New Passport Regulations Relaxed for Time-Being

Statement

New Passport Regulations Relaxed for Time-Being

My office has heard from people who have had excessively long waits for their passports to be issued and some who have had to alter their travel plans due to the delays. Therefore, I along with my Congressional colleagues have taken action to slow down the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. I joined over 90 of my House colleagues and signed a letter to Secretary of State Rice. The letter informed Secretary Rice that the current delays issuing passports is unacceptable. It respectfully requested that she take the necessary actions to remedy the situation. Finally, we asked her if there were additional resources or changes to the law that would improve the circumstances.

Only two months ago, I wrote about new passport requirements requiring Americans traveling to Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean to have a valid passport. This column is also about passports because of the delays and subsequent changes to the regulations. Historically, Americans could travel to and from our North American neighbors with just a driver's license as ID. However, one of the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission was for Congress to require valid passports for all individuals entering the United States. Therefore, Congress approved the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The goal of the legislation was to strengthen border security while facilitating entry into the United States for American citizens and legitimate international travelers.

Part of the implementation of the law is the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Since January 23, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda have been required to present a valid U.S. passport to reenter the United States. This caused a considerable strain on the U.S. Department of State's ability to keep up with applications for passports. According to the State Department's website, the demand for passports is at an all-time record high. It can take in excess of 12 weeks for a passport to be issued.

The next phase of WHTI is scheduled to become law on January 1, 2008. Left unchanged, beginning January 1, 2008, a passport will be required for every individual driving across the border from Mexico and Canada. A passport will also be required for Caribbean cruises as well.

I am pleased to report that the U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security have heard our concerns and therefore announced an accommodation for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean, by air, who have applied for, but not yet received passports. Travelers must still meet the entry requirements of the country they are entering, and should check to make sure they understand those requirements. However, U.S. citizens traveling to North American neighbors and who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air, if they present government-issued photo identification and a Department of State official proof of application for a passport. The Departments of State and Homeland Security advise that this accommodation will be good through September 30, 2007.

The House has passed a measure, which I supported, that delays the implementation of the next step of WHTI until June 1, 2009. The State Department must take appropriate action to prepare for this important step to protect our borders. Until then Americans should plan in advance for obtaining a passport.

A passport is an important document for all Americans. Application information is available on line at www.travel.state.gov/passport. For a first passport, applicants should apply in person at many post offices, libraries, or the office of the Clerk of the Courts. The website has an easy location finder. Applicants need a certified copy of their birth certificate and a valid photo ID, an application form, and two identical 2" by 2" color photos. A U.S. passport is good for 10 years. Passport renewals can be done through the mail.

For travelers who have applied for a passport and need the Department of State official proof of application, please go to: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html

Passports will ultimately be required for all persons entering the United States - even when driving across the border from Mexico and Canada. However, the House has voted to delay funding that program until the Departments of Homeland Security and State are able to create a workable plan that delivers passports in a reasonable period of time. The intent of Congress is to ensure that nobody misses important family events or business meetings because of extended delays issuing passports.

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