2007 Chennai Press Releases
Visitors To US Have New Way To Report Entry, Exit Problems
(New system lets travelers fill out single request for redress via secure Web site)
February 28, 2007
Washington -- Travelers to the United States who experience difficulties during airport and train station screenings or at border crossings now can make inquiries or seek resolution at an easy-to-use Internet site.
The Department of Homeland Security launched its new Traveler Redress Inquiry Program (TRIP) last week as part of its continuing effort in conjunction with the State Department to balance security needs with the needs of the traveling public.
TRIP is the point of contact with Homeland Security for travelers who are denied or delayed airline boarding, denied or delayed entry into or exit from the United States at a port of entry or border checkpoint, or continuously are referred to additional (secondary) screening.
“We’re making travel more efficient and secure by offering a convenient redress process,” said Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff. The department’s action was welcomed by various civil rights groups and other organizations, including the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee.
Problems encountered by visitors to the United States at airports, train stations or border crossings have been a matter of ongoing concern to US officials and the travel industry. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) received approximately 20,000 requests for redress in 2006, according to James Kennedy, the director of TSA’s redress office.
Under TRIP, travelers can fill out a single request for redress via a secure Web site. The electronic form asks the traveler to identify a concern, such as being told fingerprints were incorrect or of poor quality, or experiencing possible discrimination based on race, disability, religion, gender or ethnicity. This information will be shared with the relevant Homeland Security agencies, such as TSA or US Customs and Border Protection, with the Department of State and, when appropriate, with airport and airline operators. Reducing the length of time it takes to resolve issues is one focus of TRIP. James Kennedy said his office has managed to reduce its response time from 60 days to less than 10 days.
(Distributed by the Bureau of International Information Programs, U.S. Department of State. Web site: http://usinfo.state.gov/, 02/22/07)
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