DHS and DOS Ready to Implement WHTI Criteria
February 27, 2009 – 8:45 am
Yesterday, Department of Homeland Security and State disclosed that they met the sunset date of June 1, 2009, imposed by Congress on both Departments to complete implementing of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) criteria at land and sea border.
WHTI is a result of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Act of 2004 (IRTPA) that requires all travelers to present a passport or other documents that establish identity and citizenship when entering US by land or sea. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen US border security and develop a single standardized, secure and reliable documentation that facilitates US Citizens and travelers to quickly and reliably identify themselves to DHS.
However, many US citizens are required to show identity proof and US citizenship proof such as Passport, Passport Card or a Trusted Traveler Card when entering into US from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean countries by land and sea. Currently, Washington, New York, Vermont and Province of British Columbia are issuing Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL). Soon other states such as Michigan and additional Canadian provinces will be issuing EDL’s, which can be used as an option specifically designed for land and sea border use.
For further information, please click the link:
DHS and DOS Certify WHTI Criteria
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