Homeland Security Goes Old School To Help Facilitate Border Crossings

By Hernán Rozemberg
February 16, 2012

SAN ANTONIO, Texas -- The Homeland Security Department’s latest step to make crossing back into the country a smoother process is actually rather old school.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) – the department’s agency responsible for operating the nation’s official border crossings – is launching its own radio show.

Sort of.

The agency is testing out new AM frequency transmitters at ports of entry to relay useful traveler information such as required documents and the latest news, including any port closures and emergencies.

“Better informed travelers will be processed in a more efficient manner since they know what the requirements are and are able to be processed into the United States that much quicker,” said Rick Pauza, a CBP spokesman in Laredo, Texas.

The new radio program is being tested in Laredo and El Paso. It is expected to be expanded to other ports of entry at both southern and northern borders.