The BTA is uniquely positioned to help address the critical challenges at our borders by offering our more than 20 years of experience representing border communities and our thorough and intimate knowledge of the unique social, economic, environmental and infrastructure needs along both international borders.
BTA Advocacy Overview
Our advocacy efforts focus on improving the quality of life in our border communities, enhancing the conditions for trade and travel while increasing security, and assessing the federal management of our borders.
Whether we’re meeting with a Member of Congress, hosting an international conference or testifying before a congressional panel, our organization represents the interests of those who live and work along the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borders, as well as the trade communities of all three nations.
By interacting with top policy-makers, such as our membership in the Trade Support Network of U.S. Customs and Border Protection and a seat on the Homeland Security Secure Borders Open Doors Advisory Committee, the BTA shapes policies that affect the vision of the border and the lives of its residents.
BTA Advocacy in Action
Featured Advocacy in Action: ACE E-Manifest
Aggravations concerning errors of a newly initiated e-Manifest system, where truckers electronically file their cargos with CBP prior to crossing the border, led in part to a spontaneous blockade of commercial traffic by truckers in Nogales, Ariz., on February 14, 2007. In response, the Border Trade Alliance contacted Customs and Border Protection Director Louis Samenfink to share our concerns and experiences regarding the security-reporting requirement. As a result, BTA members met with Director Samenfink in Washington, D.C. on April 10, 2007 and have begun to coordinate with CBP on efforts to enhance the lines of communication between border communities, stakeholders and CBP and the development of additional training sessions, including workshops in Spanish, on E-Manifest along both the U.S. – Canada and U.S. – Mexico borders.
See more BTA Advocacy in Action
BTA Projects
Featured Project: C-TPAT Rail
Customs and Border Protection (CBP) indicates that by late 2008, the Nogales rail port of entry is predicted to be the second busiest rail crossing on the southern border. In response to increased wait times experienced due primarily to additional demand for rail, the Border Trade Alliance (BTA) is actively participating in the development of a pilot project in Nogales to expedite cross-border rail traffic. The successful completion of this project will result with pre-approved rail shipments that have complied with C-TPAT requirements will be inspected and sealed at their point of origin and expedited across the border without additional required checks.
BTA Policy Position
Featured Position: Border Security
The Border Trade Alliance supports the efficient use of resources and proven technologies to expedite secure trade and travel along our nation’s borders. The implementation of new procedures and technology must improve the efficiency of trade and travel at our borders.
BTA Key Issues
Featured Issue: Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) represents one of the biggest changes to border life in years. The WHTI began requiring passports or DHS-approved identification for persons entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Panama on January 23, 2007 for air travelers. Last year, the BTA successfully advocated for a deadline extension on implementing WHTI. The mandatory implementation date was extended 18 months to June 1, 2009 as part of the Stevens-Leahy amendment to the FY07 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations bill. The BTA continues to advocate for the careful consideration of the impact of WHTI on border communities, which are integrally linked to cross-border tourism and industry and for additional outreach by DHS to educate the public about the program’s requirements.
