June 10, 2005

New Passport Rules will Protect our Borders

COLUMBUS – Congresswoman Deborah Pryce (R-Upper Arlington) today released the following editorial:

“The summer vacation season is here, and it seems that many people are ready to get away for a while. According to the Travel Industry Association of America, Americans will take nearly 328 million trips between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Of those, 16 percent of people say they will travel outside the United States.

When most people think of international travel, visions of London, Paris or some other faraway destination come to mind. But did you know that the vast majority of U.S. international travel, nearly 86 percent, is just across our borders with Canada and Mexico? Today, travel across the borders to our neighboring countries is fairly simple. Although passports have long been required for travelers entering the United States from overseas, you could travel to and from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean with just a driver's license, birth certificate or other proof of residency. However, that policy is changing.

Since September 11, 2001, security at U.S. borders has been heightened, focusing on threat deterrence and preventing would-be terrorists from gaining entry into the United States. Last year, Congress passed an intelligence reform bill that will change the requirements for travelers entering the United States from any foreign country. Under the changes, by the end of this year, travelers entering the United States from the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central and South America will need a passport. By December 31, 2006, a passport will be required for all air and sea travel to and from Mexico and Canada. And by December 31, 2007, a passport will be needed for land border crossings as well.

For most travelers from other countries, carrying a passport is just part of taking a trip. But for Americans, unless you’ve been overseas, there’s never been the need for a passport. In fact, only 15 percent of Americans have a valid passport. Therefore, these potential travel requirements will have a significant effect on the travel plans of many people.

Fortunately, obtaining a passport is not difficult, although you need to plan in advance and be prepared to pay up to $100. For more information about obtaining a passport, visit my Web site at www.house.gov/pryce/passport.htm or contact my Columbus office at 614-469-5614.

The United States is the most open nation in the world. Our borders are the gateway for trillions of dollars in commercial trade, as well as for millions of visitors coming to see this great land each year. However, these same borders are potential entrance points for criminals and those who wish to do us harm. Just this past week, a man who allegedly committed a murder in Canada crossed the border into the United States. Border agents allowed him entry because he is a naturalized citizen. This event once again highlighted the concern that many Americans have about the security of our borders.

While there are some who oppose the thought of requiring all Americans to obtain a passport, increasing the use of passports by our citizens benefits our national security and promises less hassle for travelers. Many people complained about the long security lines and added checkpoints at airports over the past couple of years, but no one can say today that the minor inconvenience is not worth ensuring the safety of our airlines. In the end, the security of our country and the safety of its citizens are of the utmost importance.”