In the News

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene is asking the Department of Homeland Security to take steps to cut back wait times at Whatcom County ports of entry, especially Point Roberts. And she’s getting results. 

In a July 7 letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Jeh Johnson and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Commissioner Gil Kerlikowske expressed concerns about “unacceptably long wait times.”

DelBene asked that steps be taken to ensure sufficient service levels are maintained, specifically asking that some of the 30 additional officers the area port of Blaine will receive due to a funding increase be assigned to the Point. She also asked that NEXUS hours be extended.

“I am concerned that long wait times have the potential not only to disrupt the lives of my constituents, but also have a negative impact on all travelers coming into the U.S. I am deeply concerned that long lines at the border are harming the important economic relationship between Washington state and Canada,” wrote DelBene.

DelBene was responding in part to letters and a petition with about 600 signatures from Point Roberts asking for help in getting NEXUS hours extended. “I am just totally frustrated with the lineups that occur as soon as the NEXUS lane closes,” said petition organizer Jim Sarkissian. “They’re invariably back to the light on 1st Avenue or down the hill and the lineup is glacially slow.” He cited instances in which he has waited as long as 45 minutes to travel the one block from 1st Avenue with a car full of hungry and tired young baseball players.

CBP responded rapidly to local concerns and DelBene’s request. On July 10, the decision was made to extend evening NEXUS hours at Point Roberts. 

To read the full article, click HERE.