CBP expands collection of border crossing information

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/co ... rss_nation

wow

This database is, in a sense, worse than a watch list," he said. "At least in the watch-list scenario, there's some reason why the name got on the list. Here, the only thing a person does to come to the attention of DHS is to lawfully cross the border. The theory of this data collection is: Track everyone -- just in case."

Under the system, officials record name, birth date, gender, date and time of crossing, and a photo, where available, for U.S. travelers returning to the country by land, sea or air. The same information is gathered about foreign travelers, but it is held for 75 years.

Well, that answers the question quite often asked here "do they know how often I cross the border?" eh? Yep, they know it. And they tell everybody else about it too!

The more relevant point I thought from reading that is the bit about how if you cross with a birth certificate and DL from January they type all the info in so that it can be matched up the next time you cross.

So when people say "can they get around" a denial when they presented their passport, the answer is definitely "no". Depending on whether you get matched up of course but I'd say the odds are good you would be.

I've seen them swipe Ontario drivers licenses through a card reader at land crossings before. I'm guessing they don't even have to "type" in the information for an licenses that have a magnetic strip.

Article talks about American Citizens only no?

So us TN Visa and H1B holders are ok

Don't be so sure. Look at page 2.

"Under the system, officials record name, birth date, gender, date and time of crossing, and a photo, where available, for U.S. travelers returning to the country by land, sea or air. The same information is gathered about foreign travelers, but it is held for 75 years."

I've seen them swipe Ontario drivers licenses through a card reader at land crossings before. I'm guessing they don't even have to "type" in the information for an licenses that have a magnetic strip.

This is what the enhanced DLs are for that they're introducing. In future a regular DL won't be enough regardless of what info they get from it, under the WHTI it needs to be one of the "enhanced" licenses or you need a passport or NEXUS card.

canada said they wouldnt do it

Canada said they wanted enhanced DLs, which for all intents and purposes are the same thing as the new passports as they all have RFID chips in them. Just easier to apply for.

They're even running ads now on the TV I see.