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Fact Sheet: Repatriating Americans from the Conflict in Lebanon

Release Date: 07/22/06 00:00:00

For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
Contact: 202-282-8010
July 22, 2006

The Department of Homeland Security is working with federal partners to help facilitate the repatriation of American citizens who are evacuating from Lebanon as a result to the ongoing conflict in the region.  Flights of evacuees continue to arrive at Thurgood Marshall Baltimore-Washington Airport (BWI), and other locations over the weekend.  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) are surging resources and manpower to help expedite the safe and secure return of Americans and other legitimate immigrants and visitors from the region.  

Deploying Manpower to Expedite the Screening Process

CBP and TSA officers have been deployed to facilitate the arrival of these flights, while maintaining a vigilant security posture.  

  • Activity at Baltimore-Washington Airport:  34 CBP officers, including customs inspectors, were deployed to ensure that the individuals move quickly and securely through screening.  These officials established 23 primary inspections points to further streamline the process of inspection.  TSA has surged 42 additional screeners to BWI to ensure that those with connecting flights are properly screened without causing any undue delay.  As a result, maximum wait time at BWI checkpoints has been 10 minutes.  These agencies will continue to adjust manpower and resources as needed.
  • Additional flights are expected to arrive at Newark Liberty International Airport, Philadelphia International Airport, and BWI over the weekend, and DHS will have appropriate resources ready for those arrivals.

Closely Cooperating With Other Agencies and Foreign Governments to Address Issues Overseas

CBP and TSA continue to work closely with officials across the federal government and overseas to expedite processes while maintaining appropriate security measures.  

  • Activity Overseas:  CBP has been working in close cooperation with officials in the United Kingdom and the State Department to verify identification and resolve any outstanding issues prior to arrival in the United States.  In light of the speed and urgency of the evacuation, TSA has deployed Aviation Security Inspectors and Federal Air Marshals to work with host governments in support of evacuation efforts, including by assisting in the outbound security screening of passengers and baggage.

Granting Humanitarian Parole to Families in Need

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) authorities have granted humanitarian parole to three infants in the final stages of adoption by American parents, and one pregnant adult U.S. lawful permanent resident traveling with her U.S. citizen husband and child.  ICE remains prepared to consider other exigent circumstance cases involving both children and adults if the need arises.

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This page was last reviewed/modified on 07/22/06 00:00:00.