Homeland Security considers new fee for land-border crossings

[Newsjock]

Source: Bellingham Herald

In an effort to raise more money for border protection and inspection, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security wants Congress to authorize the study of a fee that could be collected from everyone who enters this country at land crossings.

The DHS 2014 budget proposal seeks increases in existing fees charged for a variety of customs and immigration services, such as the fees that air and sea travelers pay when they enter the country.

But until now, no fees have been imposed on those who enter by car, bus or train. Some land border crossings, such as Detroit and Buffalo, use toll bridges, but the toll money goes to bridge operators, not DHS.

... Ken Oplinger, president of the Bellingham/Whatcom Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said that would be a negative for the Canadian shoppers who support local businesses. Besides the fee itself, the collection of the fee would likely add to border crossing times.

Read more: http://www.bellinghamherald.com/2013/04/20/2974196/feds-want-to-study-border-crossing.html

[GoneOffShore]

1. The security state needs it's nails trimmed.

It doesn't need more money.

[ret5hd]

2. Here's where I see this heading:

As it stands, a person crossing the border illegally is guilty of a civil offense, not a criminal offense.

If the authorities were able to add a charge of tax evasion, then you are in criminal territory.