I am pleased to announce that we will be raising the Journeyman level for our dedicated CBP personnel who serve on the front lines, day in and out, along our borders and ports of entry across the country.

This important milestone recognizes that the mission of our CBP Officers, Agriculture Specialists, and Border Patrol Agents has become increasingly more dangerous and complex since September 11, 2001.  On a daily basis, our CBP employees are bolstering our efforts to secure the border, assisting Mexico in targeting violent drug cartels, and confronting an ever expanding array of threats to our country’s security from terrorism and organized crime; to weapons, drug and human smuggling; to threats to our domestic agriculture and food sources; to fraudulent products that pose safety threats and undermine U.S. industries.

We anticipate making this increase effective during the first quarter of Calendar Year 2010.

Congratulations again on this well-deserved recognition we are truly grateful for your service.

Yours very truly,

Janet Napolitano

Secretary of Homeland Security