border truck services. In reviewing such applications, the Department shall continue to work closely with the Department of Justice, the Office of Homeland Security, and other relevant Federal departments, agencies, and offices in order to help ensure the security of the border and to prevent potential threats to national security."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-11-27
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President Bush Signs Homeland Security Act [November 25, 2002]
These are remarks by President Bush at the Signing of H.R. 5005 the Homeland Security Act of 2002: "Today, we are taking historic action to defend the United States and protect our citizens against the dangers of a new era. With my signature, this act of Congress will create a new Department of Homeland Security, ensuring that our efforts to defend this country are comprehensive and united. The new department will analyze threats, will guard our borders and airports, protect our critical infrastructure, and coordinate the response of our nation for future emergencies. The Department of Homeland Security will focus the full resources of the American government on the safety of the American people. This essential reform was carefully considered by Congress and enacted with strong bipartisan majorities."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-11-25
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President Bush Announced His Intention to Nominate Three Individuals to Serve as Members of His Administration [November 25, 2002]
President George W. Bush today announced his intention to nominate Thomas J. Ridge of Pennsylvania, to be the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, Gordon England of Texas, to be Deputy Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, and Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas, to be Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security of the Department of Homeland Security.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-11-25
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Public Law 107-295: Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002
"An Act to amend the Merchant Marine Act, 1936, to establish a program to ensure greater security for United States seaports, and for other purposes." The Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2002 integrates the myriad of federal, state, local and private law enforcement agencies overseeing the security of the international borders at America's seaports. The bill authorizes more security officers, more screening equipment, and the building of important security infrastructure at seaports. The Senate Commerce Committee on August 2, 2001 unanimously approved a previous version of the Port and Maritime Security Act that focused on crime, cargo theft, and smuggling. Following September 11, the bill was dramatically expanded to address the new threat of terrorism at America's seaports.
United States. Government Printing Office
2002-11-25
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Border Security: Implications of Eliminating the Visa Waiver Program, Report to the Chairman, Subcommittee on National Security, Veterans Affairs, and International Relations, Committee on Government Reform, House of Representatives
Since the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the U.S. Congress, the administration, law enforcement officials, and the public have questioned the effectiveness of U.S. visa programs in protecting national security. Some have voiced concern that terrorists or other criminals may exploit one of these programs--the Visa Waiver Program--to enter the United States. The program enables citizens of 28 participating countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for 90 days or less without first obtaining a visa. GAO was asked to review the Visa Waiver Program, including the process for assessing countries' eligibility to participate in the program. GAO was also asked to determine the implications--specifically those affecting national security, foreign relations, tourism, and State Department resources--of eliminating the program. To ensure that countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program pose a low risk to U.S. national interests, the Departments of Justice and State verify each country's political and economic stability and the security of its passport issuance process.
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-11-22
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President Discusses Dept. of Homeland Security in Radio Address [November 16, 2002]
This transcript includes the November 16, 2002 radio address by President Bush to the nation in which he discusses the newly created Department of Homeland Security. "This new department will focus and unify responsibilities that are now spread among dozens of government agencies. The Customs Service, the INS, the Coast Guard, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Transportation Security Administration and many others will report to the new secretary of homeland security. The department will significantly improve our ability to protect our borders, our coasts, and our communities. It will pool together the best intelligence information and coordinate our response. The new department will help develop the technology America needs to detect and defeat chemical, biological, and nuclear threats. And under the agreement reached this week, I will have the authority and flexibility to move people and resources to where they are needed without bureaucratic rules and lengthy labor negotiations."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2002-11-16
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Presidential Letter on Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo [November 15, 2002]
"In my report to the Congress dated May 17, 2002, I provided information regarding the continued deployment of combat equipped U.S. military personnel as the U.S. contribution to the NATO-led international security force in Kosovo (KFOR) and to other countries in the region in support of that force. I am providing this supplemental report prepared by my Administration, consistent with the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148 ), to help ensure that the Congress is kept fully informed on continued U.S. contributions in support of peacekeeping efforts in Kosovo. […] Currently, the U.S. contribution to KFOR in Kosovo is approximately 4,350 U. S. military personnel, or approximately 15 percent of KFOR's total strength. An additional 266 U.S. military personnel are deployed as the National Support Element in Macedonia, with an occasional presence in Albania and Greece. In the past 6 months, 19 non-NATO contributing countries have joined NATO forces in providing military personnel and other support personnel to KFOR. The U.S. forces are assigned to a sector principally centered upon Gnjilane in the eastern portion of Kosovo. For U.S. KFOR forces, as for KFOR generally, maintaining a safe and secure environment remains the primary military task. United States forces conduct security patrols in urban areas and in the countryside throughout their sector. Approximately 60 percent of KFOR personnel are dedicated to patrolling, manning checkpoints, and mounting border and boundary patrols. The KFOR forces operate under NATO command and control and rules of engagement."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-11-15
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Technology Assessment: Using Biometrics for Border Security
"Our report starts with a description of the current border control procedures for admitting people into the United States--issuing visas to citizens of other nations and passports to U.S. citizens and inspecting travelers at the ports of entry. Next, the report describes how biometric technologies work, including the different types of biometric technologies, their levels of maturity, and their operating and performance characteristics. We present four possible scenarios in which biometrics might be applied to current U.S. border control procedures. For each scenario, we analyze some of the costs, benefits, and risks associated with implementation. Finally, the report sums up certain policy implications and challenges to be faced if a biometric system is to be designed and deployed for border security. A number of appendixes provide details on the major biometric technologies."
United States. General Accounting Office
2002-11-14
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Secure Borders: An Arrival Zone Counterdrug National Security Strategy
The emergence of the narco-terrorist nexus has significant implications for the national security environment of the United States. The present focus on counterterrorism and the current debate on governmental reorganization and Homeland Security offer a unique opportunity to reevaluate and reprioritize our counterdrug national security strategy and policies. This paper traces the history of counterdrug strategy in the United States National Security Strategy and the National Military Strategy from 1987 to the present within an analytical framework in terms of classical economics and Jominian spatial organization: Supply side and demand side; source zone, transit zone, arrival zone, domestic zone, and fiscal zone approaches. The current counterdrug National Security Strategy is a demand side domestic zone strategy, a supply side arrival zone strategy weakened by priority to free trade, and a multilateral, multinational source and transit zone supply side strategy focused primarily on Colombia. This analysis concludes that the ends, ways and means of the present strategy are not effective for the long term and leave the nation immediately vulnerable in the short term. The simple fact is that the United States does not have secure borders, or even marginal control of its border.
Army War College (U.S.)
Smith, Thomas T.
2002-11-14
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Summary of NIST Standards for Biometric Accuracy, Tamper Resistance, and Interoperability
This appendix briefly outlines appropriate standards for biometric accuracy, tamper resistance, and interoperability based on current findings and test results. Due to the time constraints imposed by the Patriot and Enhanced Border Security acts, biometrics to be initially tested and certified by NIST as being highly accurate must conform to certain conditions. First, any biometric to be considered must be an available and established technology. Second, the captured biometric image outputs from the biometric devices must be available to NIST. Finally, large-scale databases of realistic samples must be available for testing.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)
2002-11-13
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President Hails Passage of Homeland Security Department [November 19, 2002]
This November 19, 2002 statement by President Bush hails the passage of legislation to create the Department of Homeland Security. "This landmark legislation, the most extensive reorganization of the Federal Government since the 1940s, will help our Nation meet the emerging threats of terrorism in the 21st Century. This bill includes the major components of my proposal - providing for intelligence analysis and infrastructure protection, strengthening our borders, improving the use of science and technology to counter weapons of mass destruction, and creating a comprehensive response and recovery division."
United States. Department of Homeland Security
2002-11-09
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President Outlines Priorities [November 7, 2002]
"I look forward to working with members of the Congress and the newly-elected governors to make America's families safer in their homes and their communities, to make our economy stronger so people can find work, to make our country a better and more compassionate place. Members of the new Congress will take office in January and they'll have a full agenda. The current Congress, however, will return in just a few days to take up some unfinished business. We have a responsibility to protect the American people against threats from any source. I'm grateful to the members of the Congress, both Republicans and Democrats, that came together to support the war against terror, and authorize, if need be, the use of force to disarm Iraq. We must bring the same spirit of bipartisan cooperation to the urgent task of protecting our country from the ongoing threat of terrorist attack. The single most important item of unfinished business on Capitol Hill is to create a unified department of homeland security that will vastly improve our ability to protect our coasts and our borders and our communities."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-11-07
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Central Asia's New States: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [November 7, 2002]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics and established diplomatic relations with each by mid-March 1992. The United States also supported their admission to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support in countering Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union, and approved the Freedom Support Act and other legislation for this purpose. After the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. Since then, the United States has boosted its security assistance throughout the region for anti-terrorism, counter-narcotics, non-proliferation, border and customs, and defense cooperation programs, while also increasing aid for democratization and free market reforms. U.S. policy goals in Central Asia include fostering stability, democratization, free market economies, free trade and transport throughout the Eurasian corridor, denuclearization in the non-Russian states, and adherence to international human rights standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2002-11-07
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Memorandum: Immediate Issuance of Forms I-688Bs to New Refugees and Asylees
"Effective November 10,2002, Form I-688B, Employment Authorization Cards, are to be issued to all individuals admitted as refugees under section 207 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) immediately upon their arrival in the United States and to all individuals granted asylum under section 208 of the INA immediately upon the grant of asylum. This on-the-spot employment authorization processing is being established by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (the Service) to implement section 309 of the Enhanced Border Security Act and Visa Entry Reform Act of 2002 (BSA), which President Bush signed into law on May 14, 2002. This law requires the Attorney General within 180 days of enactment of the BSA (which is November 10,2002) to begin to issue employment authorization documents to individuals admitted as refugees immediately upon their arrival and to asylees immediately upon the grant of asylum. This law also requires that the employment authorization document contain a photograph and fingerprint of the asylee or refugee. After a thorough examination of possible implementation solutions, the Service has determined that issuance of I-688Bs is the most expedient means to fulfill all of the law's requirements by the required implementation date. In addition to issuing I-688Bs, officers will continue to issue refugees and asylees at the time they attain such status the Form 1-94, Arrival-Departure Record, indicating their status. Issuance of the I-688Bs is delegated to Inspections, District Offices, and Asylum Offices in the manner prescribed below."
United States. Immigration and Naturalization Service
Williams, Johnny N.
2002-11-04
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Transnational Threats: Blending Law Enforcement and Military Strategies
"On February 2-3, 2000, the U.S. Army War College, the Triangle Institute for Security Studies, and the Duke University Center for Law, Ethics, and National Security co-sponsored a conference in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. The conference examined transnational threats, including terrorism involving weapons of mass destruction, cyber threats to the national infrastructure, and international organized crime. The goal was to evaluate the seriousness of such threats and discuss strategies for dealing with them. In particular, the conference sought to address the question of how military and law enforcement could blend their strategies to better counter transnational threats. A secondary purpose was to clarify the role of the military in meeting challenges that transcend national borders and threaten our national interests. This book highlights some of the main issues and themes that ran through the conference. After looking at the various threats and undertaking a risk assessment, the report considers the unique aspects of transnational threats, and then identifies the key challenges facing the United States, paying particular attention to the role of the military. The book concludes with discussions of some of the steps that should be taken to secure ourselves against transnational threats."
Army War College (U.S.). Strategic Studies Institute
Pumphrey, Carolyn W. (Carolyn Wilson), 1955-
2002-11
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Nanotechnology Innovation for Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Explosive (CBRE): Detection and Protection
"The use of nanoscale sensors for CBRE can critically impact national security programs, by providing sensitive, selective, and inexpensive sensors that can be deployed for advance security to transportation systems (protection for air, bus, train/subway, etc.); military (protection for facilities, equipment and personnel); Federal buildings (White House, U.S. embassies, and all other Federal buildings); customs (for border crossings, international travel, etc.); civilian businesses; and schools. Nanotechnology-based materials will be essential to protective garb for emergency response teams and hospital staff coping with chemical or biological (CB) incidents. New nanotechnology approaches to acceptable decontamination of apparatus and building spaces are also needed, as highlighted by the prolonged efforts to decontaminate anthrax in the Senate Hart Office Building."
National Nanotechnology Initiative (U.S.)
2002-11
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Protecting the Public: Customs Faces Staffing Challenges Along The Northern Border, Report Synopsis
"To review staffing challenges faced by the U.S. Customs Service due to heightened security following the events of September 11th, OIG evaluators visited 30 Northern border ports of entry in January 2002. Using a structured questionnaire, interviews were conducted with Customs inspectors and a limited number of other Federal agencies employees. We also observed and photographed the conditions at the ports/crossings, while traveling along approximately 3,200 miles of the Northern border."
United States. Department of the Treasury. Office of Inspector General
2002-10-31
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Standards for Certifying Biometric Accuracy
As a result of the Patriot Act, Congress has tasked NIST with a statutory mandate to develop and certify a highly accurate technology standard that shall include biometric identifiers. The first presentation (Patriot Act: Enhanced Border Security Act: Conference Presentations) is an interim summary report of the progress made through August, 2002 and this report is an updated version from November, 2002.
National Institute of Standards and Technology (U.S.)
McCabe, R. Michael
2002-11
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Remarks by the President at New Mexico Welcome [October 28, 2002]
These are remarks by President Bush at the New Mexico Welcome. Bush discusses education, job security, Iraq, creation of a new homeland security department, border protection, and an update on the war against terrorism.
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
Bush, George W. (George Walker), 1946-
2002-10-30
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Immigration Legislation and Issues in the 107th Congress [Updated October 30, 2002]
"Top immigration issues before the 107th Congress include the reorganization of the Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS), a part of the Department of Justice (DOJ); admissions policy; and the eligibility of non-citizens for public assistance. Also pending are measures to enable unauthorized aliens to become legal permanent residents (LPRs) and to reform temporary guest worker programs. Amendments proposed in the Senate would create a directorate of immigration affairs within the new department with responsibility for immigration service and enforcement functions. The Administration has proposed transferring all of INS to a new homeland security department under a border and transportation security division. Admissions policy, particularly responsibility for issuing visas, is a key issue in discussions about establishing a homeland security department. Congress is addressing non-citizen eligibility for public assistance in the context of bills to reauthorize federal public benefit programs. The 'farm bill' (P.L. 107-171) expands eligibility for food stamps for certain classes of LPRs. H.R. 4737 would reauthorize Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. This legislation would extend a provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act- §245(i)- that currently covers illegal aliens whose sponsors filed petitions or applications on their behalf by April 30, 2001. H.R. 1885 has been passed in different forms by the House and Senate. Other pending bills would establish mechanisms to allow particular groups of unauthorized aliens- such as agricultural workers and students- to become LPRs."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Wasem, Ruth Ellen; Siskin, Alison; Ester, Karma . . .
2002-10-30
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Fact Sheet: APEC Leaders' Retreat #1 [October 26, 2002]
"President Bush obtained agreement today on a U.S.-driven Leaders' "Statement on Fighting Terrorism and Promoting Growth" that contains specific commitments to secure key Pacific Rim infrastructure -- transport, finance and communications -- from exploitation or attack by terrorists. The United States has also expanded the bilateral Container Security Initiative (CSI), which revolutionizes border management through pre-screening of cargo containers, to key APEC megaports in Canada, Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and now China."
United States. Office of the White House Press Secretary
2002-10-26
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Central Asia's New States: Political Developments and Implications for U.S. Interests [October 4, 2002]
"After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, the United States recognized the independence of all the former Central Asian republics and established diplomatic relations with each by mid-March 1992. The United States also supported their admission to the Organization on Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) and other Western organizations, and elicited Turkish support in countering Iranian influence in the region. Congress was at the forefront in urging the formation of coherent U.S. policies for aiding these and other Eurasian states of the former Soviet Union, and approved the Freedom Support Act and other legislation for this purpose. After the terrorist attacks on America on September 11, 2001, all the Central Asian states offered overflight and other support to coalition anti-terrorist efforts in Afghanistan. Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan have hosted coalition troops and provided access to airbases. Since then, the United States has boosted its security assistance throughout the region for anti-terrorism, counter-narcotics, non-proliferation, border and customs, and defense cooperation programs, while also increasing aid for democratization and free market reforms. U.S. policy goals in Central Asia include fostering stability, democratization, free market economies, free trade and transport throughout the Eurasian corridor, denuclearization in the non-Russian states, and adherence to international human rights standards."
Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service
Nichol, James P.
2002-10-04
