Passport requirement delayed

By DAN HEATH
Staff Writer

April 12, 2008 10:25 am

— PLATTSBURGH -- Passports won't be required to enter the United States at land or sea border crossings until June 1, 2009.
Local officials are thrilled with the delay and the new secure-document options.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of State recently announced the final rule for land and sea ports under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.
"Our chamber has been working aggressively with all of our border partners on this issue for two years now, and we have definitely had an impact," Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President Garry Douglas said.
"Thanks to our congressional friends, especially (U.S. Rep.) John McHugh and (U.S. Sen.) Chuck Schumer, we have time now to hopefully do this right and not just fast."
That includes the rollout of enhanced driver's licenses by the state of New York, expected this fall.
Other states and Canadian provinces, including Quebec, are expected to follow with enhanced driver's licenses.
Douglas said the final rule also provides multiple options to passports and an exemption for children or youth groups.
DOUBLE PROOF
In a press release, Schumer applauded the decision to postpone the passport requirement until next year.
He also restated his concerns about the requirement that U.S. and Canadian travelers carry both proof of identity and citizenship to cross at land and sea ports, which began Jan. 31.
"It is a shame that Congress had to step in before DHS finally agreed to put on the brakes, rather than rushing headfirst into implementing WHTI rules, when there is neither the technology nor the system in place to make sure the border is kept secure and efficient," Schumer said.
"This is a step in the right direction, but I will continue fighting this hare-brained plan and working with DHS to find a smart manner to both beef up security at our borders and protect commerce."
PASSPORT CARD
For U.S. citizens, documents that will be accepted, in addition to passports, include a new passport card being offered by the Department of State; trusted-traveler cards, such as NEXUS, FAST or SENTRI; an enhanced driver's license; a U.S. green card; or a U.S. military identification card, if traveling on orders.
According to the Department of State Web site, the passport card can be used for entry at U.S. land and sea ports of entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. It can't be used for travel by air or international travel to countries other than those.
Applications are being accepted, with the new cards expected to be mailed out starting this spring. Cards are valid for 10 years for adults and five years for children 15 or younger.
The cost is $20 for adults who already have a passport. First-time applicants will pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children.
The cards will contain a vicinity-read radio-frequency identification chip, which will link them to records stored in secure government databases.
CHILDREN
Children 16 and under will only need to provide proof of citizenship, such as a copy of a birth certificate.
Also, schools or other organized groups of children 18 or younger who are U.S. or Canadian citizens can enter with proof of citizenship alone.
Canadian citizens will need a passport, trusted-traveler card or enhanced driver's license.
"Now we need two things," Douglas said. "We need for our North Country residents and Quebec neighbors to use the next 15 months to obtain one of the approved documents, and we need to see Homeland Security and State back up this plan with adequate resources, technology and personnel. This won't work if they fail to put enough behind it.
"I know our congressional partners will watch this closely and be fully prepared to step in again if necessary."
LOCAL LOBBY
Douglas said the chamber has been a leading voice in response to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. That includes efforts as a major chamber of commerce on the border and as co-chair of the Can/Am Corridors Council and the Quebec-New York Corridor Coalition.
The chamber has also been part of two task forces that met with Homeland Security officials and worked to help secure a New York state commitment to develop enhanced driver's licenses.
dheath@pressrepublican.com

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