Sunday, May 31, 2009

New rules to impact U.S.-Mexico border

Legally crossing the border into the U.S. will be different after several new rules are going to come into effect on Monday.

The new rules- which were drafted shortly after 9/11- states that U.S. citizens returning home from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda will need to carry one of several approved types of government-issued IDs. The method of showing a regular driver's license or birth certificate and answering a few questions will be scrapped. Instead, travelers will have to show forms like a valid U.S. passport or an enhanced driver's license (only available in Michigan, New York, Vermont and Washington).

The new rules reportedly don’t apply to travelers returning from Puerto Rico due to the island’s status as a U.S. commonwealth. Mexican nationals- such as the hundreds who cross the border to shop, work, or go to school- are also exempt from the new regulations:
All Mexican nationals, including children, are currently required to present a passport with a nonimmigrant visa or other approved travel documents to cross the U.S. border. The new law will not change current practices.

However, it will affect U.S. residents attempting to re-enter the country at the southern border. They will face the same document requirements as at the northern border.
Image- AP
Online Sources- Connecticut Post, CNN, Houston Chronicle, Canada.com

1 comment:

  1. Anonymous5:17 PM

    My husband grew up along the border: unfortunately, a Caucasian with blue eyes...he was literally beat up several times a day (note: while "Security Guards" watched). News for those of you who are uneducated in this matter: They do NOT love the USA, and in fact, wish to take it over. Have you been there? Have you seen the Mexican flags? Have you been beat up because of your blue eyes? Please, for the love of any shred of American Love you have, endorse protecting our borders and enforcing laws against ILLEGAL immigration. I beg you!

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