As a representative for a state with an international border, Congressman Dingell has worked closely with his colleagues to provide more funding for the latest innovations in border security. Congressman Dingell has also fought for more Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agents, and for enhanced screening procedures that would allow Michigan residents and Canadians to continue to enjoy the openness of our border and neighboring communities.

The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), authorized by a 2004 law known as the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act, was initiated to tighten security and create uniformity for citizens wishing to cross our borders with Mexico and Canada. Since the beginning of WHTI, Congressman Dingell has sought to ensure our Michigan border communities are not adversely affected by burdensome restrictions required by WHTI.

WHTI has mandated that beginning June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens traveling by land, sea or air, must have a current U.S. passport, passport book, or other federally-approved document to enter or return to the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean region or Bermuda.  Learn more about WHTI.

Residents of the 15th District should know that Congressman Dingell’s office is open for any questions, guidance, or help with passport issues. For information on how Representative Dingell may help in obtaining a passport, visit the constituent services webpage.

Since September 11, 2001, the need for an additional crossing over the Detroit River has become even more apparent.  With the Ambassador Bridge as the only point of entry for truck traffic in Metro Detroit, another crossing is critical to preventing any unnecessary delays between trade and traffic.  Congressman Dingell will continue to work with constituents interested in the location of another crossing that can handle both trucks and residential traffic and will ensure that any new crossing meets all U.S. environmental standards and regulations.

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