New SENTRI program is going better than expected

The quick-lane concept has had quick success.

Since it began about a year ago, the SENTRI (Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection) program at Nogales' Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry has 4,377 participants, with an average of 1,887 crossings daily between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., said Custom and Border Protection spokesman Brian Levin.

RFI

The program uses Radio Frequency Identification technology, a computer chip embedded in a visa and vehicle pass, which is detected by corresponding electronic equipment installed at the newly appropriated SENTRI lane and pedestrian crossings at the port of entry.

The program's goal is to reduce the time required to process individuals at the border.

James Y. Tong, the Deconcini Port's director, had said it takes a vehicle about 15 seconds to cross with the SENTRI card versus the maximum hour time frame it takes without the card.

Signing up for the program is also quicker if would-be participants begin the process online.

The online option has become so successful, in fact, that Levin said there is an April 27 backlog for the next step in the process, which has to be done in person.

Anyone can apply for a SENTRI pass. Individuals can be citizens of the United States, Mexico or another country.

However, passes are only issued to those who are considered to be low risk for violating any laws.

The application process includes fingerprinting and a criminal and immigration records check. Automobiles will also be inspected.

There is also the ability to register employees in a company so that carpools can be qualified for the crossing permit.

For a $129 fee, those who apply will receive a visa with a chip embedded in it that will have the traveler's identity and information. Each pass is valid for five years for every individual and vehicle.

Travelers crossing with passengers that were not enrolled could be removed from the program, Levin said.

About 31,000 people are anticipated to sign up for the program.

Tong said the port is the only one in Arizona to offer the service, and would join ports in San Diego, Calif., and El Paso, Texas, which kicked off the service in 1998 and 1999, respectively.

For more program and enrollment information, please call the Global Enrollment Center at (520) 375-5801, or visit http://cbp.gov.

Visitors interested in obtaining a SENTRI pass need to complete CBP Form 823S, which can be downloaded from the CBP Web site at http:// www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/toolbox/forms, before scheduling an appointment by calling

The fee for one adult and one vehicle is $129 for a five-year pass. Children ages 14 to 17 pay $24, and children 13 and under are free.

Applicants will need to attend several appointments at the Trusted Traveler Enrollment Center, which processes applications for both SENTRI and the Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program. The center is in the main building at 9 North Grand Avenue in Nogales. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays. The office is closed on weekends and holidays.

A SENTRI card holder will be able to use the pass to enter the United States through existing SENTRI lanes at participating ports of entry on the Southwest border, including Nogales, Calexico, El Paso, Otay Mesa and San Ysidro.

The Mariposa Port of Entry is not a candidate for the SENTRI lane, according to officials, because it straddles an arroyo. There is no space to add an additional lane at the present time.

Before the program began, it was estimated that about 7,000 cars a day pass through the DeConcini port.

(Editor's note: Some information in this article was taken from previous articles in the Nogales International.)