Will CBP budget sequestration increase border traffic?
A budget sequestration went into effect on March 1, 2013 for U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Although the CBP is not the only agency that is affected by this year's broad budget sequestration, many people are wondering: How will this impact the immigration process?
U.S. Customs and Border Protection
CBP is the sector of the Department of Homeland Security that is responsible for facilitating international travel. They also oversee U.S. border regulations, including customs, international trade, imports, immigration, and illegal entries or activities.
As a result of the budget cuts, CBP will be required to reduce its expenditures significantly for the remainder of FY 2013. This will result in furloughs, reductions in overtime, and a hiring freeze, which equates to the loss of up to several thousand CBP officers at our ports of entry.
What effect will the budget sequestration have?
During this time, security efforts will remain CBP's highest priority, but the budget cuts may have the following impacts on our ports of entry:
- Increased wait times for personal vehicles and pedestrians at our land border ports.
- Increased wait times at major international airports.
- Decreased service levels in our cargo operations.
- Reduced flexibility to maintain or extend operating hours or respond to requests for new services.
CBP will continue to do all that it can to operate in a manner least disruptive for travelers throughout the sequestration period. However, in the event that travel time is greatly affected, please plan accordingly for any international travel.