Registered Traveler Program

The Registered Traveler Program (RT), a "nationwide private sector" program "envisioned as a means to accelerate the screening process at participating airports for passengers who voluntarily choose to enroll in the program," includes the use of biometrics "for identification purposes." RT is administered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). 

According to the January 30, 2006, DHS announcement, in order to "begin offering" Registered Traveler programs later in 2006,


 * "TSA is directing RT program providers to collect 10 fingerprint images from each applicant. This biometric information will be used to verify participant identity at RT checkpoints. These biometrics, which are in widespread use today, provide exceptionally high levels of accuracy. With 10 fingerprints on the participant’s smart card, the likelihood that identity can be accurately confirmed is improved.


 * "To store biometric data for identity confirmation, RT programs will utilize Smart Card technology that conforms to current Federal Technical Implementation Guidance (see http://smart.gov), and biometrics will be stored consistent with biometric standards established by the American National Standards Institute/InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (ANSI/INCITS). All Registered Traveler data will be handled in compliance with the Federal Privacy Act."

Later RT "will be harmonized" with the PASS System (People, Access, Security, Service), the credentialing effort by DHS-U.S. Department of State. 

Related SourceWatch Resources

 * biometrics
 * e-Passports
 * illegal immigration
 * North American Union
 * Radio Frequency Identification / RFID
 * US-VISIT
 * Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)