Want To Cross The Border? Bring ID

New Rules For Crossing Border From Canada And Mexico; Officials Downplay Travel Delays

(CBS/AP)  New rules for the types of identification U.S. and Canadian citizens must present to cross into the country went into effect Thursday and authorities were optimistic the changes wouldn't cause significant delays.

Under the new rules, people will no longer be allowed to simply declare to immigration officers at border crossings that they are citizens, said Jayson Ahern, deputy commissioner with U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Instead, those 19 and older will have to show proof of citizenship - a passport, trusted traveler card or a birth certificate and government-issued ID such as a driver's license.

"We'll be asking those who cross our borders to present to us secure, more reliable documents to prove citizenship and to confirm their identity," said Ahern, who is heading a national effort to call attention to the changes.

There were no additional delays during the morning rush hour in Detroit, which has the busiest northern border crossing, said Ron Smith, a spokesman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Detroit. The bridge and tunnel crossings between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario, typically can see wait times of about 30 minutes to enter the United States.

An estimated 20.3 million vehicles crossed the Ambassador and Blue Water bridges and went through the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel in 2007, reports the Detroit Free Press.

Officers at the ports will have latitude to admit people who are unaware of the changes once their identities are confirmed, Ahern said. In Detroit, authorities will provide a grace period for travelers without the extra ID, and will hand out fliers explaining the changes, Smith said.

"The first couple of days, weeks maybe, could add a few seconds to the inspection process. But once people become aware of these requirements, and we're getting the word out to them ... those minor delays should disappear," Smith said.

Casino Windsor, across the Detroit River from the United States, is buying radio ads to inform its American customers that they can still visit without passports. Casino spokeswoman Holly Ward said any changes to border requirements risk driving away business.

Smith said few people have crossed the northern border by just declaring their nationality since the 2001 terrorist attacks, because officers have always had the discretion to request documents.

Congress approved the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in 2004, which requires verified citizenship and identification of all those entering the country from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. The passport requirement for land and sea crossings has been delayed until June 2009.

Mexican citizens will continue to have to present valid passports and visas. Canadian citizens previously were not required to show a passport, but will need one after next year.

Last week, Mexican tourism officials in Tijuana introduced a "Get Your Passport" campaign that gives U.S. passport holders discounts at restaurants and shops.

Quincy Epperson of San Diego said he will stop going to Mexico until he replaces his birth certificate. He has an old photocopy but worries it won't pass muster with inspectors.

"I don't want to take the chance," said Epperson, 31, as he returned Tuesday from one of his weekly visits to Tijuana's sports betting parlors. If he wins his Super Bowl bet on the Giants, Epperson will send a friend to Tijuana collect his money.

Over the last two fiscal years, 31,000 people who claimed at the borders to be U.S. citizens were not, Ahern said.

Critics, particularly in northern border states, have assailed Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff over the changes. Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn., accused him of not understanding "the practical effects of DHS policies on the everyday lives of border community residents."

Some businesses and lawmakers are worried about the effects of new identification requirements that go into effect tomorrow at the borders with Canada and Mexico.

But Ahern said new passport cards the size of credit cards will allow citizens to cross the U.S.-Mexican border effectively and efficiently. Applications should be available starting Friday, although processing will take three to four months. Cards without previously issued passports will cost $45 for adults and $35 for children; they will cost $20 and $10, respectively, for those with passports.

Drivers' licenses enhanced with proof of citizenship and a radio frequency identification chip also will be accepted, Ahern added. Four states including Arizona have signed up for a federal program to offer the licenses. British Columbia also is experimenting with similar new high-tech licenses.

[michellem99-2009]

I think MY late Gramma knew would not fell me...so I am guessing because of New Endland, Iraland and Great Britain. My friend has heard Dad talk and he saids Irish..

[sharednotion]

With so many natural sites to see here in the 50 states of the USA, as well as so many man-made attractions, I think it will be simpler to just vacation right here in our own country; at least domestically, you can still just drive right over the interstate borders.

[jjp735i]

It''s so sad that our government demands that it''s own people have jump through hoops to enter or exit our own country, yet the borders remain wide open to those that do not live in this country.

Save your self long lines and fees, just cross at the same points illegals do. That way the government will not bother you.

[cyberus-2009]

***************
It doesn''''t escape notice that they don''''t say whether the new "passcards" will have embedded RFID chips, so your every movement with them can be tracked.

Posted by brianbwb at 06:16 AM : Feb 01, 2008
***************

Actually it says right on the passport card web site that it does contain a RFID chip ... and also comes with a sleeve to prevent reading of the chip if you so desire.

[brianbwb-2009]

"But Ahern said new passport cards the size of credit cards will allow citizens to cross the U.S.-Mexican border effectively and efficiently."

It doesn''t escape notice that they don''t say whether the new "passcards" will have embedded RFID chips, so your every movement with them can be tracked.

[erasmus6]

MichelleM99

My father''s side is Irish also. We have a VERY IRISH surname. My ancestors even had a castle in Ireland.

[feelfree1]

WWII Nazis had to present their "papers" on demand too.

[michellem99-2009]

Irish...My father''s side is..family surname is..There is an Iraland Flag on the wall. The luch of the Irish..

[bhappy2-2]

Posted by ontheleft- Thats my whole point. If they can''t stop 30 MILLION of these ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS then, if I ever leave, I will just follow the ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS when THEY cross. That way I will be back in the United States (North Mexico) AND I will know where the ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS are entering from so I can try to defend one small portion of our border.

[ontheleft]

"Until our government can stop these ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS they don''t need to ask me for my ID"
bhappy2-2

You will give them your ID at the border or you will not be allowed to cross. You are required to follow the law, not the federal government. They make the laws but pick and choose which ones to enforce, get it?

Nothing is being done to arrest and deport the illegal immigrants because big business controls this country and wants the cheap labor. Taking away cheap labor from business is like taking candy away from a baby. They cry and cry until you give it back to them.

[bhappy2-2]

ID? We don''t need no ID! We will just tag along with all the ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS! They seem to know where to cross without any ID. 20 or 30 MILLION have crossed without any ID, more come in everyday. Until our government can stop these ILLEGAL ALIEN INVADERS they don''t need to ask me for my ID.

[erasmus6]

"As for the rude, smug Canadians that come over here. Tough!!" posted by Xlib

You are insinuating that the Canadians are whining because of this?

Why would we? We have already been showing our birth certificates and drivers licenses for years. It is only you ARROGANT Americans that are whining.

[likeitis5050]

Illegals are laughing their azzez off...border? Who goes to the border? What a bunch of dumb gringos they have in this country. Border! Hahahahaaaaa....

[xlib]

We live on the Canadian border and personally don''t find a problem with this. Funny how you lefties are always pointing out how this problem or that problem since 9/11 hasn''t been taken care of then when something like this comes along there''s b*&&tching and moaning. Your own chuckie schumer and louise slaughter have been stonewalling since 9/11. A passport lasts over 10 years and costs about $100. Seems like a good investment to me.
As for the rude, smug Canadians that come over here. Tough!!

[rfcnj68]

All these boarder states are upset, yeah because know it will be harder to bring the illegals in to cut their grass and clean their houses. Tough

[abdoul_pasha]

Why are so quiet?

[dan9111]

These argument FOR USING VIOLENCE to coerce us all into paying for border security simply hold no water. Those who want to pay for the border can do so. Just write a check to the INS or whatever. To point a gun at your neighbor and say s/he must do the same, sorry you just lost any legimacy and somebody surely will treat you as "illegal".

The solution to this is very simple. Voluntary funding. Then both the libs and hawks have little to complain about since the market will decide on its own how to manage immigration.

[erasmus6]

"BTW erasmus- a canadian name?" posted by rushlimpdrug

It is an Irish name. Is there a problem?

[erasmus6]

"Another one that came in through the CANADIAN border.
He also figured it out." posted by rushlimpdrug

Actually the U.S. didn''t notify any other country to be on the look out for him. So when he flew into Canada there was no reason to detain him. When he went to cross the border into the U.S., it would not have had to go through our border crossing only the U.S. It is the U.S. that allowed him to go through even KNOWING who he was.

[abdoul_pasha]

South Guinea!