Task force urges better borders

The United States, Canada and Mexico by 2010 should create a common North American security perimeter with combined visa, visitor screening, cargo inspection and political asylum policies, an independent task force last week recommended.

Task force chairmen, all former government officials from the three countries, recommended a common, biometric border pass that would expedite passage through customs, immigration and airport security throughout North America.

The task force was created by the Council on Foreign Relations, the Canadian Council of Chief Executives and the Consejo Mexicano de Asuntos Internacionales.