Washington, D.C. - Today U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) met with US-VISIT Director Jim Williams to discuss Whatcom County concerns and questions surrounding yesterday’s announcement by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that the Peace Arch border crossing at Blaine will participate in a United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) pilot program. During today’s meeting, Larsen discussed the implementation of US-VISIT and gave Director Williams a list of questions on the pilot program at Peace Arch and its potential impacts.

Larsen worked with the City of Blaine, the Blaine Police Department, Whatcom County, and the Whatcom County Chamber of Commerce and other members of the 2nd Congressional District to compile the questions and concerns.
“Whatcom County sits on the frontlines of our nation's efforts to secure its borders,” Larsen said. “Residents who live and operate businesses in border communities are also on the frontlines when it comes to the dramatic impacts of border changes.”
The pilot program announced yesterday will begin at the Peace Arch crossing by July 31, 2005. The testing or “proof of concept” phase is expected to continue through the spring of 2006. The radio frequency identification (RFID) technology being tested will allow for a unique and automatic identifier to be issued to pedestrians and visitors crossing in vehicles. The DHS contends that the benefits of deploying RFID technology at the border crossing allow for the automatic recording of visitors’ arrival and departure.
He continued, “As Co-Chair of Washington State's 2010 Olympics Task Force, I know firsthand that the next few years represent a critical time for our border communities as they prepare to meet the traffic, tourist, security, and consumer demands that the Olympics will bring.”

The DHS has started implementing the US-VISIT program, an entry-exit system designed to register foreign nationals each time they enter the U.S.  This program is designed to collect information, confirm identity, measure security risks and assess the legitimacy of travel.  Ultimately, the information captured through US-VISIT would be available at the ports of entry and throughout the entire immigration enforcement system.  The system would also track changes in a foreign national's immigration status and make updates and adjustments accordingly. Larsen has many concerns with the implementation of US-VISIT and its effects on border communities like those in Whatcom County.
"I will continue to work with local residents, businesses and leaders to make sure that the Department of Homeland Security responds to their concerns and makes this transition as smooth as possible,” Larsen pledged.
The letter and questions Larsen submitted to Director Williams on behalf of his constituents are attached.

Larsen represents the 2nd Congressional District that included Whatcom County in the U.S. House of Representatives. He co-chairs Washington State’s 2010 Olympics Task Force.