The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative reported its first 24 hours of operation at our land and sea ports of entry-- now fully in operation across all ports of entry-- as nothing short of incredible success. On June 1, 2009, WHTI became the first fully implemented 9/11 Commission border recommendation that was not "under construction" prior to our Final Report of July 2004. I received this information from DHS leadership last night:
These points outline the first 24 hours of WHTI implementation.
- The national compliance rate was 93.3%.
- The northern border compliance rate was 96.7%.
- The southern border compliance rate was 90.8%.
- CBP field locations reported no discernible wait time impacts attributed to WHTI.
- CBP experienced no major technological issues with WHTI.
Secretary Chertoff deserves serious kudos for assuring this program come to fruition despite the years of attempts to make it not so by large, and important well-moneyed special interests. Secretary Napolitano, for rolling out its final phase.
If you enjoyed this blog, check out Enhanced DLs Deemed Compliant for Use at Borders and An Interview with Michael Chertoff.