Posted: Apr 4, 2011 1:26 PM
NOGALES - U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced the opening of a "Ready Lane" at the Nogales Port of Entry, allowing travelers with RFID-enabled documents to travel quickly into the United States.
Beginning on Monday, April 11, the Ready Lane will be open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily on lane 7 of the Dennis DeConcini Port of Entry.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, implemented in 2009, requires U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or sea from Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean to present a valid, WHTI-compliant document upon entry, according to CBP officials.
Many of these documents contain Radio Frequency Identification technology, which allow border guards to quickly and wirelessly identify a traveler, making crossing the border more efficient, CBP says.
"RFID-enabled cards allow our officers to screen travelers quicker," said Port Director Guadalupe Ramirez, "By having a lane designated just for travelers with these cards, we can reduce the time spent waiting to enter the country, which facilitates and encourages legitimate cross-border business and tourism."
According to CBP, some RFID-enabled documents include: a U.S. Passport Card, Enhanced Driver's License or I.D. Card, a Trusted Traveler Program card, and a new Lawful Permanent Resident card.
With the increased use of RFID documents, CBP plans on implementing these Ready Lanes at ports around the country, including the ports in Lukeville and San Luis.
Tune in to News 4 Tucson at 6 p.m. for a complete report on the Ready Lane.
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