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WASHINGTON – The U.S. Departments of Homeland Security (DHS) and State today published a final rule on the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) which would fully implement tougher requirements for Americans crossing the northern border by June 1, 2009. U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee), co-chairman of the Congressional Northern Border Caucus, expressed concern with the rule, particularly the confusion it creates for Americans and its impact on travel and commerce in northern Michigan.
“Less than two months after one set of rules took effect, the Administration has announced the requirements will be changing again,” Stupak said. “They must do more to fulfill their obligation to inform travelers about the new requirements as soon as possible to avoid confusion, increased delays and disrupted commerce. But even with a proper public information campaign, I am not convinced that the Departments of Homeland Security and State can properly implement WHTI.”
Under the final WHTI rule, beginning on June 1, 2009 individuals must present a passport, passcard, valid trusted travel program card (FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI), an enhanced driver’s license, a military ID with official travel orders, or a U.S. Merchant Mariner Document to enter the United States. This is a much more limited list of options than rules put in place on January 31, 2008 that require U.S. citizens to present photo identification, such as a driver’s license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, at border crossings.
Stupak remains concerned with many aspects of the WHTI rule, particularly a proposed passcard program. He noted that while applications are being accepted, the cards are not yet available, have not been properly tested, and critical card reading infrastructure has not been installed at ports of entry.
“Congress has made clear our concerns about WHTI, yet the Administration continues to move forward with a flawed proposal that leaves many questions unanswered,” Stupak said. “The stakes for northern border communities are extremely high, with so many communities and businesses dependent upon the ease of travel between the United States and Canada.”
Commerce and trade between Canada and the United States supports more than 220,000 Michigan jobs and more than $71.3 billion in trade for the state. The International Bridge at Sault Ste. Marie is one of the 10 largest crossing points on the northern border and the only vehicular crossing between Ontario and Michigan for 300 miles. More than 2.5 million vehicles cross the bridge annually, making a significant contribution to northern Michigan’s economy.
In documents released with the final rule, DHS states it “has determined that the benefits – facilitation of travel and increased security that would reduce the probability of a terrorist attack – are greater than the potential costs.” But an independent study released this week by the Brookings Institution found that new border crossing requirements are impeding economic growth in the Great Lakes region, and one of the report’s chief authors expressed “alarm” with the speed at which new rules – like WHTI – are being implemented.
“Any economic or bureaucratic impediments to travel could jeopardize thousands of local jobs in border districts like mine,” Stupak said. “We need to take the time to get this right. Enhancing safety on the border must be balanced with the need to efficiently transport people and goods.” |
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![[News From Congressman Bart Stupak]](stupakpr.gif)
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