International Conference Addresses Implementation of US-VISIT at Land Ports, Trade and Security Issues

Private and public sector representatives gather in Washington, D.C. for latest information

Phoenix, AZ (PRWEB) February 22, 2004--Border Trade Alliance (BTA), a non-profit organization that provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to border trade and travel throughout North America, will host an international conference titled US-VISIT and Border Security," on March 22-23, 2004 at the Watergate Hotel in Washington, D.C.

With the launch of the first phase of the U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology (US-VISIT) program at 115 airports and 14 seaports earlier this year, this conference will address the implementation of the new integrated entry and exit system at the 50 largest land ports of entry in 2004, among other developing border trade and security issues.

Border communities depend to a greater degree on cross-border commercial activities than other cities on both sides of the border," said Jessica Pacheco, Chair of the BTA Board of Directors. This conference will provide an excellent forum for private and public representatives from across North America gathered to obtain critical updates and information on public polices affecting trade, travel and homeland security."

Keynote presenters and panelists include:

•    Asa Hutchinson, Under Secretary for Border and Transportation Security, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

•    Jim Williams, US-VISIT Program Director, U.S. Department of Homeland Security

•    Senator John Cornyn, U.S. Senator and member of the Judiciary Committees Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security and Citizenship, State of Texas

•    Alain Jolicoeur, President, Canada Border Services Agency

•    Richard Webster, Director of Governmental Affairs, Travel Industry Association of America

•    Cynthia Brown, Director, Center for Border Economic Studies, University of Texas- Pan American

Among the topics that will be covered during the two-day conference include the US-VISIT programs impact on border retail trade, commerce and tourism; technology to be implemented at land ports of entry in 2004; guest worker programs; and new anti-bio terrorism regulations.

To register for the conference or for further details, including a copy of the most updated agenda, visit our Web site at www.thebta.org or contact BTA at (800) 333-5523. Pre-registration ends March 8, 2004.

Since 1986, the BTA has served as a grassroots, non-profit organization that provides a forum for discussion and advocacy on issues pertaining to the environment, border development, quality of life and trade in the Americas. BTA is a leader and authority on international trade and commerce throughout North America.

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Media Contact:

Tania Torres

(800) 333-5523, ext. 106

tania@thebta.org