A Quicker Way to Cross

Monday, 01 February 2010 19:50

During the weekend and through the holidays, the lines to cross the border from Mexico into the U.S. by car might be hours long. But for those who own a trusted traveler’s pass, the hours can turn into just minutes.

The Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection (SENTRI) program allows a person to bypass the lengthy lines to cross the border by having one lane specific for SENTRI users.

According to the Department of Homeland Security website, the SENTRI program was first implemented in 1995 in Ota, Mesa, Calif. and has since been adapted by 16 other of the largest ports of entry, including Nogales, Ariz.

“When we first started doing this, people who were crossing to the U.S. in the mornings for school were getting there so quickly that they were saving about 45 minutes. So then these families had to figure out what to do with that time,” said Brian Levin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.

Locally, there are about 10,000 SENTRI passes in use and about 175,000 people enrolled in the program from both Mexico and the U.S.

Yvonne Delgadillo, 29, has had her SENTRI card over a year. Both her mom and dad take part in the program and her sister is currently undergoing the application process.

“When I first got it I crossed the border about once a week,” said Delgadillo, “It’s really important for my dad because he crosses the border sometimes three times a day."

"I would say if you do any work in the U.S. and live in Mexico, or do work in Mexico and live in the U.S., this pass is essential.”

The SENTRI card can be used instead of a passport or a passport card, which is one reason why Delgadillo would recommend it to others.

For Levin, something that is really important for people to know is that the program is for anyone who can legally cross the border and can be used by "business travelers, moms, dads, families, U.S. Citizens and Mexicans".

To begin the process for a SENTRI card, one can complete the online application, followed by an interview and fingerprinting which usually takes about two months to complete.  The total cost for having this pass for five years is $122.25.

Some locations where SENTRI pass lanes can be found

Written by Matilde Cantero You are reading A Quicker Way to Cross articles