GovernmentExecutive.com

The head of the Homeland Security Department's visitor tracking program on Tuesday called for the creation of a "global ID management system" to make travel easier while enhancing security.

Jim Williams, director of the US VISIT program within DHS, told attendees of the National Business Travel Association's annual meeting he is aware of the plight of the business traveler. Even he, despite his senior position in the department, once found himself temporarily unable to board a plane because he shared the name of an individual on a terrorist watch list, he said.

Williams said he wants to join forces with several DHS agencies to develop a global identification system that would cut wait times, reduce government fees for travelers, fight illegal immigration and, perhaps paramount, better defend nations from terrorists.

The US VISIT chief, who already oversees identity inquiries for nearly every visitor who enters the United States, said a worldwide identification system will better link nations in the fight against terrorism. In his speech, he likened al Qaeda operatives and sleeper cells - including the ones that attacked on 9/11 - to "submarines" that must surface to kill.

"In order for them to do what they want to do, they have to travel," Williams said.

He did not specify when, or how, the proposed global program would be implemented.

Williams suggested that a biometrics identification system might be used to better track travelers to the United States. A similar program is being tested in Great Britain, where such physical characteristics as fingerprints or iris scans are being tied to national identification cards. Proponents say it can cut the odds of success for immigration fraud.

Any program that can successfully ease both financial burdens and wait times for travelers will be welcomed with open arms, said Hank Roeder, vice president of global operations for the National Business Travel Association.

In his speech, Williams said an American version of the global ID plan would likely require the cooperation of US VISIT, the Customs and Border Protection bureau, the Transportation Safety Administration and U.S. Customs and Immigration Services, all under the DHS umbrella.

A TSA official declined to comment, saying the agency has no knowledge of the proposed plan. CBP and CIS could not be reached for comment.

COMMENTS

• I oppose a global ID system because this is what the antichrist will set up after the rapture of the true church. People will be deceived into believing it is OK to take the mark of 666 because it will be no different than the global ID system. In reality they will be selling their soul to Satan. Brenda Leonard Posted May 11, 2008 4:47 PM
• It was in the papers and made public domain; I read a media release that former Bushy, Tommy Thompson, was in the pocket of the I.D. Technology company that is planning this security tracking device. Apparently Thompson went to work full time for them after his stint with Bush and sees his fortune in pandering this crap through his political cronies to bring it to market here and around the world. Its all about conflict of interests and corporate greed...NOT security. Probably alot of money in it for your elected representatives to vote the wrong way. The article said that the devices would be implanted (under everyones skin) and be read by radiation sensors. Trials show the devices kill animals and humans eventually with "Cancer". This abomination of human rights for profit, not security, is a reminder of Nazi tatoos and must be struck down by every politician in the interests of public civil liberties, privacy and your own health. Lobby against it and make sure you not only voice your opinion but stop it dead. "Ask the right questions". Maybe its the media that is lying and we can trust the Bush Administration after all?? John Posted April 7, 2008 4:40 AM
• Not enough sensitive people in the world I fear. People think nothing of killing other people. I think the world is going mad. And what if these religious people are right? Mark my words, there is coming a world leader who will make sure there is a global identification system for every man women and child and apparently even the animals. It appears nothing is going well these days. What makes people think that a global ID system will be any better for us? Charlie M. Posted May 2, 2006 10:34 PM