Opening Our Gateways to Foreign Travel

As the United States attempts to attract millions of new international visitors annually and begins to discuss comprehensive immigration reform, foreign travel for both business and tourism could play a significant role in stimulating the nation's economic recovery. However, the failure to improve U.S. entry and customs processing at gateway airports, address key Customs and Border Protection staffing shortages, and reduce wait times for entry could impede the efficiency of travel and hinder economic growth. Please join CSIS on Wednesday, March 13 for an on-the-record discussion of the impacts of inadequate customs staffing and long wait times for travelers as well as potential technological and policy solutions to these challenges.

Agenda

• Geoff Freeman, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President, U.S. Travel Association 
• Isabel Hill, Director, Office of Travel and Tourism Industries, U.S. Department of Commerce
• Danielle Lazarowitz, Policy Advisor, National Economic Council (INVITED)
• Michael Wascom, Managing Director, International and Government Affairs, American Airlines 
• Moderator: Rick "Ozzie" Nelson, Vice President for Business Development-Americas, Cross Match Technologies and CSIS Senior Associate

• Chris Browne, Vice President and Airport Manager, Washington Dulles International Airport, Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
• Kevin McAleenan, Acting Assistant Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection 
• Sharon Pinkerton, Senior Vice President, Legislative and Regulatory Policy, Airlines for America 
• Moderator: Marc Frey, Senior Director, Steptoe & Johnson LLP and CSIS Senior Associate