WLKM - Update – U.S. Passports

From my archive of press clippings:

WLKM


Update – U.S. Passports


February 24, 2010 by WLKM


St. Joseph County Clerk Pattie Bender reports that passport fees are expected to increase.
In a new release on the subject, Bender said, “We were notified on February 22, 2010 by the U.S. Passport Office that fees will be increasing. There is no firm date set yet as they have to have a 30 day comment period first. That time period began on February 9, 2010.”

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"(A) “Cost of Service” study was conducted in June of 2009 and the results indicated that the fees should increase. The last fee increase was four years ago."

&

"According to Bender, the notice also indicated that passport fees are used not only to cover the costs of producing a passport book or card, but they are used to cover the costs of providing emergency services for American citizens overseas in crisis situations; along with helping Americans who have been the victims of crime while traveling or living abroad; and providing support to the families of American citizens who have died overseas."

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If you have any questions, call the County Clerk’s office weekdays between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. at (269) 467-5603.

TDJ - Tips for US-Canadian border travelers during summer holidays

From my archive of press clippings:

The Daily Journal

Tips for US-Canadian border travelers during summer holidays


Submitted by Journal Staff on July 1, 2009 - 9:51am.

Steps travelers can employ to cross the border more efficiently

CBP Staff Report

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is reminding both Americans and Canadians planning their holiday travel for Canada Day, Fourth of July and summer vacation season that there are a number of steps they can employ to cross the border more efficiently.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was implemented on June 1 and requires U.S. and Canadian citizens age 16 and older to present a valid, acceptable document that denotes both identity and citizenship when entering the U.S. by land or sea. WHTI acceptable documents include a passport, U. S. passport card, enhanced driver’s licenses (EDLs) — now produced by the State of Washington and Providence of British Columbia — or a Trusted Traveler Program card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST). For more information, visit www.GetYouHome.gov. "

DNT - Returning from Canada gets tougher June 1. Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they will be ready on June 1...

Duluth News Tribune

Returning from Canada gets tougher June 1. Officials with U.S. Customs and Border Protection say they will be ready on June 1, the day the United States fully implements the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative.

Published May 12 2009

By: Peter Passi, Duluth News Tribune

As of June 1, you’d better pack a U.S. passport or passport card if you’re planning a trip to Canada.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The new border rules originally had been scheduled to take effect in January 2008, but they were delayed to give people more time to come into compliance.
Don’t count on a second reprieve."

"Anyone who has travel plans to Canada in the early part of June and who hasn’t already applied for proper documentation could face problems. Obtaining a passport currently requires four to six weeks of lead time. Expedited service is available for a charge, but even this option currently takes two to three weeks."

"A U.S. passport costs $100, is good for 10 years and allows the bearer to travel by land, water or air.

The newly created passport card costs $45 and remains valid for 10 years, but is good only for ground travel."

&

"The harder part could be for U.S. citizens lacking proper passport or passport cards to return home from Canada."

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On the Web: www.getyouhome.gov.

SDR - U.S. passport rules changing

Spencer Daily Reporter

U.S. passport rules changing

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

By Kris Todd

Daily Reporter Staff

Planning to cross a U.S. border this summer?

As of June 1, 2009, anyone traveling out of the country will need to have a valid passport or passport card to re-enter the United States.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"This requirement marks the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative's second phase. The first phase of this initiative, which went into effect in January 2008, required all air travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean and Bermuda to have a passport or other accepted form of documentation to enter or depart the U.S. The upcoming phase, set to take effect in 26 days, will also target travelers entering or departing via land and sea border crossings."

EPT - Passport rules kick in June 1

El Paso Times

Passport rules kick in June 1

By Ramon Bracamontes / El Paso Times

Posted: 04/28/2009 12:00:00 AM MDT

EL PASO -- This time the deadline for passports is for real.

Starting June 1, any U.S. citizen returning to El Paso from Juárez must have a U.S. passport. It doesn't matter if it is a traditional blue U.S. passport or one of those new passport cards that look like a driver's license, officials said.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"All of the land and sea requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative go into effect in June 2009. That means any U.S. citizen traveling to Mexico or Canada needs a passport to return."

"Originally, the passport requirement for entering the United States by land was scheduled to go into effect in January 2008 but was pushed back to June 2009. The passport requirement for air and sea travelers was originally scheduled for January 2007. It too was pushed back."

"Since November 2006, the district clerk has processed 55,680 passport applications, which generated $1.7 million in revenue for the county."

&

"A passport costs $100 for an adult and $85 for a child. The passport cards costs $45 for adults, $35 for children."

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Ramon Bracamontes may be reached at rbracamontes@elpasotimes.com; 546-6142.

USA-T - It's time to prepare for new border crossing rules

From my archive of press clippings:

USA Today

It's time to prepare for new border crossing rules

By Bill McGee, special for USA TODAY

All borders are created equal. It may sound overly simplistic to point this out, but every day Americans who would never forget to bring proper documentation when traveling outside the country on a commercial airline flight or cruise ship attempt to drive or walk from Canada or Mexico without making the same provisions.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"And starting on June 1, visiting some of our closest neighbors—including Bermuda and most Caribbean countries, as well as Canada and Mexico—will become much more complex with the implementation of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. In fact, if you haven't applied for a passport yet, it may be time you give it serious thought."

"The new rules that kick in on June 1 will affect travel from 19 countries in all (see box at left), and many are nations that millions of Americans have been traveling to and from for years without carrying valid passports. But two months from now, new rules mandate that "most" U.S. citizens entering the country by land, sea, or air must establish both identity and citizenship and therefore must possess one of the following:
• passport
• passport card
• other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security
Those "other travel documents" include Lawful Permanent Resident Cards; certain Native American tribe member cards; North American trusted traveler program cards, such as NEXUS (Northern Border program), SENTRI (Southern Border program), or FAST (Free and Secure Trade program); military ID with official travel orders; U.S. Merchant Mariner Documents; or enhanced driver's licenses (EDLs). Currently, four border states—Arizona, New York, Vermont, and Washington—have announced EDL programs, which issue driver's licenses imbedded with security chips that will expedite crossings. "

&

" NEVER give attitude to federal employees. Whether they represent Customs and Border Protection, Immigration, Agriculture, or any of the other agencies you may encounter at a border crossing, these folks should command the same respect as when you're trapped behind those heavy doors at an international airport's arrivals hall. (And consider for a moment how angry you'd be if they allowed a terrorist into the United States through a "side door" such as Canada or Mexico.)"

_____

Bill McGee, a contributing editor to Consumer Reports and the former editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter, is an FAA-licensed aircraft dispatcher who worked in airline operations and management for several years. Tell him what you think of his latest column by sending him an e-mail at USATODAY.com at travel@usatoday. Include your name, hometown and daytime phone number, and he may use your feedback in a future column.

BDC - New travel regs looming

Bozeman Daily Chronicle

New travel regs looming


published on Monday, April 13, 2009 10:05 PM MDT

By Chronicle Staff

Getting in and out of the country, even just over the border into Canada, is about to get more complicated.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Beginning June 1, border-crossing requirements will change for travelers age 16 and older and a birth certificate and driver's license will no longer be sufficient to get back into the United States.

Instead, travelers will have to have a document approved by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to cross the border.The so-called “passport cards” will only be valid for land or sea crossings between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region and Bermuda.

Old-fashioned passports will still be valid for travel by land, air or sea and for all destinations.

U.S. citizens under 16 will still be able to cross the borders by land or sea with their birth certificate, naturalization certificate or citizenship card, but they must have a passport to travel by air."

AWM - AAA Texas: Begin Passport Process Now If Planning Summer Travel Abroad

Ajax World Magazine



AAA Texas: Begin Passport Process Now If Planning Summer Travel Abroad

Mar. 31, 2009 02:14 PM


HOUSTON, TX -- (Marketwire) -- 03/31/09 -- As a result of the positive response in Houston offering free and discounted passport photos last week, AAA Texas is expanding the offer to include the Dallas-Ft. Worth area offices Thursday, April 2 and Friday, April 3. AAA Texas reminds all vacationers to begin the passport process if you need to get it in time for summer travel.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The Houston area offices will also provide the discounted passport photo service again this week. Additionally, the Houston offices will extend the offer to include the last Thursday and Friday of every month through the end of the year.

The U.S. Department of State website reports routine passport applications can take 4 to 6 weeks to process and expedited service can take 2 to 3 weeks for completion. It's now essential to have a passport if you plan to travel outside of the United States. Regulations under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be tightened in less than two months. On June 1st, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel documents approved by the Department of Homeland Security. For more information go to http://travel.state.gov "

StTS - State Department Promotes Passport Cards

From my archive of press clippings:

St. Thomas Source

State Department Promotes Passport Cards

by Pamela Reid


Florence Fultz of the U.S. State Department presents Lt. Gov. Gregory Francis with a new, wallet-sized passport.

Feb 26, 2009 – It's small, but it opens the world to anyone who has one.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The U.S. Department of State is promoting the use of a new, wallet-sized passport card to take the place - in some cases - of the larger, traditional passport book."

"While the State Department is working hard to promote the new cards, they haven't yet become commonplace in this area."

&

"According to the passport application,

"The passport card is a U. S. Passport issued in card format.

Like the traditional passport book, it reflects the bearer's origin, identity and nationality and is subject to existing passport laws and regulations.

Unlike the passport book, the passport card is valid only for international travel by land or sea between the United States, Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda.

It is not globally interoperable and is not valid for travel by air to or from any foreign destination."

State Department officials were unclear on the implications for seaplanes but said they would seek clarification. The card can also be used as proof of identity and citizenship. Requirements for the passport card are the same as for a passport book."

GE - Outsourced State Department visa work criticized by House panel

From my archive of press clippings:

Government Executive

Outsourced State Department visa work criticized by House panel

By Chris Strohm

CongressDaily

June 26, 2008

The State Department came under fire in Congress Wednesday for outsourcing visa processing work in Mexico to a contractor without an open competition.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"It created a program under which Computer Sciences Corp. has been given responsibility to collect visa information and fingerprints of Mexicans applying for new border crossing cards, which serve as an official document for Mexicans to enter the United States."

"The work by Computer Sciences Corp. is being performed under a modification to an existing contract the company has with the State Department, Tony Edson, State's deputy assistant secretary for visas, said at the hearing."

"The department estimates that more than 5.7 million cards will expire between 2008 and 2012, meaning that applications for them will surge."

&

"State Department officials must be prepared to handle applications for passports or passport-like cards from U.S. citizens living in Mexico, GAO said.

By law, they will need a passport or passport card to enter the United States by land crossings beginning in June 2009."

MT - County clerk cancels passport program. Residents still can take applications to the post office; staffing levels forced the move.

Mail Tribune

County clerk cancels passport program. Residents still can take applications to the post office; staffing levels forced the move.

March 10, 2009

By Damian Mann

Mail Tribune

Local residents no longer have the convenience of heading to the Jackson County Clerk's Office to get passports because of recent staff reductions.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"In 2008, the U.S. began issuing passport cards, which can be used to enter the country from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, as well as land border crossings or sea ports of entry.

So far, 700,000 U.S. passport cards have been issued, with an average wait time of three weeks. The cards are about the size of a credit card and are less expensive than a passport book, but cannot be used for international air travel.

The card costs $45 for a first-time adult passport applicant and $35 for all minor applicants under age 16. Adults who already have a fully valid passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewal by mail and pay only $20.

For passport application forms, documentation, fees or international travel information, go to www.travel.state.gov."

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Reach reporter Damian Mann at 776-4476 or dmann@mailtribune.com.

HC - Passport Alert

From my archive of press clippings:

Hartford Courant

Passport Alert

February 22, 2009

If you're traveling outside the U.S. in 2009, here are two pieces of advice: Get or renew your passport now, and think twice before planning a car trip to Mexico or Canada in June.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Starting June 1, 2008 (unless Congress changes the deadline), Americans will need to show a passport, a passport card or other special document to return to the U.S. by land or sea from Mexico and Canada."

GFH - North Dakota to use federal passport alternative for border crossings

Grand Forks Herald



North Dakota to use federal passport alternative for border crossings

Published March 05 2009


North Dakotans traveling to Canada and Mexico after June 1 will have a less expensive option than a passport to ease Canadian border crossings. The state had been looking to issue its own enhanced driver's license, but instead opted for the U.S. State Department-issued passport cards, or "passcards" that are available now.

By: Kevin Bonham, Grand Forks Herald

North Dakotans traveling to Canada and Mexico after June 1 will have a less expensive option than a passport to ease Canadian border crossings.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The state had been looking to issue its own enhanced driver's license, but instead opted for the U.S. State Department-issued passport cards, or "passcards" that are available now.
They cost $45 for adults, compared with $100 for passports. And they fit in a wallet, just like a driver’s license."

"(T)he provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario have developed an enhanced identification card that meets U.S. federal guidelines."

"The U.S. passport card differs from a passport in that it easily fits into a wallet and may be used as a border crossing document when returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda by land or sea.

But residents traveling by air must use a passport."

&

"A passport costs $100 for those 16 and older and $85 for those younger (renewals are less).

A passcard costs $45 for those 16 and older ($25 if you have a passport) and $35 for those younger.

The passcard is valid for 10 years for those 16 and older and valid for 5 years for those younger."

TDN - Passport office opens in Detroit ahead of new ID requirements. Officials tout quicker application processing with outlet in Michigan.

The Detroit News

Passport office opens in Detroit ahead of new ID requirements. Officials tout quicker application processing with outlet in Michigan.


Monday, March 16, 2009


Tanveer Ali / The Detroit News

DETROIT -- The U.S. State Department is opening a passport office today in advance of new identification requirements that take effect June 1.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"The Detroit Passport Agency, 211 W. Fort, on the second floor, is one of four new locations across the country.

On June 1, Americans will be required to have passports or similar documents when returning to the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda."

&

"The U.S. State Department is offering a passport card to be used as a stand-in for a passport book. In October, plans for an enhanced driver's license were approved, providing Michigan residents who are U.S. citizens a cheaper alternative to a passport. The IDs are expected to be available by the end of spring."

TIFDJ - Passport Fair set for March 24 at RRCC

The International Falls Daily Journal

Passport Fair set for March 24 at RRCC


Submitted by Journal Staff on March 11, 2009 - 11:38am


Effective June 1, United States citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other approved travel document

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Effective June 1, United States citizens must present a valid U.S. Passport Book, U.S. Passport Card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security, when entering the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda at land border crossings or sea ports-of-entry.

All foreign air travel already requires U.S. Citizens to present a valid U.S. Passport Book."

WIBC - Lugar Hosts Events to Educate on Upcoming Passport Changes

WIBC

Lugar Hosts Events to Educate on Upcoming Passport Changes


By Network Indiana 3/4/2009


U.S. Senator Dick Lugar is hosting passport fairs across the state this week.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Currently, all U.S. citizens must present a passport book when traveling by air to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda.

But starting June 1, it will also be necessary to have a passport book or card to enter the U.S. from land borders or sea ports."

&

"A passport book costs $100, but a passport card is available for $45. The card is good only for land and sea border crossings to Canada or Mexico."

ND - US travelers snapping up cards for border trips

From my archive of press clippings:

Newsday

US travelers snapping up cards for border trips

July 28, 2008

WASHINGTON - The State Department's new passport cards, which are wallet-sized identification cards designed to speed border crossings by U.S. citizens to Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean, are proving popular already.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"More than 350,000 Americans have pre-ordered the passport cards, according to the State Department.

The card is not valid for any type of air travel.

It can only be used for land and sea crossings between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or the Caribbean.

Beginning in June 2009, travelers will be required to present documents proving both citizenship and identity when entering the U.S. through a land or sea border.

For Americans who drive to Canada or Mexico or cruise regularly to the Caribbean, but who do not expect to fly abroad, the passport card is a cheaper, smaller, more portable alternative to a conventional passport book."

PJ - Western Hemisphere visits will soon require a passport

Poughkeepsie Journal

Western Hemisphere visits will soon require a passport


By Brad Kendall • March 3, 2009


In three months, on June 1, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative goes into effect.


The U.S. Customs and Border Protection Service program will affect those Americans entering the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. (Those entering by air are required to use a U.S. Passport now and in the future.)

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Currently, Americans crossing these borders can do so using photo identification and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a birth certificate. After June 1, Americans crossing these borders will be required to use either a U.S. passport, a U.S. passport card, a New York state enhanced driver's license, or an enhanced photo identification card."

&

"The New York state enhan-ced driver's license, the en-hanced non-driver's ID card or an enhanced learner's permit are valid for land and sea crossings from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. These are not valid for international air travel. To upgrade a valid license, permit or non-driver ID, the cost is $40. If you upgrade your document at time of renewal, there is an additional $30 fee on top of the license or ID fee."

UPI - New U.S. passport cards readied

From my archive of press clippings:

United Press International

New U.S. passport cards readied

Published: July 21, 2008 at 12:04 PM

WASHINGTON, July 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. State Department says it's about to release the first new "passport cards," wallet-sized documents meant for day-tripping land border crossings.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"New rules instituted to help prevent terrorism mandate that U.S. citizens who cross land borders into Mexico or Canada will need to show a passport to re-enter the country after June 1, 2009."

TAR - Border passport deadline looming

From my archive of press clippings:

The Arizona Republic

Border passport deadline looming

by Dennis Wagner - Feb. 12, 2009 12:00 AM


The State Department is trying to prevent a public-relations mess, not to mention chaos at U.S. border checkpoints, by warning Americans that they won't be allowed to enter the country from Mexico after June 1 without a passport.

Read the whole article here.

Snippet(s):

"Those who are turned away will have to seek emergency documents through a U.S. consular office - a process that may take 24 hours or more.

During an Arizona tour this week, Brenda Sprague, deputy assistant secretary of State for passport services, said her office is prepared to handle an onslaught of up to 30 million applications as the deadline nears."

"The State Department issued a record 18.5 million passports in 2007. Despite the looming deadline,Sprague said the 2009 fiscal year is on track for only 12 million applications."

&

"The government approved the wallet-size cards as a cheap and convenient alternative to passport books. They may be used only by citizens returning to the United States through land or seaports from Mexico, Canada, Bermuda and the Caribbean. Air travelers must carry full passports."