New rules for Mexico and Canada trips start June 1

Written by Janet

On June 1, new rules go into effect requiring passports new high-tech documents to cross the United States’ northern and southern borders are taking effect Monday, as some rue the tightening of security and others hail it as long overdue.

After nearly eight years, they are being implemented since the 911 attacks.  They were delayed by complaints from state officials who worried the restrictions would hinder the flow of people and commerce and affect border towns dependent on international crossings.

A driver’s license and an oral declaration of citizenship, om 2001 were enough to cross the border into Canada and Mexico – Monday’s changes are the last step in a gradual ratcheting up of the rules. Now thousands of Americans are preparing by applying for passports or obtaining special driver’s licenses that can also be used to cross the border.

In one Texas border community, long lines were reported at a local courthouse as people rushed to apply for the required documents. But it remains to be seen if the new requirement will cause traffic backups at points of entry and headaches for people unaware of the looming change.

Some say this is long overdue.  Others say it is now defended and no longer friendly….

Travelers who do not comply with the new requirements will get a warning and be allowed to enter the U.S. after a background check, said Michele James, director of field operations for the northern border that covers Washington state.  This new rule also applies to sea crossings, the final implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, a security measure crafted from recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.

Before the new rule, travelers only needed to show identification, such as a driver’s license, and orally declare their citizenship. In 2008, the federal government changed that rule to require proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a passport.

This new rule states, travelers also can use a passport card issued by the U.S. State Department to cross land borders. The card does not work for air travel. At $45 for first-time applicants, it’s a more affordable alternative to the traditional passport, which costs $100. More than 1 million passport cards have been issued since last year.

Identification documents available under the “Trusted Traveler” programs are also accepted. Those require fees ranging from $50 to more than $100. These programs, developed by the U.S, Canadian and Mexican governments, allow vetted travelers faster access to the border. In some cases, members in these programs have their own lanes at border crossings.

And it gets even better under the new rules – enhanced drivers licenses which use a microchip to store a person’s information, also can be used to cross the northern and southern borders. Washington state, Vermont, New York, and Michigan are the only states that offer them so far. An application process and interview are required for these licenses.  But children under 16 traveling with family, people under 19 traveling in youth groups, Native Americans and members of the military will be able to use different forms of identification. Also, travelers in cruises that depart from a U.S. port, sail only within the Western Hemisphere and return the same port do not have to comply.

Brenda Sprague, head of the passport division of the department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs, says the number of U.S. passport card applications, however, has increased as June 1 approaches.  In Washington state, for instance, the governor’s office said it was pleased with the federal government’s progress.  

In the border town of Weslaco, Texas, Jesus Gonzalez said he crosses into Mexico about three times a month for medical needs, but he had not yet applied for any of the documents.

Advertisement

Posted by newsdeskinternational on 05/30/2009

http://newsdeskinternational.wordpress.com/2009/05/30/new-rules-for-mexico-and-canada-trips-start-june-1/