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Page 9 of 9 Crossing the Border: The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative Your tireless correspondent was up in Harlingen, Texas a few days ago for a meeting sponsored by the Border Trade Alliance regarding the oft-misunderstood Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. While there we heard from P.T. Wright, Director of Mission Operations, US-VISIT (Department of Homeland Security) and Jackie Harley-Bell, Regional Director, Houston Passport Services (Department of State).
For those of you who have been following North American travel issues, you'll remember that the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (official website here: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html) is an attempt by the U.S. government to apply stricter identification measures on its citizens who are returning from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and Panama. Travel to and from the U.S. by citizens of other countries will not change under the new rules. Until December 31st, 2006 (for air and sea crossings) and December 31st, 2007 (for land crossings), U.S. citizens will still be able to return stateside by showing any of a number of local, state and federal identifications. As of these two dates, it will be necessary to show a State Department-approved ID. Although there are plans for giving travelers other options, right now this means traveling with a passport. To get an idea of what this means, consider the fact that 23 million U.S. citizens cross the Mexican and Canadian land borders 130 million times per year. Four million go through air and sea ports. Most people who go on cruises and airplanes already carry a passport with them, but approximately 60% of the people who cross by land do not own a passport, compared to between 70-80% of Americans in general. Half of these land crossings are done by “frequent travelers,” with 18% crossing the border every day. The State Department issued around 10 million passports this year but expects to issue 17 million per year by 2008 because of the premium being placed on better identification. The main issues have arisen because of concerns along the border communities. According to Harlingen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President Nat Lopez, more than 60% of all tourism dollars in the state of Texas come from Mexico, but more is related to border travel, which will be affected by the Initiative. There were two questions from border business executives that asked about the “spring breakers and snowbirds” who would hanker for a Mexican outing, but would be put out by the passport requirement. As luck would have it, Department of Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff had given a significant speech the night previous to our Harlingen meeting, so references to alternative forms of acceptable IDs were openly discussed because Secretary Chertoff had already mentioned them. The options discussed have been a “driver’s license-sized” card issued by the State Department, which would cost around 50% less than a passport, and a short-term document that Americans could get on the U.S. side before they crossed the border that would allow them reentry without a passport. There is even the possibility of some states meeting federal requirements for their licenses which would allow them to be valid for North American travel. Nevertheless, for the easiest travel experience the Bush Administration suggests shelling out the $97 dollars for a genuine blue-covered, eagle-emblazoned international passport. On the upside, Sam is happy to report that both government officials were very receptive to input and questions. They seemed to understand that open borders for legal travel is fundamental to the well-being of all North Americans. Echoing Secretary Chertoff, they seemed genuinely interested in finding ways to facilitate these identification requirements so that Americans can continue cross-border travel with a minimum of hassles. Further, as they pointed out, many land entry points often see long lines, as officials sort through a myriad of documents and use their judgment regarding entry authorization. On the downside, although a realist, your correspondent is a fan of borderless travel who has witnessed the benefits of a post-Schengen European Union firsthand. Here’s to hoping our continental future requires less attention paid to enemies and is more conducive to openness among friends! Return to top
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