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U.S. to Require Passport To Re-Enter Country

Posted by Zonk on from the friendly-greeting dept.

The Hobo writes "The CBC is reporting that starting in 2007, most Canadians will require a passport to cross into the United States and by 2008 Americans who crossed freely into Canada will be unable to return to the United States without a passport. The tougher new rules still allow Canadians to cross without being fingerprinted, but every person from any other country will be required to submit to fingerprinting." From the article: "Currently, Canadians and Americans are able to enter the United States with little more identification than a driver's licence or a birth certificate, though a passport has sometimes made it simpler to satisfy immigration officers at the border."

3 of 1,223 comments (clear)

  1. No big deal... by cubicleman · · Score: 0, Redundant

    I take my passport with me anytime I go outside the US now, so why should it be any different with Canada?

  2. Re:Mexico, Eh? by WaterBreath · · Score: 0, Redundant
    There are other documents that prove you're a US citizen, like a birth certificate or naturalization certificate.

    Well, until they start putting up-to-date photos on those, you're going to have to produce a valid, reliable, photo ID in addition, to prove that it's your birth certificate, and not stolen from someone else. So, guess what, you need to have more than that.

    And since state ID or driver's licenses are so easy to fake and so different between states, they're going to require passports.

  3. Re:Say goodbye by Rac3r5 · · Score: 1, Redundant

    You know something, you are so right.

    I used to buy stuff from the states because its cheaper than Canada. When I go to the states, to pick up electronic gadgets (e.g. mp3 player) I get harassed by the US border customs every time I enter. They ask me the same questions over and over again, what is your reason for coming (normal question), where do you work, what is your occupation, when did you buy this car, do you own this car, how long have you owned this car, have you ever been denied entry into the US. Can you turn your car off, give me the keys and open your trunk. This might sound something routine, but my caucasian friends/co-workers don't get bothered at all. The serbian girl who works with me told me that she this has never happened to her, and she has a serbain accent and all. My other colored friends have all told me that they get harassed as well. Well guess what, now I don't buy stuff from the States anymore. A number of us avoid a stop over at the States while travelling by plane. This dumb attitude by the US, doesn't help their already crappy image in Canada.