Government Accountability Office
General Accounting Office
Security-related Reports

GAO Homeland Security Reports - Subcategories

September 11
Dept. of Homeland Security
Disaster Preparedness / Response
Combating Terrorism
Building Security
Nuclear/Chemical/Biological Terrorism
Aviation Security
Maritime Security
Critical Infrastructure Protection
Border Control
Coast Guard
Drug Control
Financial/Counterfeiting
Information Security
Information Technology
Flu Pandemic

Border Control

• Border Security: U.S. Government Efforts to Strengthen Nonimmigrant Visa Security and Address High-Risk Air Travelers Statement of Rebecca S Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO-19-477T, April 2, 2019
• Border Security: DHS Should Improve the Quality of Unlawful Border Entry Information and Other Metric Reporting, GAO-19-305, March 21, 2019
• Student and Exchange Visitor Program: DHS Can Take Additional Steps to Manage Fraud Risks Related to School Recertification and Program Oversight, GAO-19-297, March 18, 2019
• U.S. Ports of Entry: Update on CBP Public-Private Partnership Programs, GAO-19-263R, March 14, 2019
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Progress and Challenges in Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining Law Enforcement Personnel, Statement of Rebecca S Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO-19-419T, March 7, 2019
• Unaccompanied Children: Agency Efforts to Reunify Children Separated from Parents at the Border, GAO-19-163, October 9, 2018
• Immigration: Progress and Challenges in the Management of Immigration Courts and Alternatives to Detention Program, Statement of Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO-18-701T, September 18, 2018
• Criminal Alien Statistics: Information on Incarcerations, Arrests, Convictions, Costs, and Removals, GAO-18-433, July 17, 2018
• Southwest Border Security: CBP Is Evaluating Designs and Locations for Border Barriers but Is Proceeding Without Key Information, GAO-18-614, July 30, 2018
• Border Security and Immigration: Initial Executive Order Actions and Resource Implications, GAO-18-470, June 12, 2018
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Progress and Challenges in Recruiting, Hiring, and Retaining Law Enforcement Personnel, GAO-18-487, June 27, 2018
• Unaccompanied Children: DHS and HHS Have Taken Steps to Improve Transfers and Monitoring of Care, but Actions Still Needed, Statement of Kathryn Larin, Director, Education, Workforce, and Income Security, GAO-18-506T, April 26, 2018
• Immigration Detention: Opportunities Exist to Improve Cost Estimates, GAO-18-343, April 18, 2018
• Border Security: Actions Needed to Strengthen Performance Management and Planning for Expansion of DHS's Visa Security Program [Reissued with Revisions Mar. 29, 2018], GAO-18-314, March 20, 2018
• Border Security: Progress and Challenges with the Use of Technology, Tactical Infrastructure, and Personnel to Secure the Southwest Border, Statement of Rebecca Gambler, Director, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO-18-397T, March 15, 2018
• U.S. Ports of Entry: CBP Public-Private Partnership Programs Have Benefits, but CBP Could Strengthen Evaluation Efforts, GAO-18-268, March 15, 2018
• Customs and Border Protection: Automated Trade Data System Yields Benefits, but Interagency Management Approach Is Needed, GAO-18-271, March 14, 2018
• Nuclear Security: CBP Needs to Take Action to Ensure Imported Radiological Material Is Properly Licensed, GAO-18-214, January 10, 2018
• Southwest Border Security: Border Patrol Is Deploying Surveillance Technologies but Needs to Improve Data Quality and Assess Effectiveness, GAO-18-119, November 30, 2017
• Border Patrol: Issues Related to Agent Deployment Strategy and Immigration Checkpoints, GAO-18-50, November 8, 2017
• Refugees: Federal Agencies and Their Partners Have Implemented Certain Measures, but Need to Further Strengthen Applicant Screening and Assess Fraud Risks, GAO-18-156T, October 26, 2017
• Southwest Border Security: Actions Needed to Enhance CBP's Maintenance of Roads Used for Its Operations, GAO-18-11, October 4, 2017
• Refugees: Actions Needed by State Department and DHS to Further Strengthen Applicant Screening Process and Assess Fraud Risks, GAO-17-706, July 31, 2017
• Southwest Border: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Management and Assess Effectiveness of Land-based Surveillance Technology, GAO-17-765T, July 25, 2017
• Supply Chain Security: CBP Needs to Enforce Compliance and Assess the Effectiveness of the Importer Security Filing and Additional Carrier Requirements, GAO-17-650, July 20, 2017
• Customs and Border Protection: Improved Planning Needed to Strengthen Trade Enforcement, GAO-17-618, June 12, 2017
• Border Security: Progress and Challenges in DHS's Efforts to Address High-Risk Travelers and Strengthen Visa Security, GAO-17-599T, May 3, 2017
• International Air Travelers: CBP Collaborates with Stakeholders to Facilitate the Arrivals Process, but Could Strengthen Reporting of Airport Wait Times, GAO-17-470, March 30, 2017
• Border Security: Additional Actions Could Strengthen DHS Efforts to Address Subterranean, Aerial, and Maritime Smuggling, GAO-17-474, May 1, 2017
• Border Security: DHS Could Strengthen Efforts to Establish Collaborative Mechanisms and Assess Use of Resources, GAO-17-495T, April 4, 2017
• Border Security: DHS Has Made Progress in Planning for a Biometric Air Exit System and Reporting Overstays, but Challenges Remain, GAO-17-170, February 27, 2017
• Southwest Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Better Assess Fencing's Contributions to Operations and Provide Guidance for Identifying Capability Gaps, GAO-17-331, February 16, 2017
• Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Collection of Unmanned Aerial Systems and Aerostats Data, GAO-17-152, February 16, 2017
• Border Security: CBP Aims to Prevent High-Risk Travelers from Boarding U.S.-Bound Flights, but Needs to Evaluate Program Performance, GAO-17-216, January 24, 2017
• Border Patrol: Actions Needed to Improve Oversight of Post-Apprehension Consequences, GAO-17-66, January 12, 2017
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Contracting for Transportation and Guard Services for Detainees, GAO-17-89R, October 17, 2016
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Review of the Pay Assignment Continuity Plan, GAO-16-825R, September 14, 2016
• Visa Waiver Program: DHS Should Take Steps to Ensure Timeliness of Information Needed to Protect U.S. National Security, GAO-16-498, May 5, 2016
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection: Review of the Staffing Analysis Report under the Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014, GAO-16-606R, May 26, 2016
• Immigration Detention: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen DHS Management of Short-Term Holding Facilities, GAO-16-514, May 26, 2016
• Border Security: DHS Surveillance Technology Unmanned Aerial Systems and Other Assets, GAO-16-671T, May 24, 2016
• Southwest Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Assess Resource Deployment and Progress, GAO-16-465T, March 1, 2016
• Immigration Detention: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Management and Oversight of Detainee Medical Care, GAO-16-231, February 29, 2016
• Border Security: Actions Needed by DHS to Address Long-Standing Challenges in Planning for a Biometric Exit System, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest, Senate Committee on the Judiciary. GAO-16-358T, January 20, 2016
• Border Security: Progress and Challenges in DHS's Efforts to Address High-Risk Travelers and Maritime Cargo, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security, GAO-15-668T, June 2, 2015
• Border Security: Progress and Challenges in DHS's Efforts to Implement and Assess Infrastructure and Technology, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, GAO-15-595T, May 13, 2015
• Southwest Border: Issues Related to Private Property Damage, GAO-15-399, April 30, 2015
• Border Security: Additional Efforts Needed to Address Persistent Challenges in Achieving Radio Interoperability, GAO-15-201, March 23, 2015
• Intellectual Property: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Could Better Manage Its Process to Enforce Exclusion Orders, GAO-15-78, November 19, 2014
• Alternatives to Detention: Improved Data Collection and Analyses Needed to Better Assess Program Effectiveness, GAO-15-26, November 13, 2014
• Immigration Detention: Additional Actions Could Strengthen DHS Efforts to Address Sexual Abuse, GAO-14-38, December 6, 2013
• Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Improve Planning for a Biometric Air Exit System, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security, GAO-13-853T, September 26, 2013
• Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Provides Integrity-Related Training to Its Officers and Agents throughout Their Careers, GAO-13-769R, August 28, 2013
• Border Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Has Taken Steps to Address GAO's Recommendations Aimed at Ensuring Officers Are Fully Trained, GAO-13-768R, August 28, 2013
• Overstay Enforcement: Additional Actions Needed to Assess DHS's Data and Improve Planning for a Biometric Air Exit Program, GAO-13-683, July 30, 2013
• U.S.-Mexico Border: CBP Action Needed to Improve Wait Time Data and Measure Outcomes of Trade Facilitation Efforts, GAO-13-603, July 24, 2013
• Border Security: Progress and Challenges in DHS Implementation and Assessment Efforts, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on National Security, House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, GAO-13-653T, June 27, 2013
• Immigration Enforcement: Preliminary Observations on DHS's Overstay Enforcement Efforts, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security, GAO-13-602T, May 21, 2013
• Border Security: Partnership Agreements and Enhanced Oversight Could Strengthen Coordination of Efforts on Indian Reservations, GAO-13-352, April 5, 2013
• Border Security: DHS's Progress and Challenges in Securing U.S. Borders, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, GAO-13-414T, March 14, 2013
• Border Patrol: Goals and Measures Not Yet in Place to Inform Border Security Status and Resource Needs, by Rebecca Gambler, director, homeland security and justice issues, before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-13-330T, February 26, 2013
• Southwest Border Security: Data Are Limited and Concerns Vary about Spillover Crime along the Southwest Border, GAO-13-175, February 26, 2013
• Border Patrol: Key Elements of New Strategic Plan Not Yet in Place to Inform Border Security Status and Resource Needs, GAO-13-25, December 10, 2012
• Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen CBP Efforts to Mitigate Risk of Employee Corruption and Misconduct, GAO-13-59, December 4, 2012
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Additional DHS Actions Needed on Foreign Worker Permit Program, GAO-12-975, September 27, 2012
• Border Security: State Could Enhance Visa Fraud Prevention by Strategically Using Resources and Training, GAO-12-888, September 10, 2012
• Student and Exchange Visitor Program: DHS Needs to Take Actions to Strengthen Monitoring of Schools, by Rebecca Gambler, acting director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security, Senate Committee on the Judiciary, GAO-12-895T, July 24, 2012
• Student and Exchange Visitor Program: DHS Needs to Assess Risks and Strengthen Oversight Functions, GAO-12-572, June 18, 2012
• Border Patrol Security: Progress and Challenges in Implementation and Assessment Efforts, by Rebecca Gambler, Acting Director, Homeland Security and Justice Issues, before the Subcommittee on Border And Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security, GAO-12-688T, May 8, 2012
• Border Security: Opportunities Exist to Ensure More Effective Use of DHS's Air and Marine Assets, GAO-12-518, March 30, 2012
• Visa Waiver Program: Additional Actions Needed to Mitigate Risks and Strengthen Overstay Enforcement, by Rebecca Gambler, Acting Director, Homeland Security and Justice, and Michael J. Courts, Acting Director, International Affairs and Trade, before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and Border Security, GAO-12-599T, March 27, 2012
• Immigrant Integration: U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Could Better Assess Its Grants Program, GAO-12-274, December 16, 2012
• Border Security: Additional Steps Needed to Ensure That Officers Are Fully Trained, GAO-12-269, December 22, 2011
• Visa Waiver Program: Additional Actions Needed to Address Risks and Strengthen Overstay Enforcement, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, House Committee on the Judiciary, GAO-12-287T, December 7, 2011
• Immigration Benefits: Consistent Adherence to DHS's Acquisition Policy Could Help Improve Transformation Program Outcomes, GAO-12-66, November 22, 2011
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure and Technology Fiscal Year 2011 Expenditure Plan. GAO-12-106R, November 17, 2011
• Arizona Border Surveillance Technology: More Information on Plans and Costs Is Needed before Proceeding. GAO-12-22, November 4.
• Visa Security: Additional Actions Needed to Strengthen Overstay Enforcement and Address Risks in the Visa Process, by Richard Stana, director, homeland security and justice before the Subcommittee on Border and Maritime Security, House Committee on Homeland Security. GAO-11-910T, September 13, 2011
• Homeland Security: Challenges for the Food and Agriculture Sector in Responding to Potential Terrorist Attacks and Natural Disasters, by Lisa Shames, director, natural resources and environment, before the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, the Federal Workforce, and the District of Columbia, Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-11-946T, September 13, 2011
• Observations on the Costs and Benefits of an Increased Department of Defense Role in Helping to Secure the Southwest Land Border. GAO-11-856R, September 12, 2011
• Secure Border Initiative: Controls over Contractor Payments for the Technology Component Need Improvement, GAO-11-68, May 25, 2011
• Overstay Enforcement: Additional Mechanisms for Collecting, Assessing, and Sharing Data Could Strengthen DHS's Efforts but Would Have Costs, GAO-11-411, Apr 15, 2011
• Visa Waiver Program: DHS Has Implemented the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, but Further Steps Needed to Address Potential Program Risks, GAO-11-335, May 5, 2011
• Border Security: DHS's Visa Security Program Needs to Improve Performance Evaluation and Better Address Visa Risk Worldwide, GAO-11-315, Mar 31, 2011
• Southwest Border: Border Patrol Operations on Federal Lands, GAO-11-573T, Apr 15, 2011
• Border Security: DHS Progress and Challenges in Securing the U.S. Southwest and Northern Borders, GAO-11-508T, Mar 30, 2011
• Border Security: Preliminary Observations on the Status of Key Southwest Border Technology Programs, GAO-11-448T, Mar 15, 2011
• Border Security: Preliminary Observations on Border Control Measures for the Southwest Border, GAO-11-374T, Feb 15, 2011
• Border Security: Enhanced DHS Oversight and Assessment of Interagency Coordination Is Needed for the Northern Border, GAO-11-97, Dec 17, 2010
• Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Better Ensure a Coordinated Federal Response to Illegal Activity on Federal Lands, GAO-11-177, Nov 18, 2010
• Southwest Border: More Timely Border Patrol Access and Training Could Improve Security Operations and Natural Resource Protection on Federal Lands, GAO-11-38, Oct 19, 2010
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Strengthen Management and Oversight of Its Prime Contractor, GAO-11-6, Oct 18, 2010
• State Department: Undercover Tests Show Passport Issuance Process Remains Vulnerable to Fraud, GAO-10-922T, Jul 29, 2010
• Border Security: CBP Lacks the Data Needed to Assess the FAST Program at U.S. Northern Border Ports, GAO-10-694, Jul 19, 2010
• Border Security: Improvements in the Department of State's Development Process Could Increase the Security of Passport Cards and Border Crossing Cards, GAO-10-589, Jun 1, 2010
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Follow Through on Plans to Reassess and Better Manage Key Technology Program, GAO-10-840T, Jun 17, 2010
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Reconsider Its Proposed Investment in Key Technology Program, GAO-10-340, May 5, 2010
• Homeland Security: US-VISIT Pilot Evaluations Offer Limited Understanding of Air Exit Options, GAO-10-860, Aug 10, 2010
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Border Security Fencing, Infrastructure and Technology Fiscal Year 2010 Expenditure Plan, GAO-10-877R, Jul 30, 2010
• Alien Smuggling: DHS Could Better Address Alien Smuggling along the Southwest Border by Leveraging Investigative Resources and Measuring Program Performance, GAO-10-919T, Jul 22, 2010
• American Samoa: Performing a Risk Assessment Would Better Inform U.S. Agencies of the Risks Related to Acceptance of Certificates of Identity, GAO-10-638, Jun 11, 2010
• Alien Smuggling: DHS Needs to Better Leverage Investigative Resources and Measure Program Performance along the Southwest Border, GAO-10-328, May 24, 2010
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: DHS Needs to Conclude Negotiations and Finalize Regulations to Implement Federal Immigration Law, GAO-10-671T, May 18, 2010
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: DHS Should Conclude Negotiations and Finalize Regulations to Implement Federal Immigration Law, GAO-10-553, May 7, 2010
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Has Faced Challenges Deploying Technology and Fencing Along the Southwest Border, GAO-10-651T, May 4, 2010
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Testing and Performance Limitations That Place Key Technology Program at Risk, GAO-10-158, Jan 29, 2010
• Secure Border Initiative: Testing and Problem Resolution Challenges Put Delivery of Technology Program at Risk, GAO-10-511T, Mar 18, 2010
• Border Security: Better Usage of Electronic Passport Security Features Could Improve Fraud Detection, GAO-10-96, Jan 22, 2010
• CNMI Immigration and Border Control Databases, GAO-10-345R, Feb 16, 2010
• Homeland Security: Key US-VISIT Components at Varying Stages of Completion, but Integrated and Reliable Schedule Needed, GAO-10-13, Nov 19, 2009
• Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays Persist and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been Assessed, GAO-09-1013T, Sep 17, 2009
• Secure Border Initiative: Technology Deployment Delays Persist and the Impact of Border Fencing Has Not Been Assessed, GAO-09-896, Sep 9, 2009
• Border Patrol: Checkpoints Contribute to Border Patrol's Mission, but More Consistent Data Collection and Performance Measurement Could Improve Effectiveness, GAO-09-824, Aug 31, 2009
• CBP Could Improve Its Estimation of Funding Needed for New Border Patrol Agents, GAO-09-542R, Jun 15, 2009
• State Department: Significant Vulnerabilities in the Passport Issuance Process, GAO-09-681T, May 5, 2009
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection's Secure Border Initiative Fiscal Year 2009 Expenditure Plan, GAO-09-274R, Apr 30, 2009
• Addressing Significant Vulnerabilities in the Department of State's Passport Issuance Process, GAO-09-583R, Apr 13, 2009
• Department of State: Undercover Tests Reveal Significant Vulnerabilities in State's Passport Issuance Process, GAO-09-447, Mar 13, 2009
• Department of Homeland Security: Organizational Structure, Spending, and Staffing for the Health Care Provided to Immigration Detainees, GAO-09-401T, Mar 3, 2009
• DHS: Organizational Structure and Resources for Providing Health Care to Immigration Detainees, GAO-09-308R, Feb 23, 2009
• Secure Border Initiative Fence Construction Costs, GAO-09-244R, Jan 29, 2009
• Homeland Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program Planning and Execution Improvements Needed, GAO-09-96, Dec 12, 2008
• Northern Border Security: DHS's Report Could Better Inform Congress by Identifying Actions, Resources, and Time Frames Needed to Address Vulnerabilities, GAO-09-93, Nov 25, 2008
• Public Health and Border Security: HHS and DHS Should Further Strengthen Their Ability to Respond to TB Incidents, GAO-09-58, Oct 14, 2008
• Visa Waiver Program: Actions Are Needed to Improve Management of the Expansion Process, and to Assess and Mitigate Program Risks, GAO-08-1142T, Sep 24, 2008
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Significant Risks in Delivering Key Technology Investment, GAO-08-1086, Sep 22, 2008
• Visa Waiver Program: Actions Are Needed to Improve Management of the Expansion Process, and to Assess and Mitigate Program Risks, GAO-08-967, Sep 15, 2008
• Assessment of the Explanation That Immigration and Customs Enforcement Provided for Its Subsequent Transfer from the Spectrum Relocation Fund, GAO-08-846R, Sep 9, 2008
• Secure Border Initiative: DHS Needs to Address Significant Risks in Delivering Key Technology Investment, GAO-08-1148T, Sep 10, 2008
• Secure Border Initiative: Observations on Deployment Challenges, GAO-08-1141T, Sep 10, 2008
• Various Issues Led to the Termination of the United States-Canada Shared Border Management Pilot Project, GAO-08-1038R, Sep 4, 2008
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Managing Potential Economic Impact of Applying U.S. Immigration Law Requires Coordinated Federal Decisions and Additional Data, GAO-08-791, Aug 4, 2008
• Border Security: State Department Is Taking Steps to Meet Projected Surge in Demand for Visas and Passports in Mexico, GAO-08-1006, Jul 31, 2008
• State Department: Comprehensive Strategy Needed to Improve Passport Operations, GAO-08-891, Jul 25, 2008
• Secure Border Initiative Fiscal Year 2008 Expenditure Plan Shows Improvement, but Deficiencies Limit Congressional Oversight and DHS Accountability, GAO-08-739R, Jun 26, 2008
• Border Security: State Department Expects to Meet Projected Surge in Demand for Visas and Passports in Mexico, GAO-08-931T, Jun 25, 2008
• Alien Detention Standards: Observations on the Adherence to ICE's Medical Standards in Detention Facilities, GAO-08-869T, Jun 4, 2008
• Supply Chain Security: Challenges to Scanning 100 Percent of U.S.-Bound Cargo Containers GAO-08-533T June 12, 2008
• Border Security: State Department Should Plan for Potentially Significant Staffing and Facilities Shortfalls Caused by Changes in the Visa Waiver Program, GAO-08-623, May 22, 2008
• Border Security: Summary of Covert Tests and Security Assessments for the Senate Committee on Finance, 2003-2007, GAO-08-757, May 16, 2008
• Supply Chain Security: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Has Enhanced Its Partnership with Import Trade Sectors, but Challenges Remain in Verifying Security Practices GAO-08-240 April 25, 2008
• Export Controls: State and Commerce Have Not Taken Basic Steps to Better Ensure U.S. Interests Are Protected GAO-08-710T April 24, 2008
• Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands: Pending Legislation Would Apply U.S. Immigration Law to the CNMI with a Transition Period, GAO-08-466, Mar 28, 2008
• Homeland Security: DHS Has Taken Actions to Strengthen Border Security Programs and Operations, but Challenges Remain GAO-08-542T March 6, 2008
• Homeland Security: Strategic Solution for US-VISIT Program Needs to Be Better Defined, Justified, and Coordinated GAO-08-361 February 29, 2008
• Visa Waiver Program: Limitations with Department of Homeland Security's Plan to Verify Departure of Foreign Nationals GAO-08-458T February 28, 2008
• Secure Border Initiative: Observations on the Importance of Applying Lessons Learned to Future Projects GAO-08-508T February 27, 2008
• Supply Chain Security: Examinations of High-Risk Cargo at Foreign Seaports Have Increased, but Improved Data Collection and Performance Measures Are Needed GAO-08-187 January 25, 2008 [3.1 Mb]
• Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry GAO-08-329T January 3, 2008
• Observations on Implementing the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative GAO-08-274R December 20, 2007
• Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry GAO-08-192T November 13, 2007
• Border Security: Despite Progress, Weaknesses in Traveler Inspections Exist at Our Nation's Ports of Entry GAO-08-219 November 5, 2007
• Maritime Security: The SAFE Port Act: Status and Implementation One Year Later GAO-08-126T October 30, 2007
• Secure Border Initiative: Observations on Selected Aspects of SBInet Program Implementation GAO-08-131T October 24, 2007 [3.2 Mb]
• Maritime Security: One Year Later: A Progress Report on the SAFE Port Act GAO-08-171T October 16, 2007
• Immigration Enforcement: ICE Could Improve Controls to Help Guide Alien Removal Decision Making GAO-08-67 October 15, 2007
• Maritime Security: The SAFE Port Act and Efforts to Secure Our Nation's Seaports GAO-08-86T October 4, 2007
• Border Security: Security Vulnerabilities at Unmanned and Unmonitored U.S. Border Locations GAO-07-884T September 27, 2007 [3.3 Mb]
• Homeland Security: U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program's Long-standing Lack of Strategic Direction and Management Controls Needs to Be Addressed GAO-07-1065 August 31, 2007
• Border Security: Security of New Passports and Visas Enhanced, but More Needs to Be Done to Prevent Their Fraudulent Use GAO-07-1006 July 31, 2007
• Export Controls: Vulnerabilities and Inefficiencies Undermine System's Ability to Protect U.S. Interests GAO-07-1135T July 26, 2007
• Border Security: Long-term Strategy Needed to Keep Pace with Increasing Demand for Visas GAO-07-847 July 13, 2007
• Alien Detention Standards: Telephone Access Problems Were Pervasive at Detention Facilities; Other Deficiencies Did Not Show a Pattern of Noncompliance GAO-07-875 July 6, 2007 [15.7 Mb]
• Information on Port Security in the Caribbean Basin GAO-07-804R June 29, 2007
• Homeland Security: Prospects For Biometric US-VISIT Exit Capability Remain Unclear GAO-07-1044T June 28, 2007
• Border Security: Stronger Actions Needed to Assess and Mitigate Risks of the Visa Waiver Program GAO-06-854, July 28, 2006 [PDF 2.36MB]
• Border Patrol: Costs and Challenges Related to Training New Agents GAO-07-997T June 19, 2007
• Immigration Benefits: Sixteenth Report Required by the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 GAO-07-796R, April 27, 2007
• Homeland Security: Information on Training New Border Patrol Agents GAO-07-540R, March 30, 2007
• Homeland Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Operational, Technological, and Management Challenges GAO-07-632T, March 20, 2007 [PDF 1.73MB]
• Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Planning and Management Improvements Needed to Control Risks GAO-07-504T, February 27, 2007 [PDF 2.32MB]
• Homeland Security: US-VISIT Has Not Fully Met Expectations and Longstanding Program Management Challenges Need to Be Addressed GAO-07-499T, February 16, 2007 [PDF 1.73MB]
• Secure Border Initiative: SBInet Expenditure Plan Needs to Better Support Oversight and Accountability GAO-07-309, February 15, 2007 [PDF 3.40MB]
• Homeland Security: Planned Expenditures for U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Need to Be Adequately Defined and Justified GAO-07-278, February 14, 2007
• Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry GAO-07-378T, January 31, 2007 [ PDF 1.72MB]
• Border Security: US-VISIT Program Faces Strategic, Operational, and Technological Challenges at Land Ports of Entry GAO-07-248, December 6, 2006
• Immigration Benefits: Fifteenth Report Required by the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act of 1998 GAO-07-168R, November 9, 2006
• Immigration Benefits: Additional Efforts Needed to Help Ensure Alien Files Are Located when Needed GAO-07-85, October 27, 2006
• Border Security: Stronger Actions Needed to Assess and Mitigate Risks of the Visa Waiver Program GAO-06-1090T, September 7, 2006
• Illegal Immigration: Border-Crossing Deaths Have Doubled Since 1995; Border Patrol's Efforts to Prevent Deaths Have Not Been Fully Evaluated. GAO-06-770, August 15, 2006
• Border Security: Continued Weaknesses in Screening Entrants into the United States GAO-06-976T, August 2, 2006
• Immigration Enforcement: Benefits and Limitations to Using Earnings Data to Identify Unauthorized Work GAO-06-814R, July 11,2006
• Border Security: Investigators Transported Radioactive Sources Across Our Nation's Borders at Two Locations GAO-06-940T, July 7, 2006 2006
• Homeland Security: Contract Management and Oversight for Visitor and Immigrant Status Program Need to Be Strengthened GAO-06-404, June 9, 2006
• Border Security: Strengthened Visa Process Would Benefit from Improvements in Staffing and Information Sharing. GAO-05-859, September 13, 2005.
• Border Security: Strengthened Visa Process Would Benefit from Additional Management Actions by State and DHS, by Jess T. Ford, Director, International Affairs and Trade, before the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform. GAO-05-994T, September 13, 2005.
• Border Security: Opportunities to Increase Coordination of Air and Marine Assets. GAO-05-543, August 12, 2005. [PDF 3.7MB]
• Border Security: Actions Needed to Strengthen Management of Department of Homeland Security's Visa Security Program. GAO-05-801, July 29, 2005.
• Border Patrol: Available Data on Interior Checkpoints Suggest Differences in Sector Performance. GAO-05-435, July 22, 2005. [PDF 3.4MB]
• Combating Alien Smuggling: The Federal Response Can Be Improved, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Criminal Justice, Drug Policy, and Human Resources, House Committee on Government Reform. GAO-05-892T, July 12, 2005.
• State Department: Improvements Needed to Strengthen U.S. Passport Fraud Detection Efforts, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. GAO-05-853T, June 29, 2005.
• Combating Alien Smuggling: Opportunities Exist to Improve the Federal Response. GAO-05-305, May 27, 2005.
• State Department: Improvements Needed to Strengthen U.S. Passport Fraud Detection Efforts. GAO-05-477, May 20, 2005.
• Homeland Security: Performance of Foreign Student and Exchange Visitor Information System Continues to Improve, but Issues Remain, by Randolph C. Hite, Director of Information Technology, Architecture, and Systems Issues, and Jess T. Ford, Director of International Affairs and Trade Issues, before congressional subcommittees. GAO-05-440T, March 17, 2005.
• Homeland Security: Some Progress Made, but Many Challenges Remain on U.S. Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program. GAO-05-202, February 23, 2005. [PDF 1.8MB]
• Border Security: Streamlined Visas Mantis Program Has Lowered Burden on Foreign Science Students and Scholars, but Further Refinements Needed. GAO-05-198, February 18, 2005.
• Alien Registration: Usefulness of a Nonimmigrant Alien Annual Address Reporting Requirement Is Questionable. GAO-05-204, January 28, 2005.
• Homeland Security: Major Challenges Remain in Transforming Immigration Programs. GAO-05-81, October 14, 2004. [PDF 4.8MB]
• Border Security: State Department Rollout of Biometric Visas on Schedule, but Guidance Is Lagging. GAO-04-1001, September 9, 2004.
• Border Security: Joint, Coordinated Actions by State and DHS Needed to Guide Biometric Visas and Related Programs, by Jacquelyn L. Williams-Bridgers, managing director, international affairs and trade, and Randolph Hite, director, information technology architecture and systems, before the House Committee on Government Reform. GAO-04-1080T, September 9, 2004.
• Border Security: Consular Identification Cards Accepted Within U.S., but Consistent Federal Guidance Needed. GAO-04-881, August 24, 2004. [PDF 1.7MB]
• Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Eliminate Weaknesses in the Visa Revocation Process. GAO-04-795, July 13, 2004.
• Border Security: Additional Actions Needed to Eliminate Weaknesses in the Visa Revocation Process, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform. GAO-04-899T, July 13, 2004.
• Homeland Security: Performance of Information Systems to Monitor Foreign Students and Exchange Visitors Has Improved but Issues Remain. GAO-04-690, June 18, 2004.
• Border Security: Agencies Need to Better Coordinate Their Strategies and Operations on Federal Lands. GAO-04-590, June 16, 2004, 2004. [PDF 2.6MB]
• Immigration Enforcement: Better Data and Controls Needed to Assure Consistency with the Supreme Court Decision on Long-Term Alien Detention. GAO-04-434, May 27, 2004.
• Overstay Tracking: A Key Component of Homeland Security and a Layered Defense. GAO-04-82, May 21, 2004.
• Homeland Security: Summary of Challenges Faced in Targeting Ocean Going Cargo Containers for Inspection, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, House Committee on Energy and Commerce. (GAO-04-557T), March 31, 2004 [PDF 275 KB]
• Homeland Security: Risks Facing Key Border and Transportation Security Program Need to Be Addressed, by Randolph C. Hite, director, information technology architecture and systems issues, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, House Committee on the Judiciary. (GAO-04-569T), March 18, 2004 [PDF 388 KB]
• Border Security: Improvements Needed to Reduce Time Taken to Adjudicate Visas for Science Students and Scholars, by Jess, T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the House Committee on Science. (GAO-04-443T), February 25, 2004 [PDF 233 KB]
• Border Security: Improvements Needed to Reduce Time Taken to Adjudicate Visas for Science Students and Scholars. (GAO-04-371), February 25, 2004 [PDF 1 MB]
• Immigration Application Fees: Current Fees Are Not Sufficient to Fund U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' Operations. (GAO-04-309R), January 5, 2004 [PDF 338 KB]
• Posthearing Questions Related to Aviation and Port Security (GAO-04-315R) December 12, 2003 [PDF 90 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Preliminary Observations on Efforts to Target Security Inspections of Cargo Containers, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, in Camden, New Jersey. (GAO-04-325T) December 16, 2003 [PDF 219 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Overstay Tracking Is a Key Component of a Layered Defense, by Nancy R. Kingsbury, managing director, applied research and methods, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, House Committee on the Judiciary, (GAO-04-170T), October 16, 2003 [PDF 879 Kb]
• Land Border Ports of Entry: Vulnerabilities and Inefficiencies in the Inspections Process (GAO-03-1084R) August 18, 2003 [PDF 82 Kb]
• Contract Management: INS Contracting Weaknesses Need Attention from the Department of Homeland Security (GAO-03-799) July 25, 2003 [PDF 436 Kb]
• Container Security: Expansion of Key Customs Programs Will Require Greater Attention to Critical Success Factors (GAO-03-770) July 25, 2003 [PDF 1.84 Mb]
• Border Security: New Policies and Increased Interagency Coordination Needed to Improve Visa Process, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Citizenship, Senate Committee on the Judiciary (GAO-03-1013T) July 15, 2003 [PDF 222 Kb]
• Border Security: New Policies and Procedures Are Needed to Fill Gaps in the Visa Revocation Process, June 18, 2003 (GAO-03-798) [PDF 1.1 Mb]
• Border Security: New Policies and Procedures Needed to Fill Gaps in the Visa Revocation Process, by Jess T. Ford, director, international affairs and trade, before the Subcommittee on National Security, Emerging Threats, and International Relations, House Committee on Government Reform, June 18, 2003 (GAO-03-908T) [PDF 272 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Challenges Facing the Department of Homeland Security in Balancing Its Trade Facilitation and Border Protection Missions, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, House Select Committee on Homeland Security, June 16, 2003 (GAO-03-902T) [PDF 124 Kb]
• Counterfeit Documents Used to Enter the United States from Certain Western Hemisphere Countries Not Detected, by Robert J. Cramer, managing director, Office of Special Investigations, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, House Committee on the Judiciary, May 13, 2003 (GAO-03-713T) [PDF 77 Kb]
• Immigration Benefits: Ninth Report Required by the Haitian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act, April 21, 2003 (GAO-03-681R) [PDF 84 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Justice Department's Project to Interview Aliens After September 11, 2001, April 11, 2003 (GAO-03-459) [PDF 459 Kb]
• Homeland Security: Challenges to Implementing the Immigration Interior Enforcement Strategy, by Richard M. Stana, director, homeland security and justice, before the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and Claims, House Committee on the Judiciary, April 10, 2003 (GAO-03-660T) [PDF 107 Kb]
• Weaknesses in Screening Entrants Into the United States Statement by Robert J. Cramer, Managing Director, Office of Special Investigations before the Senate Committee on Finance. (GAO-03-438T) January 30, 2003 [PDF 46 Kb}
• Technology Assessment Technology Assessment Using Biometrics for Border Security Using Biometrics for Border Security, November 2002 (GAO-03-174) [PDF 23.13 Mb]
• BORDER SECURITY: Implications of Eliminating the Visa Waiver Program, November 2002 (GAO-03-38) [PDF 886 Kb]
• IDENTITY FRAUD: Prevalence and Links to Alien Illegal Activities -- Statement of Richard M. Stana, Director, Justice Issues, (GAO-02-830T) June 25, 2002 [PDF 107 Kb]
• SECURING AMERICA'S BORDERS: INS Faces Information Technology Planning and Implementation Challenges -- Statement of Randolph C. Hite Director, Information Technology Systems Issues, October 11, 2001 (GAO-02-148T) [PDF 82 Kb]
• SECURING AMERICA'S BORDERS: INS Faces Information Technology Planning and Implementation Challenges -- Statement of Randolph C. Hite Director, Information Technology Systems Issues, October 11, 2001 (GAO-02-148T) [PDF 82 Kb]
• INS' Southwest Border Strategy: Resource and Impact Issues Remain After Seven Years, (02-AUG-01, GAO-01-842). [PDF 421 Kb]
• HOMELAND SECURITY: INS Cannot Locate Many Aliens Because It Lacks Reliable Address Information, November 2002 (GAO-03-188) [PDF 2.55 Mb]
• CUSTOMS SERVICE: Acquisition and Deployment of Radiation Detection Equipment -- Statement of (Ms.) Gary L. Jones, Director Natural Resources and Environment and Laurie E. Ekstrand, Director Tax Administration and Justice, October 17, 2002, (GAO-03-235T) [PDF 51 Kb]
• CONTAINER SECURITY: Current Efforts to Detect Nuclear Materials, New Initiatives, and Challenges -- Statement of Jay Etta Z. Hecker Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, November 18, 2002, (GAO-03-297T) [PDF 390 Kb]
• U.S. Customs Service: Compliance with the Inflation Adjustment Act, September 9, 2002, (GAO-02-1045R) [PDF 60 Kb]
• PORT SECURITY: Nation Faces Formidable Challenges in Making New Initiatives Successful -- Statement of JayEtta Z. Hecker, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, August 5, 2002, (GAO-02-993T) [PDF 163 Kb]
• Alien Smuggling: Management and Operational Improvements Needed to Address Growing Problem [GGD-00-103] 05/01/2000. [PDF Version]
• INS Budget: Overhiring and Decline in Revenues Have Created Fiscal Stress (Statement/Record, 03/24/1999, GAO/T-GGD/AIMD-99-129). [PDF Version]
• Criminal Aliens: INS' Efforts to Identify and Remove Imprisoned Aliens Continue to Need Improvement (Testimony, 02/25/99, GAO/T-GGD-99-47).
• Criminal Aliens: INS' Efforts to Remove Imprisoned Aliens Continue to Need Improvement (Letter Report, 10/16/98, GAO/GGD-99-3). [PDF Version]
• Illegal Immigration: Southwest Border Strategy Results Inconclusive; More Evaluation Needed. GGD-98-21. 70 pp. plus 7 appendices (34 pp.) December 11, 1997. [PDF Version]
• Border Control: Revised Strategy Is Showing Some Positive Results (Letter Report, GAO/GGD-95-30, 12/29/94). [PDF Version 2.88 Mb]