| RFID Solution: Washington Chooses Digimarc To Implement Border Crossing Pilot
Digimarc Corporation recently announced an agreement with the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL) to support the State in implementing their newly developed Enhanced Driver License (EDL). Washington DOL and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have agreed to run an initiative that allows the EDL to be used as an alternative travel document to re-enter the United States through sea and land border crossings. Digimarc will supply Washington DOL with applicant enrollment and screening solutions as well as production of the RFID-enabled EDL. Washingtons enhanced driver license system will utilize Digimarc applicant screening solutions to verify an applicants identity documents; data such as name and address; and facial biometrics to ensure that only one license is issued to one legitimate card holder.
Labour & Employment
After more than a year of anticipation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has at last issued a Final Rule addressing an employer's obligations in response to receipt of a mismatch notice from the Social Security Administration. The final rules are materially similar to the draft published for comment in June 2006.... .
Western Growers Strongly Opposes DHS' No-Match Rule
Western Growers' officials announced today the association's strong opposition to the recently announced Department of Homeland Security (DHS) no-match rules in light of the fact that the need for legal labor has not been addressed. "We want and expect the government to enforce the laws, but when a system is broken and unworkable, we have the right to expect the U.S. Congress to address and resolve these vital issues," said Western Growers' President and CEO Tom Nassif. Additionally, he reiterated that, "We know and have told the government that much of agriculture's workforce is falsely documented. We are one of the only industries in this country that has been forthright with the fact that much of our workforce is illegal and have pleaded with the government to pass laws to address this problem.
Chertoff, S.C.'s Graham unveil immigration plans
COLUMBIA, S.C. - Federal Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff said he solidly supports attempts by Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., to address illegal immigration, which constituents and fellow lawmakers alike have derided as amnesty for undocumented workers. "I think he's got a lot of guts," Chertoff said. "He's far-sighted. He's got a lot of vision." Graham's next vision: Introducing legislation to replace paper Social Security cards with plastic biometric cards that could not be duplicated, so identities would not be stolen and employers would know for sure who they're hiring. The estimated cost to replace everyone's paper card is $8 billion to $10 billion over 10 years, the senator said. "This mess didn't happen in a year.
Cohen: 5-year provision not necessary
Compelling long-term foreign workers to stay in the Northern Marianas for another five years once they get their nonimmigrant visa may not be necessary.After all, both S. 1634 and H.R. 3079, which seek to federalize immigration in the CNMI, address the issue of workers' exodus, according to Department of Interior's deputy assistant secretary for insular affairs David B. Cohen."I'm not sure I understand what the five-year provision would accomplish. Both the Senate and House bills provided the CNMI with ample flexibility to bring in workers that are needed," he said.The CNMI federalized immigration bill allows the CNMI to continue hiring foreign workers. This time however, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security will be tasked to administer the CNMI-only guest worker program.If alien workers are to stay for another five years, Cohen said: "We should consider whether the five-year provision would give foreign workers a strong incentive to try to stay in the CNMI regardless of whether there were enough jobs, and whether it would make them more vulnerable to exploitation."About 8,000 foreign workers could be eligible for a nonimmigrant status once the federalized immigration bill is enacted by the U.S.
System to detect bioterror, monitor public health still in planning stage
The ability to detect a biological attack quickly or even a naturally occurring outbreak of influenza is years behind schedule because of a lack of leadership by the Homeland Security Department, according to a new audit. Although President Bush ordered the national surveillance program in 2004, the program "is falling short of its objectives," wrote Homeland Security Inspector General Richard Skinner. Final plans for the system, designed to gather information from food, animal and air and water monitoring systems, as well as public health data, are still incomplete because it was shifted repeatedly within the department, and suffered from chronic short-staffing, the report found. A spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security said that the problems were being addressed and that the system would be running by September 2008.
PAFD getting $44K grant from Homeland Security
The Port Arthur Fire Department will receive a grant of $44,671 to support firefighters and their work as first responders, U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced Wednesday. The funding can be used for training and support operations and to purchase firefighter safety and rescue equipment. It comes through the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) Office of Grants and Training as part of the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program. "This funding will help make sure first responders at the Port Arthur Fire Department have the resources necessary to keep the surrounding community safe," Sen. Cornyn said. "We have a responsibility to support those working on the front lines every day to protect families, homes and property." The Office of Grants and Training, a component of the DHS Preparedness Directorate, partners with state and local officials to strengthen the capabilities of first responders in addressing emergencies and catastrophic incidents.
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