Originally Posted by
dtsm
Again, thank you for the last few updates/clarifications. It seems to me the decision makers stateside have some key issues re security and privacy to resolve before we move from transitional to full membership. And it won't be a fast move
My pleasure. Our study is still underway and I can provide some more substantial updates in a few months.
I hope, and I can assure you all the other APEC governments strongly hope (and of course U.S. businessmen as indicated by this thread), that the U.S. can become a full member in the near future. It is certainly possible, but as you suggested it does not appear it will be a quick process. I can't say for sure, but it would be a little surprising if any major progress were made before the current rule authorizing CBP to issue cards sunsets in 2018.
That said, by issuing cards CBP is at least taking one step further to become involved in the ABTC program, and hopefully through this experience will gradually become more comfortable with deeper involvement. CBP's future policy actions may ultimately be determined by the popularity of the card in the U.S. If the adoption of the card by U.S. business travelers is rapid and dramatic, then that will hopefully inspire CBP to work toward providing pre-clearance support for visa-free travel.