MDS crossings continue despite security procedures

Despite global controversy about security procedures at US border crossings, Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS) projects in the states continue to invite and receive assistance from Canadian volunteers.

“Our volunteers are ready to serve,” said MDS Administrative Coordinator Lois Nickel, who works with Canadian volunteers from the MDS office in Winnipeg. “The border is a hurdle, but it is a small one.”

While volunteers have expressed frustration with the increased scrutiny at US entry points, MDS has noticed little change in the actual number of volunteers turned away in the name of Homeland Security.

“In our experience, the personality of the border official remains the strongest factor in border rejections,” said MDS Human Resources Coordinator Carla Hunt. “A handful of volunteers are turned away each year, but the majority are welcomed to serve.”

As a binational relief agency, MDS relies on open borders to support hundreds of volunteers who travel back and forth between the two countries each year. In the first week of 2004, 12 Canadian volunteers successfully crossed over to serve in the US.

Nonetheless, according to Hunt and Nickel, volunteers are now reporting lengthier interrogations and extensive searches by border officials who perform their duty under the watchful eye of Homeland Security.

The reaction of the US government to the events of Sept. 11 has re-ignited a global debate about border-crossing procedures. While each country behaves differently, the world is watching closely to see where the US will stop as it revises border policies to match the development of a colour-coded security advisory system.

In December 2003, the threat level was raised to orange, indicating a perceived high risk of terrorist attacks. This January, the US began a new practice of fingerprinting and photographing visitors. These changes do not affect Canadian visitors, but have led some volunteers to question what is next.

While MDS cannot predict future changes to US border policy, the organization has released a number of suggestions that have helped volunteers cross the border in the past. Volunteers with questions about border crossings should contact an MDS office for this advice. In Canada, call (861) 261-1274.

—Ted Houser, MDS communications coordinator