Dana Gabriel: Laying the Foundation For North American Security!

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently unveiled a northern border strategy. which seeks to address security concerns, while at the same time facilitating the flow of lawful travel and trade. The new plan promotes enhanced shared intelligence and joint law enforcement integration with Canada. It further builds on initiatives included in the Beyond the Border agreement and is part of ongoing efforts to lay the foundation for a North American security perimeter. On June 5, DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano announced the "Northern Border Strategy" (NBS) aimed at deterring and preventing terrorism, smuggling, trafficking and illegal immigration. In a press release, she explained how the new plan, provides a unifying framework for the Departments work, focused on enhancing the security and resiliency along our northern border while expediting legitimate travel and trade with Canada. In order to accomplish these objectives, the NBS seeks to improve information sharing and analysis within within DHS, as well as with key partners. The Department will also enhance coordination of US-Canada joint intradictions and investigations, deploy technologies to aid joint security efforts along the border, and continue to update infrastructure. The NBS parallels the National Northern Border Counter-narcotics Strategy issued in January. It also supports goals outlined in the US-Canada Beyond the Border action plan, which focuses on addressing security threats early, facilitating trade, economic growth and jobs, integrating cross-border law enforcement, as well as improving infrastructure and cyber-security.