Written By: Cristina Ruiz

The Department of Homeland Security and the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona announced an agreement to develop a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative compliant with an Enhanced Tribal Card.

The agreement was signed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection Assistant Commissioner Thomas S. Winkowski and Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona Chairperson Ned Norris, Jr., in a ceremony in Washington.

The ETC verifies tribal citizenship and identity for the purpose of entering the United States by land or sea-enhancing safety and security of U.S. borders while facilitating legitimate travel and trade.

There are over 28,000 enrolled citizens of the Tohono O'odham Nation. The Nation's lands contain 75 miles of the international border in south-western Arizona and extend into Mexico.