Among the methods to accomplish the secure flow of people, the plan calls for the joint development of biometric identifiers in travel documents, including permanent resident cards. Also called for are joint review of visa waiver lists and shared look-out lists at visa issuing offices; shared advance passenger information and agreed-to passenger name records on U.S. / Canada flights; establishment of joint passenger analysis units at key U.S. / Canada international airports; joint development of database for enhanced sharing of intelligence and trend analysis; and increased numbers of Canadian and U.S. Immigration officers at airports overseas.

As part of the coordination and information sharing, the plan includes implementing a Memorandum of Understanding to supply equipment and training that will enable the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to access Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) fingerprint data directly via a real-time electronic link. Other aspects of the coordination effort include establishing joint teams to analyze and disseminate information and intelligence; legislating measures designating terrorist organizations and exchanging advance information in order to freeze terrorist assets.

John Manley, on behalf of Canada, and Governor Tom Ridge, on behalf of the U.S., signed the Smart Border Declaration. John Manley is the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Chairman of the Ad Hoc Cabinet Committee on Public Security and Anti-Terrorism in Canada. Tom Ridge is the Director of the Office of Homeland Security. As stated by Canadian Minister Manley, "This action plan will enhance the technology, coordination and information sharing that are essential to safeguard our mutual security and strengthen cross-border commerce for the world's largest bi-national trading relationship."

We at The Law Office of Sheela Murthy applaud this cooperative effort to keep our borders safe yet accessible to legitimate travel and commerce.