Border Trade Alliance sent comments this week to the U.S. Department of State in response to a proposal for a wallet-sized alternative travel document, called a PASS Card, for U.S. citizens as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. BTA emphasized that NEXUS cards, SENTRI cards, and others should be acceptable alternatives to a passport for travel.
The following is an except from the letter:
BTA emphasized that NEXUS cards, SENTRI cards, Border Crossing Cards and FAST driver identification cards be deemed acceptable alternatives to a passport for hemispheric travel. We continue to insist that these documents be accepted in lieu of a passport.
Regarding PASS Card affordability
The proposed fees for the wallet-sized passport card are $20 for adults and $10 for children. People without a traditional passport book will need to pay an execution fee of $25. Applicants with current passport books are waived the execution fee when applying for the PASS Card. In addition, applicants may apply for both a passport book and a passport card at the same time.
Regarding Technological compatibility
The proposed rule mentions the use of vicinity read Radio Frequency
Identification (RFID) chips within the PASS Card, which allows the information
on the card to be read from a short distance. We are supportive of the use of new
technology that improves the efficiency of trade and travel at our borders.
Provision for casual travelers
We are especially concerned by the lack of provision for casual travelers who
visit our border communities as tourists and do not necessarily carry passports.
The travel documentation required under WHTI will simply cause these casual
travelers to not cross the border into Canada or Mexico.
Regarding Outreach
We are also greatly concerned that the traveling public and the public at large has
not been adequately informed on the WHTI and its provisions. This level of
outreach must not only focus on the US traveler but also the Canadian and
Mexican traveler. We see a growing number of programs that stand to impact –
hopefully have a positive impact – on the border crossing experience yet we
constantly find that there is either a lack of knowledge or confusion. We strongly
urge that DHS and State commit to a broader education and outreach strategy on
WHTI. The BTA is committed to working with both DHS and State to
implement such a strategy.
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