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  4. Pharr International Bridge Begins Operating SENTRI Lane

Pharr International Bridge Begins Operating SENTRI Lane

Release Date
Mon, 08/02/2010

Pharr, Texas - U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in conjunction with the City of Pharr today begins operating a SENTRI lane at the Pharr International Bridge.

Today, (CBP) will begin operating a new modified vehicular SENTRI lane at the Pharr, Texas International Bridge. Another such lane already operates at the Anzalduas International Bridge. A true dedicated SENTRI lane has been in operation at the Hidalgo crossing for several years. In addition to the vehicular lanes, Hidalgo also operates a SENTRI pedestrian lane.

Starting today, the hours of operation for the new Pharr SENTRI lane are as follows:

  • 3 pm to 8 pm -Monday thru Friday and closed on weekends

Starting on Aug. 23, the hours of operation change to the following:

  • 6 am to 8 am and 3 pm to 8pm - Monday thru Friday and closed on weekends

SENTRI, which stands for Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, is a trusted traveler land border-crossing program that provides expedited CBP processing for pre-approved low-risk travelers. The SENTRI card fulfills the travel document requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), which requires presentation of a passport card, passport or other secure travel document by all U.S. citizens seeking entry or re-entry into the U.S. This change, which was implemented at all land and sea crossings on June 1, 2009, requires a secure, verifiable document denoting citizenship and identity for U.S. citizens, who previously were not required to present documentation. Prospective SENTRI participants may now apply online at www.cbp.gov as well as pay application and other program fees online. Key benefits of the online system include streamlining the entire application and vetting process for new applicants and renewals, and added convenience of a quick and secure online fee payment option. SENTRI has received numerous awards as a "government best practice" approach, and demonstrates the government's commitment to utilizing the right solutions for border management needs. The SENTRI program was first implemented at Otay Mesa, CA in 1995, and has grown to include 16 lanes at the largest ports of entry along the U.S.-Mexico border including San Ysidro, CA; Calexico, CA; Nogales, AZ; two crossings in El Paso, TX; Laredo, TX; Hidalgo, TX; and Brownsville, TX. More than 175,000 travelers from both sides of the border currently are enrolled in the program.

Hector A. Mancha, CBP Port Director, Hidalgo-Pharr said, "This modified SENTRI lane is yet another great example of CBP joining forces with local governments to help provide expedited processing to our customers." Mancha further said, "As a reminder, Hidalgo is still the only crossing in the upper Rio Grande Valley to provide a complete, dedicated SENTRI processing lane."

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.
Last Modified: Feb 03, 2021