the CanadaVisa Team - 23 July, 2015
The United States government has delayed a requirement that people entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea must present a valid passport.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), set to be implemented in June 2008, has now been postponed to June 2009 at the earliest. Instead of passports, the American Department of Homeland Security will require a birth certificate or some other documentation proving citizenship as of January 31, 2008 from citizens of the United States, Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean. However, the passport requirement has already been implemented for those arriving by air.
"I am pleased that the U.S. has decided to delay the implementation of the WHTI for travel by land and sea," stated Canadian Minister of Public Safety Stockwell Day. "However I remain concerned about the impact the United States’ WHTI will have on the economy and border communities of both countries." Critics on both side of the border have argued that the WHTI could hurt commerce between Canada and the U.S., while doing little to safeguard the United States. Minister Day has been meeting with the American Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff to establish alternative secure documents.
There was additional speculation that border crossings would not be technologically equipped in time for the WHTI to be implemented this June. "In my meetings with Secretary Chertoff and members of Congress, I have been steadfast in underlining the importance of taking the time to get this right," stated Minister Day. "While the government’s efforts have produced results, we continue to encourage all Canadians to get a passport if they plan to travel to the United States."
