U.S. to Tighten Border Controls by 2008

U.S. to Tighten Border Controls by 2008
By BARRY SCHWEID, AP Diplomatic Writer

Tuesday, April 5, 2005



(04-05) 08:52 PDT WASHINGTON, (AP) --


Americans will need passports to re-enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, Panama and Bermuda by 2008, part of a tightening of U.S. border controls in an era of terrorist threat, three administration officials said Tuesday.


Similarly, Canadians will also have to present a passport to enter the United States, said the officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity. Canadians have been the only foreigners allowed to enter the United States with just a driver's license.


An announcement, expected later Tuesday at the State Department, will specify that a passport or another valid travel document will have to be shown by U.S. citizens, the officials said.


Until now, Americans returning home from Canada have needed only to show a driver's license or other government-issued photo identification card.


more...
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2005/04/05/national/w084918D45.DTL

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=102x1369745


:hi:

As a practical matter, can poor people afford to keep a passport on hand at all times so they can leave the country and get back in later if need be?

How much does this add to yearly living expenses in order to have the freedom to come and go on a whim?


On edit: typo, clarity adjustment.