Here’s a press release from CBP, issued on January 29th, announcing a new NEXUS enrollment center in Birch Bay, just south of the border in NW Washington:
BLAINE, Wash. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) today announced the relocation and expansion of a joint “Trusted Traveler” Enrollment Center (EC) in the Birch Bay Square business center, Blaine, Washington. The Enrollment Center is designed to make obtaining a NEXUS border-crossing card easy and convenient for nearby residents on both sides of the border. Today’s announcement came at a commemorative ribbon-cutting ceremony held at the new Enrollment Center.
NEXUS is a joint CBP/CBSA program that offers pre-screened, approved travelers dedicated lanes at selected ports faster processing permitting border agencies to concentrate their efforts on potentially higher-risk persons. NEXUS was established in 2002 as part of the Shared Border Accord, a partnership between the United States and Canada. Over one million U.S and Canadian citizens are currently enrolled in the NEXUS program.
“Border security remains our utmost priority,” said CBP’s Michele James, Director-Field Operations, Seattle Field Office. “Facilitating legitimate cross-border travel is also a major priority. The NEXUS program reduces border wait times for trusted travelers allowing us to focus our enforcement resources where they are needed.”
“As partners, we work closely with USCBP to ensure the security of our shared borders,” said CBSA Regional Director General, Pacific Region, Roslyn MacVicar. “It is through continuous collaboration and diligent efforts on behalf of all partners, that the NEXUS program continues to grow and expand.”
The new Enrollment Center is located on Interstate 5 (Exit 270) within 10 minutes driving time of the U.S./Canadian border at 8115 Birch Bay Square Street. The expanded facility and additional CBP/CBSA staffing will provide the ability to double the number of conditionally-approved applications currently processed. The NEXUS application process begins online with one application, interested persons may obtain more information and apply at the Global Online Enrollment System (GOES) website.
On June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) rules took effect requiring all U.S. and Canadian citizens to present proof of citizenship and identity in a single document at land and sea ports of entry. Trusted traveler cards, such as NEXUS, SENTRI, Global Entry and FAST, are considered WHTI-compliant documents and are accepted for cross-border travel. NEXUS pre-approved travelers crossing the U.S./Canada border receive the added benefits of expedited marine reporting and access to NEXUS kiosks at designated Canadian airports. A five year NEXUS membership card costs $50 (USD).