Border communities in the United States, both north and south, are breathing a sigh of relief. Congress has moved the implementation date for the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) until June 1, 2009 at the earliest. This change means that U.S. citizens will be able to cross our borders at land and sea ports of entry without having to show a U.S. Passport until the summer of 2009. The provision delaying the implementation until June 1, 2009 was inserted into the end-of-the year spending measure by Congresswoman Louise Slaughter (D-NY), which passed both the House and Senate with the support of many border state Senators and Representatives.
Despite the passage of the delay, the border crossing experience for citizens without Passports will soon change. As of January 31, 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) will end the acceptance of oral declarations of citizenship and require two forms of government identification, including proof of citizenship, for re-entry into the United States.
The Border Trade Alliance (BTA) has long supported secure travel programs put forward by the federal government and has worked with DHS and the Department of State (DOS) to increase public knowledge of WHTI. However, the BTA supports delaying implementation at land ports of entry contingent upon the federal government’s ability to implement the security program effectively and efficiently.
While the delay will buy time for the federal government and traveling public alike to be prepared for the change, the delay itself does not speak to many of the remaining issues yet to be addressed, such as the issuance of a low-cost passport alternative or PASS Card, increased outreach toward the traveling public about the requirements of WHTI, and the dedication of additional resources by Congress to DHS and the Department of State (DOS) prior to implementation of the new travel requirement at land and sea ports of entry.
The BTA remains committed to working with stakeholders, including border communities and the federal government, to help make WHTI a success in terms of security and facilitation of legitimate cross-border travel. On December 11, 2007, the BTA held a one-day forum on the secure travel initiative in Nogales, Arizona to provide border citizens the opportunity to learn more about WHTI and also to interact with federal officials in charge of the program.
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[...] and sea ports of entry. On June 1, 2009 the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be implemented, requiring ...
[...] and sea ports of entry. On June 1, 2009 the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be implemented, requiring ...
[...] and sea ports of entry. On June 1, 2009 the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be implemented, requiring ...
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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.