Originally Posted by
waterboy
Why preclearance in Abu Dhabi is good for the U.S. | TheHill
The facility will save money for the U.S. government. The U.A.E. has agreed to cover 85% of the costs associated with the preclearance facility. These costs — including the salaries of CBP officers and the expense of operating systems — would otherwise be incurred at the U.S. airport of arrival and thus borne by the U.S. government. It is worth noting that even though the U.A.E. is picking up a major part of the tab, it will have no voice in the operation of the facility and no say over the official screening decisions or procedures of the CBP officers. In this time of fiscal austerity, a new preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi is an innovative and effective way to enhance U.S. security and save money at the same time.
That article was written by the paid lobbying group for the UAE. It is not impartial, and it is misleading at best.
"85% of the cost is borne by the UAE". Spending 15% of the cost to move less than 500 pax per day is still a waste of our already overdressed tax dollars.
The 15% could better be deployed at US airports where THOUSANDS of passengers transit daily, AND doesn't use US taxpayer dollars to damage US tax-paying companies and US tax-paying citizens. If US companies and citizens earn less income, they won't pay as much in taxes... How is that good for the US Treasury?
It's like Coke buying a soft drink machine for Pepsi. Not good business.