Port security rules could cost jobs, officials say

2002 law relies on biometrics
A federal maritime security law passed in 2002 mandated a worker credential that relies on “biometrics” — fingerprints and other distinguishing characteristics — and background checks. The ID system has undergone testing at sites in California, Florida, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Delaware.

The TSA proposal is expected to include rules similar to those for truck drivers who ferry hazardous materials, according to Carroll; Lisa Himber, who serves on a federal advisory board for maritime security; and Mike Mitre, the longshoremen union’s port security director. They are among industry officials who have discussed the plan with government authorities and confirmed details of the proposal.

The proposal would bar anyone who is on a terror watch list, entered the country illegally or has certain criminal convictions. Among the disqualifying crimes would be offenses related to espionage, terrorism, explosives or “a transportation security incident.” In some cases, workers could be excluded for assault with intent to murder, kidnapping, rape, drug offenses, extortion, robbery and fraud.

It’s unclear exactly how many workers fall into those categories, though it’s generally acknowledged that illegal immigrants and felons work at the ports.

Last week, seven of 50 truckers checked by immigration authorities outside the Los Angeles-Long Beach port complex were arrested on suspicion of being in the country illegally, according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Florida requires background check
And in Florida, one of the few places where port workers already must submit to extensive criminal background checks, hundreds have been rejected for jobs since early 2001 because of criminal pasts, said Nevin Smith of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

Any significant loss of workers could cause big problems at the twin ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. With about 43 percent of America’s goods passing across their docks, the adjacent ports make up the nation’s largest such complex. The ports were so chronically jammed in 2004 that they expanded their hours to nights and weekends the following year.

A nationwide trucker shortage could compound matters. At the Southern California complex, any undocumented immigrants are thought to work largely as truckers, not longshoremen.

Art Merrick, president of the Long Beach Container Terminal, said the port might be able to absorb a 10 percent reduction in truck drivers.

“What if it’s more?” he asked. “You start thinking about the what-ifs.”

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