Today the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a press release with preliminary information regarding the pending new document requirement for travel at land ports of entry. The new document requirements will be implemented on January 31, 2008 and will replace the previous acceptable practice of oral declarations of citizenship when re-entering the United States from Canada and Mexico.
Important reminders about the requirements following the deadline that are discussed in the release:
- Oral declarations of citizenship alone will no longer be accepted
- U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older will need to present a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, along with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate
- Children ages 18 and under will only be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate
- Passports and trusted traveler program cards - NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST - will continue to be accepted for cross-border travel
Read the full WHTI release from DHS…
Next week the Border Trade Alliance will host a meeting, in conjunction with the City of Nogales, Arizona Office of Tourism, DHS, and the Department of State (DOS) on the new document requirements as part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) on December 11th in Nogales, AZ. Registration and sponsorship information, as well as a current agenda can be found in the Regional Meetings area of our site, or contact Luis Arellano at 800-333-5523 ext.101.
Since WHTI was mandated by Congress and announced as a formal program by DHS and DOS, the BTA has worked to educate and involve the public in the secure traveler program’s implementation.
In 2006, the BTA successfully advocated for legislation delaying the implementation of WHTI at land and sea ports of entry until June 2009.
The BTA also successfully advocated for DHS and DOS to use alternatives to the U.S. passport and the PASS card for border crossers, such as the BCC, FAST, NEXUS, and SENTRI cards. The BTA continues to work with DHS and DOS to inform the public of the pending change for cross-border travel.
For more information about the BTA’s advocacy on WHTI contact us (info@thebta.org) or visit our website at www.thebta.org.
2 Comments
I am worried and sadden due to the new requirements for the citizens to be able to come to mexico, as a buiseness owner in the border town Acuna, Coahuila, I am locaed in the tourist part of town. My greatest concern is how it will impact our economy. Is this requirment only for mexican borders or is it a world wide issue for example will a citizen need a pass port to go to Cananda or to Cuba etc.? Why?
Thank You
Lupe
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The BTA reserves the right to post comments it feels are appropriate to creating a dialog around border issues. We are interested in hearing from all points of view and encourage those with unique, constructive perspectives to contribute their view points to help shape the future of our borders. BTA is a tri-national organization and will not accept posts that contain derogatory comments made towards citizens, groups, or organizations of any kind.