see also: in October 2008:   Mexican Military Makes Accidental Incursion into the U.S.   CBP Officers Apprehend Illegal Alien Hidden on Rail Car   Border Patrol Agents Make Several Drug Seizures Near Laredo   CBP Officers at the Calexico Downtown Port of Entry Intercept Cocaine Smuggling Attempt   CBP to Open Andrade Port of Entry Earlier During Agriculture Harvest Season   Layered Enforcement Snags U.S. Citizen, Foils 3 Smuggling Attempts   CBP Announces Online Method for Meeting SENTRI Vehicle Requirements ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

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Atlanta - United States Customs and Border Protection has designated the Port of Atlanta, Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, as a Model Port. The Model Port Initiative calls for a joint vision of enhanced border security while streamlining passenger operations.

Director Field Operations, Atlanta Robert C. Gomez emphasized the need to work with each other in a collaborative environment. DFO Gomez noted that we focus resources appropriately on those passengers who need more attention while innovative solutions including the Global Entry Program are established to create a layered enforcement approach that recognizes the need to facilitate passengers using the latest automated technology on the market.

In an effort to streamline passenger operations at Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, the Port of Atlanta along with Atlanta Field Operations met with local stakeholders on October 7, to discuss the Global Entry Program, which is an essential part of the Model Port Initiative. CBP has partnered with the City of Atlanta Department of Aviation, U.S. Transportation Security Administration, Delta Airlines, Korean Airlines, Lufthansa Airlines, Air Jamaica, TBI, and Air-Serv International to improve passenger operation by creating a more efficient and welcoming environment.

During the meeting, Port Director Stephen Kremer explained that Global Entry will streamline passenger flow by expediting the movement of frequent low risk international travelers through a single integrated passenger processing system. CBP also explained that by employing technology to display welcome and informational videos, improving signage and creating a more welcoming environment for international travelers, all involved in the project would benefit as well as make Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport more welcoming to visitors and returning residents.

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.