bufeo - 6-20-2007 at 03:14 PM
This was reported this afternoon on MSNBC
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19317088/
bajalou - 6-20-2007 at 03:44 PM
From an assistant secretary of state's testimony --
"She also said the agency had not expected so many Americans to actually obey the new law.
And, she said, many people were applying for passports with no specific travel plans in mind — "
What a ????
marla - 6-20-2007 at 03:53 PM
That's interesting thanks for posting it
The Sculpin - 6-20-2007 at 04:45 PM
If you would like to comment on the new rule, read the last paragraph.
Identification Requirements To Be Increased For Travel to U.S.
Land and Sea Travel to be Affected
(Washington, D.C., June 20, 2007) - The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires anyone, including U.S., Canadian and Mexican citizens,
entering or re-entering the U.S. from the Western Hemisphere to have a passport or other secure document.
DHS announced today that it intends to require U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the U.S. after January 30, 2008 from the Western Hemisphere via
land and sea ports to present either a WHTI-compliant document or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license, plus proof of citizenship,
such as a birth certificate. The DHS announcement can be found on its website http://www.dhs.gov/xnews/releases/pr_1182350422171.shtm.
On January 23, 2007, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) required travelers entering the U.S. from the Western Hemisphere via airports to
present a valid passport for identification. Due to a resulting backlog of passport requests, DHS eased that requirement earlier this month and
allowed adults who have applied for, but not yet received, a passport to present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of
application from the U.S. Department of State until September 30, 2007 as adequate identification. After that date, a passport will once again be
required.
The implications of this policy are great. For example, the U.S. and Canada conduct the world's largest bilateral trade relationship, with total
merchandise trade (exports and imports) exceeding $443.6 billion in 2004. Canada is the largest single country trading partner of the United States.
In 2004, total merchandise trade with Canada consisted of $255.9 billion in imports and $187.7 billion in exports. On average, $1.1 billion in goods
crosses the Canada-U.S. border every day. In addition, more than 300,000 business people, tourists and regular commuters travel between Canada and the
U.S. daily.
The proposed rule will soon be posted in the Federal Register. Once published, those wishing to comment on the proposed rule may access the Federal
e-Rulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for submitting comments. Submissions must include the agency name (Department of Homeland
Security) and docket number "USCBP 2007-0004."