WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has informed Senator Susan Collins that it intends to expand a pilot program at Forest City and Orient, Maine to ensure that people who live on both sides of the border, and who depend on each other for essential services, will be able to cross as needed. Senator Collins, who has been working to ensure that the movement of residents in border towns not be restricted, has been informed by
DHS Assistant Commissioner Thaddeus Bingel that Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is now planning to establish a Remote Port Entry Project (RPEP) at Forest City and Orient..
“Traveling back and forth between Maine and Canada is a way of life for many Maine residents who live in remote border communities,” said Senator Collins. “I am very pleased that DHS is going to be able to expand this successful program that will allow residents to cross the border to visit family, run errands, or attend religious services.”
Maine shares more than 600 miles of border with two Canadian provinces, Quebec and New Brunswick . Following the 9/11 attacks, DHS eliminated the Form 1 and Port Pass programs which allowed U.S. residents to use unmanned border crossings 24 hours a day. Senator Collins argued that residents and land owners along the border had grown to depend on these two programs for access to medical and religious services, family events, and social activities—even to run their daily errands. As a result, last year CBP initiated RPEP at St. Pamphile and St. Aurelie which permitted 24-hour access to pre-enrolled residents. In response to a recent request from Senator Collins, and based on the success at St. Pamphile and St. Aurelie, CBP says it now intends to expand the program at Forest City and Orient.
“I am very pleased with the decision to expand this innovative program. This shows a true understanding of the need to balance homeland security concerns with the practical reality of day-to-day life in border communities,” said Senator Collins. “Our border with Canada should be open to our friends and closed to our enemies.”
Senator Collins chairs the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, which has jurisdiction over the Department of Homeland Security.