Americans have long
enjoyed a friendly relationship with our neighbors to
the north in Canada, a relationship that has allowed for
free and easy travel across the longest unguarded border
in the world.
Improper implementation of
the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
could impede the flow of people and goods across our
borders. Passed by Congress and signed by the President
as part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism
Prevention Act of 2004, this program will require that,
as of January 1, 2008, all individuals crossing a land
border between the United States and Canada or Mexico
will be required to
present a passport, or an equivalent document, proving
identity and
citizenship. Such a program, if
not implemented properly and with the appropriate
cooperation between the United States and Canada and
Mexico, threatens the ease of trade and tourism, and
raises questions about the impact of such a program on
the personal lives of those affected.
The Western Hemisphere
Travel Initiative is of particular importance to Vermonters. Many
Vermont families, including Sen. Leahy’s, frequent Canada, where family
members live and where business is thriving.
Similarly, our Canadian friends enjoy many
Vermont treasures,
including our ski resorts and our own “great
lake,” Lake Champlain.
Business partnerships exist between many Vermont
and Canadian firms, helping to sustain the
economies of both regions.
Additionally, Vermont has a number of small towns along
the border that depend on access to neighboring Canadian
towns. In some cases these towns share emergency
assistance, grocery stores and other basic services.
Sen. Leahy, along
with many other Vermonters and residents of northern
border states, have long expressed concerns about the
law. At a cost of about $100, passports are an
expensive hardship for many, especially for families.
The proposed People Access Security Service, or PASS,
Card is a less costly alternative, but also raises a
number of new concerns, including issues of privacy and
effectiveness.
Sen. Leahy has been
a leader in the Senate in delaying the implementation of
this flawed program. He has successfully attached
amendments to the Senate’s massive immigration reform
bill, and two appropriations bills to delay the
implementation of the program until minimum standards
can be met to ensure the privacy, security, and ease of
individuals wishing to cross the border. Security can
be achieved, and not at the hindrance of trade, tourism
and local interests.
Resources from the Congressional Research Service:
The Congressional Research
Service provides members of Congress with non-partisan research and
analysis of legislation and issues. It's my goal to make all of
these reports available to the tax payer. You can read more
about my efforts
here.
Until then, I've made the below reports available in PDF form to help
you research this issue further.
Statements, Letters, And Releases
About
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative
