Bush wants smart border extended to Mexico

EL PASO, Tex. (March 26, 2002) — During a visit to a commercial cargo dock at El Paso’s Bridge of the Americas last week, President Bush called for more spending on high-tech border crossings.

Bush toured the facility, where advanced X-ray equipment is used to randomly scan Mexican rigs in about six minutes, on the first leg of his tour of Latin America.

According to published reports, the joint security initiative with Mexico would be similar to the one proposed for Canada. It would involve the development of a biometric ID system, using physical identifiers such as fingerprints or retina scans, for frequent travelers, who could use fast lanes at busy border crossings.

Bush also would like to see trucks inspected and sealed at their points of origin in Mexico, with a security clearance issued before they reach the border. He also emphasized that the U.S. government’s emphasis on terrorism since Sept. 11 has not diminished the administration’s interest in Mexico and a more efficient border-crossing system.