U.S. Chamber of Commerce Praises SBODAC Security and Travel Report

Washington, D.C.—The U.S. Chamber of Commerce praised a report today released by the Secure Borders and Open Doors Advisory Committee (SBODAC) that makes recommendations to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State on how to facilitate travel to and from the United States while maintaining strong national security.

"DHS and the Department of State have worked hard to improve travel and security processes over the past few years, but more work needs to be done," said U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Tom Donohue. "We need to be sure that people and goods are moving in and out of our country safely and legally without having a line for miles at the border."

SBODAC is comprised of experts from the travel, business, and academic communities. The Committee was formed to advise DHS and the Department of State on how to preserve and increase security at U.S. ports of entry while encouraging legitimate travel. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue co-chairs the Visa Policy and Processing Working Group with Susan Ginsburg of the Migration Policy Institute.

The SBODAC report includes recommendations supported by the Chamber to improve the visa process such as expanding the use of metrics and tracking systems to ensure that performance goals are met, installing new consular officers and posts, using innovative technologies like videoconferencing, and improving collaboration between the departments by establishing a joint Business Process Task Force that would set standards for businesses that seek to sponsor travel or move goods across U.S. borders.

The Chamber also supports the Committee recommendations that DHS should establish a pilot program for internationally registered travelers to expedite the clearance of low-risk passengers and ease travel for frequent international business travelers, while also improving the staffing and infrastructure at U.S. land borders which have not kept up with the growth of trade and traffic.

"Unpredictably long wait times at our ports of entry slow our economy and scar our international reputation," continued Donohue. "America cannot afford to isolate itself from the rest of the world or have the image of being isolationist. This report will help us further address our security needs and the very real need to allow people and goods to move quickly from country to country. We, in the business community, look forward to continuing to work with both departments on the best ways to improve our current system."

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business federation representing more than 3 million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region.

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08-06