BLAINE, Wash. (AP) - New rules requiring passports or new
high-tech documents to cross the United States' northern and
southern borders are taking effect Monday.
Some rue the tightening of security and others hail it as long
overdue.
The rules are being implemented nearly eight years after the
Sept. 11 attacks and long after the 9/11 Commission recommended the
changes. They were delayed by complaints from state officials who
worried the restrictions would hinder the flow of people and
commerce and affect border towns dependent on international
crossings.
In 2001 a driver's license and an oral declaration of
citizenship were enough to cross the Canadian and Mexican borders.
Monday's changes are the last step in a gradual tightening of the
rules.
Now thousands of Americans are preparing by applying for
passports or obtaining special driver's licenses that can also be
used to cross the border.
