The United States and Canada Announce Plans to Increase NEXUS Benefits

(Tuesday, May 08, 2012)

Washington— U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today they are delivering on key commitments under the U.S.-Canada Beyond the Border Action Plan for Perimeter Security and Economic Competiveness—increasing benefits to NEXUS members, streamlining the NEXUS membership renewal process and launching a plan to increase NEXUS membership. ( NEXUS Program )

“CBP and CBSA are working together to expand NEXUS membership and enhance its benefits, to ensure more pre-screened travelers enjoy expedited processing at the border,” said CBP Commissioner David Aguilar. “This is just one of a number of initiatives the United States and Canada are undertaking as part of the Beyond the Border Action Plan that will help facilitate lawful trade and travel while enhancing security."

“Our Government's top priority is creating jobs, growth and long-term prosperity,” said Minister Toews. “The Border Action Plan is designed to speed up legitimate trade and travel, and improve security in North America by aligning the entry of people and goods at the perimeter while streamlining processes at the Canada-U.S. border. With these commitments to retain and increase NEXUS membership, Canada and the United States will increase efficiency to better focus their resources and examination efforts on travelers of high or unknown risk.”

The NEXUS program allows pre-screened travelers expedited processing by United States and Canadian officials across the U.S.-Canada border at designated air, land and marine locations.

Delivering on their commitment to streamline the membership renewal process for the NEXUS program, CBP and CBSA will waive the interview for members who have not had changes to their information and have maintained their low-risk status. The United States and Canada also announced they have begun enrolment blitzes to expedite the processing of NEXUS applications and have launched an outreach and awareness plan to increase membership in NEXUS.

As part of our work refining the NEXUS program, earlier this year, additional benefits were announced including a new trusted traveler kiosk at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to expedite passage for members flying into Canada; and a NEXUS lane at the Queenston/Lewiston Bridge.

Enhancements to the NEXUS program are critical to facilitating the lawful flow of pre-approved, low-risk travelers while enabling a focus on people about whom we know the least. Increased membership further encourages cross-border travel, supporting both American and Canadian economies.

On February 4, 2011, President Obama and Prime Minister Harper released the Beyond the Border Declaration, articulating a shared vision in which our countries work together to address threats at the earliest point possible while facilitating the legitimate movement of people, goods and services across our shared border. The Action Plan, released in December 2011, outlines the specific steps our countries intend to take to achieve the security and economic competitiveness goals outlined in the Beyond the Border Declaration.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.