New Passport Legislation Would Force Accountability, Test Driver's License ID
Sunday February 4, 2007
The Canadian Press is reporting that it has news of potential legislation in the US House of Representatives which will force US guv officials to rethink the ramming through of new Canadian-Mexico land travel passport rules between now and June 1, 2009 without audited consideration of a high-tech driver's license pilot project. Congress chose the 2009 deadline last May in order to provide US guv departments, like Homeland Security, some room in which to come up with viable and less expensive passport options; sounds like the apparently pending introduction of a bill from New York Representative Louise Slaughter will force those officials to do just that.
Citing post-9/11 border security concerns and after four false starts, the US guv began requiring 
US citizens returning from the Caribbean (excepting US territories), Bermuda, Mexico and Canada by air to present passports on January 23, 2007; historically, travelers were able to move between countries using a birth certificate embossed with state seal and government-issued photo ID. US citizens may still use that ID method to travel by land or sea from Mexico or Canada to the US; legislation dictates that the deadline by which passports must be shown at US land borders may be June 1, 2009. The Department of State, however, has been indicating it may try to enforce a land travel/passport rule by early January, 2008.
Suspicions that the Department of State and Homeland Security might not use the time granted by Congress to come up with a less expensive and practical alternative to passports, including the PASS passport card, may be shared by those backing Slaughter's bill, which will, according to reports*, require those departments to evaluate alternative ID pilot projects like an enhanced driver's license for Canadians and Americans, report back to Congress and submit that report to the Government Accountability Office for auditing. U.S. officials would also be forced to make a cost-benefit analyzation of land-travel passport requirements and an alternative high-tech ID card.
The Canadian Press, which is calling the ID alternatives "Passport Lite," reports that Slaughter's bill, which would set "Passport Lite" costs at $20 and make the ID available within ten days of application, would also exempt those under 17 from passport requirements.
Student travel trade organizations and players have long lobbied for an alternative to passport-only travel between Canada and the US, predicting subsequent tourism industry economic difficulty and a drastic drop in cross-border student travel; Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy last year called passport legislation implemenation a "train wreck" in the making. The National Tour Association, which has a membership comprised largely of tour operators, previously informed the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security that "...a passport-only (border crossing) requirement would severely limit student travel." Slaughter is quoted by the Canadian National Post as saying that the US administration is pursuing passport plans that "...will be economically disastrous for both the United States and Canada."
Reports say the bill may be introduced to the US House as early as this week.
US citizens returning from the Caribbean (excepting US territories), Bermuda, Mexico and Canada by air to present passports on January 23, 2007; historically, travelers were able to move between countries using a birth certificate embossed with state seal and government-issued photo ID. US citizens may still use that ID method to travel by land or sea from Mexico or Canada to the US; legislation dictates that the deadline by which passports must be shown at US land borders may be June 1, 2009. The Department of State, however, has been indicating it may try to enforce a land travel/passport rule by early January, 2008.
Suspicions that the Department of State and Homeland Security might not use the time granted by Congress to come up with a less expensive and practical alternative to passports, including the PASS passport card, may be shared by those backing Slaughter's bill, which will, according to reports*, require those departments to evaluate alternative ID pilot projects like an enhanced driver's license for Canadians and Americans, report back to Congress and submit that report to the Government Accountability Office for auditing. U.S. officials would also be forced to make a cost-benefit analyzation of land-travel passport requirements and an alternative high-tech ID card.
The Canadian Press, which is calling the ID alternatives "Passport Lite," reports that Slaughter's bill, which would set "Passport Lite" costs at $20 and make the ID available within ten days of application, would also exempt those under 17 from passport requirements.
Student travel trade organizations and players have long lobbied for an alternative to passport-only travel between Canada and the US, predicting subsequent tourism industry economic difficulty and a drastic drop in cross-border student travel; Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy last year called passport legislation implemenation a "train wreck" in the making. The National Tour Association, which has a membership comprised largely of tour operators, previously informed the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security that "...a passport-only (border crossing) requirement would severely limit student travel." Slaughter is quoted by the Canadian National Post as saying that the US administration is pursuing passport plans that "...will be economically disastrous for both the United States and Canada."
Reports say the bill may be introduced to the US House as early as this week.
- *National Post: "U.S. bill would force full consideration of passport alternative"
- Passport Legislation History
- PASS Passport Card Open for Comment
- Read about all passport rules and changes
Comments
What a circus! I guess we’ll just wait and see what happens.
If the U.S.,Mexico,and Canada are looking for something that has worked for years perhaps they might consider trying the European Union’s method. E.U. residents travel between countries without a Passport! They have a credit card sized ID. Sorry but I do not know specifics such as data involved or length but they seem to be content with its use since the E.U. was formed years ago.
Canado already has a similar card. NEXUS I believe!