see also: in September 2008:   Ramey Border Patrol Sector Sponsors Intelligence Training   CBP Arrests Woman at California Port after Discovering 3 Hidden Females   Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents Rescue Lost Alien   Customs and Border Protection Warns Floral Importers About Unripe Poppy Pods   CBP Officers Arrest Man Wanted for Failing to Register as Sex Offender   El Paso CBP Officers Discover 3,000 Pounds of Marijuana in Shipment of Watermelons   CBP Seizes More Than $360,000 in Undeclared Currency ...more on cbp.gov:   CBP News Releases   Press Officers

contacts for this news release

San Juan, PR - Recently, U.S. Customs and Border Protection Headquarters announced that the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport was one of the 18 airports selected to be part of the Model Ports Initiative.

In an effort to improve the passenger process at the LMM International Airport, San Juan field operations met with local stakeholders on September 10. CBP is working in partnership with Puerto Rico Port Authorities, Puerto Rico Tourism, Department of State, Transportation Security Administration, American Airlines, American Eagle, COPA, Iberia and Jet Blue to make this a smooth and effective transition.

During the meeting, CBP had the opportunity to explain how by streamlining passenger flow, 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 the LMM International Airport more welcoming to visitors and returning residents. Stakeholders responded positively and a committee will be established to develop an action plan to implement suggestions and obtain additional input on possible improvements.

On an average, CBP in Puerto Rico welcomes more than 1.3 million air passengers annually. Soon travelers arriving at the LMM International Airport will benefit from improved signage and a new video that contains practical information about the entry process. Information will be broadcast to arriving passengers in several languages and will assists passengers through the customs and immigration process.

“Customs and Border Protection is aware of the importance to team up with local government representatives and the air carriers. Partnership throughout this initiative will allow us to improve the traveling experience,” said Director Field Operations Marcelino Borges.

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.