Americans will Need Passport to Visit Canada, 3 Other Countries

[sahmsfreeb]

i am all for this.... POINT/ COUNTERPOINT?


Americans will Need Passport to Visit Canada, 3 Other Countries
(Washington-AP, April 5, 2005) — Americans will need passports to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama and Bermuda by 2008, part of a tightening of U.S. border controls in an era of terrorist threat, three administration officials said Tuesday.



Similarly, Canadians will also have to present a passport to enter the United States, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Canadians have been the only foreigners allowed to enter the United States with just a driver's license.

An announcement, expected later Tuesday at the State Department, will specify that a passport or another valid travel document will have to be shown by U.S. citizens, the officials said.

Until now, Americans returning home from Canada have needed only to show a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification card.

Americans returning from Mexico, Panama or Bermuda currently need only a government-issued photo identification card plus proof of U.S. citizenship like an original birth or naturalization certificate, according to the State Department's Web site.

The new rules, to be phased in by Jan. 1, 2008, were called for in intelligence legislation approved last year by Congress. Safeguarding U.S. borders are a top concern of U.S. intelligence and security officials. The concern increased after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the World Trade Center in New York and on the Pentagon.

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[llbriteyes]

First, I would say that "intelligence legislation" is an oxy-moron. lol

Second, I agree wholeheartedly with it. People from different countries have had to have passports to travel to neighboring countries for years. Its about time the US took this measure.

Linda

[CatrinaF25]

wooo about time for me to get a passport! lol i went to mexico this summer with just a ID and BC.

[firechick]

Oh I guess we will all need to get passports as we take our kids to Marineland every summer. Have never had any problems with getting in or out yet except in 2002. Thats okay I agree with the idea as it will hopefully increase security along the border and we live only 2 hours from the border of Canada & NY.
Kelly