Tougher identification standards for U.S. and Canadian citizens went into effect January 31 2008
People entering the country will no longer be allowed to simply declare to immigration officers at border crossings that they are citizens. Instead, those 19 and older will have to show proof of citizenship - a passport, trusted traveler card or a birth certificate and government-issued ID such as a driver's license. for short lets just call them your travel papers ok
There were no unusual delays during the morning rush hour in Detroit, which has the busiest northern border crossing, The bridge and tunnel crossings between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario typically can see wait times of about 30 minutes to enter the U.S.
At the Highgate Springs port of entry at the top of Interstate 89 in Vermont, nearly all motorists were carrying the papers they needed. Waits to cross the border were no more than two to three minutes.
In North Dakota, officials at the Pembina port of entry reported only one vehicle out of 250 crossing from Canada as of midmorning did not have there travel papers in order.
Congress approved the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in 2004, which requires verified citizenship and identification of all those entering the country from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean in short must have travel papers. The passport requirement for land and sea crossings has been delayed until June 2009.
Mexican citizens will continue to have to present valid passports and visas. Canadian citizens previously were not required to show a passport.
The times they are a changing,,,,,
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