DHS to Begin Name-Based Background Checks of Port Workers (TWIC Program to be Expedited)
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued a press release announcing that it is taking significant steps to enhance security by checking the backgrounds of port workers. DHS has also posted the transcript of a press conference with DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and other security officials regarding this initiative. Both of these documents are highlighted below.
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Background checks on port workers. DHS states that it will begin conducting name-based background checks on nearly 400,000 port workers within the U.S. These checks will be an initial measure as DHS expedites the rollout of a comprehensive nationwide biometric-based Transportation Worker Identification Credential/Card (TWIC) in 2006. The initial name check will not include the full criminal records check that will be a part of the TWIC program. However, the review will be a first step to ensuring those individuals who work at U.S. ports are not a security threat.
Preliminary name checks to be completed by summer of 2006. According to DHS, the preliminary name checks will be completed by the summer of 2006 and will initially be required for longshoremen and maritime employees of facility owners and operators. Ultimately, all individuals will require a TWIC in order to be eligible for unescorted access to secure areas.
Coast Guard, TSA and ICE responsible for collecting ID information, checking immigrations status, etc. DHS states that basic identifying information will be collected by the U.S. Coast Guard during the name-based checks. This information will allow the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to vet workers against terrorist watch lists through the Terrorist Screening Center. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will ensure workers are legally eligible to work in the U.S. DHS notes that although biometric information will not be collected during the initial name checks, it will be a key piece of identity verification for the TWIC.
Proposed Rule on TWIC expected soon - to be required for all port facility workers, plus truck drivers, rail employees, etc. DHS Secretary Chertoff stated that TWIC will be deployed at all commercial ports in the U.S. and that background investigations and issuance of TWIC cards will be required not only for port facility workers-but also for others that need to have regular, unescorted access to a secure facility, such as certain crew members, truck drivers and rail employees.
According to DHS, TSA laid the foundation for the establishment of the universal credential through a technology evaluation and prototype test. During the prototype test of the credential last year, TSA issued more than 4,000 TWIC cards to workers at 26 sites in six states.
DHS Secretary Chertoff asserted that the next step in the process-publication of a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking-is imminent and will provide further details on TWIC.
DHS press release (dated 04/25/06) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/interapp/press_release/press_release_0893.xml
Transcript of DHS press conference (dated 04/25/06) available at http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/display?content=5551