A consortium of researchers dedicated to improving the understanding of the human causes and consequences of terrorism

Border Crossings and Terrorist Attacks in the United States: Lessons for Protecting against Dangerous Entrants

Abstract:
This project examines the degree to which individuals who have engaged in terrorist activity in the United States have crossed in and out of the country during planning and in the wake of illegal and/or violent activities. The September 11, 2001, attacks demonstrated the damage that can be inflicted by individuals with vicious intent who gain access to the country; the research team sought to determine to what degree the general travel patterns of the 9/11 attackers were common to others who have attacked the United States and how knowledge gained about the dynamics of such individuals in the past might inform border security personnel and practices today.

Publication Information

Full Citation:

Smarick, Kathleen, and Gary D. LaFree. 2012. "Border Crossings and Terrorist Attacks in the United States: Lessons for Protecting against Dangerous Entrants." College Park, MD: START (November).

START Author(s):