Looking at the proposed rule changes it might be worthwhile to understand what the rule is currently. My read on it is that currently you can board (an aircraft) no matter who you are, but if you're a "listed person" [my term] your aircraft is forced to land or never takes off anyway.
Quoting from the "Background and Purpose" section of the proposal: Current CBP regulations require air carriers to electronically transmit passenger arrival manifests to CBP no later than 15 minutes after the departure of the aircraft from any place outside the United States (19 CFR 122.49a(b)(2)) and passenger departure manifests no later than 15 minutes prior to departure of the aircraft from the United States (19 CFR 122.75a(b)(2)). ... The identification of a high-risk passenger soon after the aircraft becomes airborne may result in the diversion of the aircraft to a U.S. port other than the original destination or the return of the aircraft to the port of departure (referred to as a ``turnback'').
I don't like the idea of Mr. Lawabider being mistaken for Mr. Terror and being denied boarding, but the end result remains that either person isn't getting where he wants to go. (He just doesn't get there sooner.) Then again, it is a slippery slope they're treading on.
Slashdot Mirror
Quoting from the "Background and Purpose" section of the proposal:
...
Current CBP regulations require air carriers to electronically transmit passenger arrival manifests to CBP no later than 15 minutes after the departure of the aircraft from any place outside the United States (19 CFR 122.49a(b)(2)) and passenger departure manifests no later than 15 minutes prior to departure of the aircraft from the United States (19 CFR 122.75a(b)(2)).
The identification of a high-risk passenger soon after the aircraft becomes airborne may result in the diversion of the aircraft to a U.S. port other than the original destination or the return of the aircraft to the port of departure (referred to as a ``turnback'').
http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20061 800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2006/06-6237.htm
(linked from) http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a060714c. html
I don't like the idea of Mr. Lawabider being mistaken for Mr. Terror and being denied boarding, but the end result remains that either person isn't getting where he wants to go. (He just doesn't get there sooner.) Then again, it is a slippery slope they're treading on.