Safe & Secure By the Numbers
America should be leading the world in travel security, efficiency and technology. Here’s a look at how a seamless and secure traveler journey for domestic and international travelers can benefit the United States. This is particularly crucial for the upcoming mega-decade of events in which we will welcome millions of visitors for sporting events, America’s 250th anniversary and more.
Current Travel Statistics
17th Out of 18
The U.S. currently ranks 17th out of the top 18 travel markets in global travel competitiveness.
3.1 Million
On December 1, 2024, TSA set a single-day record, screening over three million passengers—the U.S. will reach such daily travel volumes by 2033.
142.1 Million
The number of travelers that Customs and Border Protection processed at our nation’s airports, surpassing 2019’s mark of 135.7 million.
2049
With current Congressional funding levels, TSA will not be able to fully deploy advanced identity verification technology across the entire U.S. aviation system for more than two decades.
43 Countries
Visa-free travel opportunities are low, meaning visitors from only 43 countries can visit the U.S. visa-free, compared to 102 countries for the U.K.
6+ Months
Visa wait times are high, with visitors requiring a visa experiencing wait times that can exceed six months or even a year.
Economic Impact
12.8% to 9.1%
Research by Oxford Economics reveals that U.S. global long haul market share of the travel industry has declined since 2015.
+127 Million
Regaining the decrease in market share would result in an additional 127+ million visitors over the next decade.
$478 Billion
The amount of extra spending at U.S. businesses if we regain market share to match our previous 12.8% from 2015.
140,000 Jobs
Additional jobs that will be created if the U.S. regains 2015 market share numbers.
$150 Billion
The projected amount that excessive visa wait times alone could cost the U.S. over the next decade by 39 million visitors who decide to travel elsewhere.
$227 Million
How much losing just a single international flight due to Customs and Border Protection staff shortages can mean to the U.S. economy every year.
$55 Billion
The amount of extra tax revenue that can be generated if the U.S. regains market share to match our previous 12.8% from 2015.
$95 Billion
The amount of economic opportunity that events over the next four years could bring to the U.S.
40 Million
The number of international visitors the U.S. could host over the next four years.
American Support
78%
A strong majority of American air travelers favor the use of biometrics at TSA security checkpoints.
76%
The majority of Republicans favor the use of biometrics at TSA security checkpoints.
80%
The majority of Democrats favor the use of biometrics at TSA security checkpoints.
75%
An October 2023 survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) found 3/4 of passengers prefer using biometrics over physical documents like passports and boarding passes.
64%
Nearly two-thirds of passengers say shorter airport lines are their top priority for improving air travel.
Recommendations
First 100 Days
Establish a White House task force to bring sustained leadership and focus across the federal government to prepare for the mega-decade of events in the U.S.
2,000 CBP Officers
Fund an additional 2,000 Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers to fully staff U.S. airports of entry.
Invest $600 Million
Strengthen protection against visa overstays with an investment to complete CBP’s biometric air exit system within two years and enhance the Traveler Verification Service (TVS).
Top 25 Airports
By the end of 2026, the U.S. should create a better customs experience for returning U.S. citizens and Global Entry travelers by implementing Enhanced Passenger Processing (EPP) and Seamless Border Entry (SBE).
2+ Years
Extend visa validity for B1/B2 visa holders that have never been refused a visa, have previously traveled to the U.S. and left on time and have no immigration or criminal violations.
$10 Billion
Make a historic investment in technology by ending the diversion of the Passenger Security Fee and increasing funding to deploy identity verification, on-person screening and baggage scanning technology to every lane within five years.
