Senate to Extend Deadline for Border IDs

[JoeyandDavid]

The Senate voted Wednesday to delay for 17 months a requirement that Americans re-entering the United States after cruises or short visits to Canada and Mexico show passports or high-tech identification cards.

The Senate would push back a Jan. 1, 2008, deadline for the requirement that Americans show the documents. A driver's license usually satisfies customs and border inspectors now.

The measure was adopted as an amendment to a broader immigration bill before the Senate. The new deadline for having to show a passport or ID card would move to June 1, 2009, if the bill becomes law.

Canadians also will have to show a passport or high-tech ID to enter the United States, even for short visits. Short-term Mexican visitors already must have tamperproof cards, known as laser visas, to enter the U.S.

[JohnG]

It is not a done deal yet. The House has to also pass it, and then a conference committee has to agree, and....it is part of the immigration legislation that is nowhere near a certainty. Better to just bite the bullet and get your passport....good for 10 years.

[JoeyandDavid]

This is so true John.......

ON EVERY one of your points...

Personally I will be glad when forums no longer need posts about passports

[Mebert]

We wouldn't need to discuss it if they'd just go on and pass the law like they did for the Caribbean. It really shouldn't be that much of a problem.

[JoeyandDavid]

Mebert I dont want to soap box this .. but imo National Security IS the problem. :wink:

I dont want a delay i want secure boarders..YESTERDAY