DHS
and DOS propose to roll out the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in phases,
providing as much advance notice as possible to the affected public to enable
them to acquire the necessary documents before the deadline. As
previously noted, the passport (U.S. or Foreign) will be the document of choice
for entry or re-entry into the U.S. However, another document that we anticipate
will be acceptable under the travel initiative is the Border Crossing Card, (BCC
- or "laser visa"). Currently, the BCC serves in lieu of a passport
and a visa for citizens of Mexico traveling to the U.S. from contiguous territory.
Other documents that we anticipate will be acceptable under this Initiative are
the Customs and Border Protection Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid
Inspection (SENTRI), NEXUS and Free and Secure Trade (FAST) program cards. Additional
documents are also being examined to determine their acceptability for travel.
The public will be notified of additional travel document options as those determinations
are made. The government would expect that acceptable documents must establish
the citizenship and identity of the bearer, enable electronic data verification
and checking, and include significant security features. Ultimately, all documents
used for travel to the U.S. are expected to include biometrics that can be used
to authenticate the document and verify identity.
(Source:
US
Department of State)
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