Understanding U.S. Borders and Ports of Entry in 10 Minutes or Less

#1 The U.S. border with Mexico extends 1,951 miles: In the southern U.S., our border with Mexico extends over 1,951 miles.

In the west, it stretches from San Diego, California to Tijuana, Baja California; in the east, between Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas.

From the El Paso crossing in Texas to Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua, in the east, the border runs along the Rio Grande (Río Bravo del Norte) down to the Gulf of Mexico. Westward, toward the Pacific Ocean, it runs through the Chihuahuan and Sonoran Deserts, Colorado River Delta and the northern tip of the Baja Peninsula.

Border terrain is wide and varied, from sprawling urban hubs to foreboding deserts.

#2 Three-hundred million cross the Mexican-U.S. border each year: The Mexican-U.S. border has more traffic than any other in the world. Legally, and illegally as well. Three-hundred million people, about 90 million cars and 4.3 million trucks, cross into the United States each and every year.

Since the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect the number of commercial crossers each day has increased by 41 percent.

Trade with Mexico is two way. Many products are needed in Mexico that may not be produced there. Infant formula for instance. Two-way trade has nearly tripled in recent years. It totals at least $650 million a day.

#3 Over one million aliens cross the U.S. border with Mexico illegally: The border with Mexico is so vast that complete border control coverage is nearly impossible. At times army personnel have been called upon to thwart illegal crossings and drug smugglers. Military units use FLIR infrared devices and helicopters. During such patrols, smugglers and human traffickers stop operations in manned areas, but this lasts only as long as the military remains stationed.

An estimated one million plus aliens cross illegally into the States from the southern boundaries each year. Eighty percent of them are Mexicans, the rest are Central and some South Americans.

#4 There are 11,000 U.S. Border Patrol officers along the Mexican-U.S. border: Before 9/11/01, the cost of manning the entire U.S. border with Mexico just wasn't worth it to the American government. Illegal aliens living in the United States would probably cost the country less than complete sealing of the border. However, since the 9/11 attacks, any potential entry port for terrorists has been of major concern. Unlike poverty-stricken Mexicans who often die trekking over mountains in scorching heat, terrorists are usually well financed and could be trained and equipped to manage a difficult journey.

Today, there are 11,000 American BC agents patrolling the U.S. border with Mexico.

#5 Solutions for the U.S. Border With Mexico: Patrol centers are usually in big cities such as San Diego and El Paso, which have extensive fencing. Determined migrants instead brave rural, dangerous terrain to enter the States. Construction of a Mexico-U.S. Border barrier have been delayed due to costs, logistics and opponents in the past, but a 2006 Senate vote included plans to blockade 860 miles with vehicles and triple-layer fencing. Proponents believe it could take just six months to build a 2,000 mile, triple-layer fence, at a cost of about $1.5-3 billion, for a 90 percent reduction in illegal crossings.

#6 At 5,522 miles, the U.S. border with Canada is the longest in the world: At 5,522 miles, the U.S. border with Canada is the longest in the world. Officially known as "the International Boundary," it includes small boundaries on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic coasts as well as the Great Lakes. Canada shares 1,539 miles of that with Alaska.

Portions of the International Boundary run through mountainous terrain and heavily forested areas, while other sections cross farms, prairies, the Great Lakes and Saint Lawrence River. There are about 1,000 officers manning the U.S. border with Canada.

#7 Canadians concerned with cigarette, gun smuggling, Americans about drugs: Incorrectly described by many as "undefended," the U.S. border with Canada is monitored by law enforcement rather than the military. Security measures along this boundary line (2/3 longer than the one with Mexico) are minimal. Canada's similar economic, environmental and political dispositions make illegal crossings rare and less threatening.

Canadians have been concerned with cigarette and gun smuggling, however, while American officials worry about drugs. In fact, in 2005 three men were arrested after police discovered the 330 foot tunnel they had built under the border, with an intent to smuggle marijuana.

#8 Post 9-11 Security: After the 9/11/01 terrorist attacks security has been substantially increased by both countries. The greatest concern is that terrorists who might be marked and rejected at an airport from the Middle East, might get over the Canadian-US border with little fanfare, and/or could simply sneak in via one of the many unmanned trust-based crossing points.

#9 U.S. Borders and ports of entry: Along the U.S. border with Mexico, one usually sees miles of cars and trucks filled with exporters, importers and travelers. Each individual must have ID and/or a passport and visa, and their belongings or cargo may be inspected by customs. Larger crossing points on the U.S. border with Canada can have some traffic, but not nearly as much. And the atmosphere is more relaxed and casual.

#10 Entering the United States: There are 327 official ports of entry in the United States and 14 preclearance offices in Canada and the Caribbean. Every individual must have a passport, valid for at least six months beyond the date of the expected stay.

Arriving By Air: Flight attendants will distribute Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival Departure Records (I-94). These must be completed by the foreigner prior to landing.

Arriving By Land or Sea: The CBP Officer at the port of entry will provide Customs Declaration Forms (CF-6059) and Arrival-Departure Records (I-94) to be filled out upon arrival.

Visitors and temporary visa holders may be asked to supply proof of financial means, employment, school registration, host addresses or other paperwork. This is country and visa specific and should be researched before travel into the States.