BajaNomad

passports

4baja - 4-23-2007 at 06:33 AM

heard there extending the deadline to 2009 now, allso heard that the mexican goverment will wave the tourist card requirment. any info on this?:coolup:

Taco de Baja - 4-23-2007 at 08:10 AM

The current State Department language can be read many ways concerning passports :rolleyes:

As of today, April 23, 2007:
Quote:


Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI):

As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.


US Dept. of State

Mexico waive the turista card....I don't think so. :lol:

sancho - 4-23-2007 at 02:58 PM

Last I heard , to cross back in
by land or sea it was pushed
back to July 2008, they have
a 'cheaper' border crossing card
in the works, instead of the
$95 passport, a card in the $40
range will be sold for the
coming back by land

Bob and Susan - 4-23-2007 at 05:00 PM

http://www.signonsandiego.com/uniontrib/20061015/news_1t15pa...

Passport deadline has been extended to:

... “no later than June 1, 2009”

...The new legislation does include a bonus promise of a less-expensive form of international identification for use by travelers crossing into the U.S. by land or sea from Mexico... called the Passenger Access Security Service Card (PASS).

...“We're being told it should be at least half the cost of a federal passport”.







[Edited on 7-4-2007 by BajaNomad]

BajaBruno - 4-24-2007 at 04:02 AM

As a practical matter, what can US Immigration (now Homeland Security) do if a US citizen presents at the border with no passport, even after it is required? They aren't going to send you back across the border--they can't. They have to admit you, although they will use all of their typical punitive devices (like detention and thorough search) to make you wish you had conformed to the letter of today's version of the law/rules/regulations/or policies, whether written or assumed.

Having said that, I've found it is always easier dealing with our dear border bureaucrats when I have my passport.

osoflojo - 4-24-2007 at 05:57 AM

Bruno, in the post 9/11 world positive identification is the way of things. If you cant "prove" you are a citizen then you are not one. Thats just the way it is (and will be).

Bob and Susan - 4-24-2007 at 05:57 AM

remember at the border homeland security has "NO rules"

:lol:

Alan - 4-24-2007 at 07:16 AM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
As a practical matter, what can US Immigration (now Homeland Security) do if a US citizen presents at the border with no passport, even after it is required? They aren't going to send you back across the border--they can't.

Unless you were aware of something I don't know about I have always assumed that they will send you back - to the US consulate in TJ to have them sort out your status.

gnukid - 4-24-2007 at 08:50 AM

Regarding tourist cards... Calderon visited here this week and said, (paraphrasing) Mexico sould support all foreigners with expedited efforts for visas including automatic 180 day visa and easy renewel. FM-3 should be fasttracked too. I don't know if he is taking efforts to change laws but it is clear that he asked the offices to make life easier for foreigners who are apparently the number one business interest in baja.

BajaBruno - 4-24-2007 at 01:24 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by Alan
Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
As a practical matter, what can US Immigration (now Homeland Security) do if a US citizen presents at the border with no passport, even after it is required? They aren't going to send you back across the border--they can't.

Unless you were aware of something I don't know about I have always assumed that they will send you back - to the US consulate in TJ to have them sort out your status.


Good luck turning me around, even if I show up naked. I'm not known to be that compliant. The immigration fellows and I can work it out in front of a magistrate.

If a Cuban can sail in on a couple of roped together palm trunks and get automatic residency, they sure as hell ain't turning me around.

Then you won't need to strip for the "full body cavity search"

Dave - 4-24-2007 at 02:00 PM

Quote:
Originally posted by BajaBruno
Good luck turning me around, even if I show up naked. I'm not known to be that compliant. The immigration fellows and I can work it out in front of a magistrate.


The border agents love it when you talk tough. It makes their day. ;D

bajajudy - 4-24-2007 at 04:06 PM

Well I hope that Calderon's vision reaches here soon. We now have to apply for fm3 lucrativos every 6 months...which means twice the expense and also that they have our fm3 almost more than we do. The last one we got was good until septiembre 31,2007. Does that mean forever!?!?!?!?!?!?

Cypress - 4-24-2007 at 04:26 PM

A passport is easier to keep up with than a handfull of assorted ID's, drivers licenses, birth certificates, and who knows what else.:D

bajabruno

sylens - 4-24-2007 at 04:49 PM

just out of curiosity, how do you plan to prove your citizenship without a passport? :o

please post what happens if, after one is required, you show up at the border wanting to return to the good ol' usa ...without one.:smug:

ˇbuena suerte!:)

BajaWarrior - 4-24-2007 at 04:59 PM

Quote:
The border agents love it when you talk tough. It makes their day. ;D


Ya, for that you get to sit on the curb and watch the agents rip your car apart.:lol:

No Sending Back.

MrBillM - 4-24-2007 at 05:14 PM

Since you are already IN the USA when you speak with I.C.E., they cannot legally send you back into Mexico. They CAN detain you and take you before a magistrate just as they do with ALL of the illegals they catch who don't volunteer to return to Mexico.

As mentioned earlier, they can also disassemble your vehicle as they wish for whatever reason.

DENNIS - 4-24-2007 at 05:21 PM

There is always the ever-dreaded body cavity search. The ultimate power statement.

DENNIS - 4-24-2007 at 05:27 PM

Dave ---

Didn't see that up there. You already mentioned it.