As I travel back and forth to Australia often, 10-12 times a year, I have gotten used to using a INS Port Pass.
This is a credit card lookin ID with my picture on it.
It has the magnetic strip with all of my Passport-ID information etc. and was issued to me by the INS. It is easy to get, just stop by the INS in LAX, JFK, Miami, SFO, SEA, or any of the major International airports. Frequent international travelers use this card.
Using the card is simple, slide it into the magnetic reader, place your hand on the optical reader that takes your palm print and it is matched with the computer image you gave to the INS and whalla, the machine spits out a little piece of paper, "Welcome to the United States Mr. ......".
This is not a loss of freedom, this is an effort by the Government of the USA to improve my/your freedom. Without this card I would have to stand in line with the rest of the 300-400 folks that just got off the 747 to go through customs. And, believe me standing in a line for 30-45 minute at customs after a 14 hour flight feels like a loss of freedom. My trips through customs takes 30 seconds tops.
I am a proud INS card holder. I have passed the FBI/CIA muster. Thank God the INS has given me the freedom to avoid these lines when I come back into the US.
Do I care if the US tracks my international travels, hell no I am happy they know where I travel, I have nothing to hide.
There is something good about the feeling of knowing I don't have to prove my worthiness as a US citizen. Our system is on the side of freedom if we just make a choice to properly and wisely use the tools we are provided. By the way I hold an INS pass because I want to! |
