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Overview[]

ATS-Passenger (ATS-P) became operational in 1999 and is part of the Department of Homeland Security's Automated Targeting System (ATS). ATS-P is one of three data-mining components of the Automated Targeting System (ATS). It uses data mining to evaluate travelers prior to their arrival at U.S. ports of entry.[1]

ATS-P allows CBP officers to determine whether a variety of potential risk indicators exist for travelers and/or their itineraries that may warrant additional scrutiny. ATS-P maintains Passenger Name Record (PNR) data, which is data provided to airlines and travel agents by or on behalf of air passengers seeking to book travel. CBP began receiving PNR data voluntarily from certain air carriers in 1997.

Customs and Border Protection ([[CBP])] collects this information to the extent collected by carriers in connection with a flight into or out of the United States, as part of its border enforcement mission and pursuant to the Aviation and Transportation Security Act of 2001 (ATSA).[2] During 2009, CBP added the DHS Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) as a new data source for the ATS-P.

References[]

  1. The other two components (ATS-Inbound and ATS-Outbound) primarily analyze cargo, not individuals.
  2. Pub. L. No. 107-71 (2001), codified at 49 U.S.C. §44909, with implementing regulations at 19 C.F.R. §122.49d.
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