Economic and National Security Aren't Mutually Exclusive, Says CBP Commissioner

There was a time when many saw homeland security through the narrow prism of enforcement, which assumed economic security must take a back seat to national security. That's not so, says Alan Bersin, commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border protection.

"Time has a way of clarifying our challenges and bringing forth new threats. After spending much of my career working toward a better border, including the last year with Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on border policy, I believe it is time for a new vision that maximizes both security and economic opportunity. The two are not mutually exclusive. They go hand in hand.

"As commissioner, I intend to pursue policies where security and economic facilitation are integrated, not separate. To further this vision, I will seek to ensure CBP operations and programs more effectively segment risk so that front-line personnel will more effectively identify threats and expedite lawful trade and travel."

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