Effective January 1, 2008, all persons traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport in order to enter or reenter into the United States by land or sea, according the U.S. State Department.
Known as the Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative (WHTI), the program is an integral part of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA), signed into law by George W. Bush in December of 2004.
“I don’t see the logic in us having to carry around a passport when our license and social security card should be more than enough,” said TAMIU freshman Manuel Vela.
Currently, American travelers are not ordinarily required to present a passport when entering the country through land ports. In fact, a verbal declaration of citizenship is commonly all that is required. However, given the heightened U.S. emphasis on national security following the events of 9/11, numerous changes in government policy have since followed.
Freshman Jose De La Cruz expressed concern with the potential aftereffects of such a policy.
“I think that’s going to cause long lines at the bridge and slow down commerce,” said De La Cruz.
In response to such concerns, the State Department adds, “DHS has determined that the benefits, facilitation of travel and increased security…justify the potential costs.”
Alexandria Martinez, a TAMIU early childhood education major agrees.
“I think it’s good that they’re doing it,” Martinez said.
The standard fee to obtain a passport for a person age 16 and older is $97, which includes a $67 application fee and a $30 execution fee and will remain valid for a period of ten years. The application and issuance process is ordinarily completed within 6 weeks. However, due to present high demand, a delay of up to four additional weeks can currently be expected.
Surprisingly, students may not even need to travel far to submit their passport application materials. Unbeknownst to many, TAMIU’s Department of International Student Services is a designated passport acceptance facility and can, therefore, readily process student applications. In order to satisfy the requirements needed to obtain a passport a student must submit an Application for Passport, FORM DS-11, as well as valid proof of citizenship-preferably, a previous U.S. passport or a certified birth certificate. Additionally, two current 2×2 inch passport photographs will be required as well as the applicant’s social security number.
Mr. David VerMilyea, Director of International Student Services, points out that passport applications can even be electronically downloaded from the State Department’s website.
“You can just fill in all the forms and bring them with you,” VerMilyea said, pointing out, however, that the forms must remain unsigned pending the administration of an oath in front of a witness.
Students interested in submitting their passport applications through the Department of International Student Services are encouraged to call (956) 326-2282 in order to schedule an appointment.
Additional information regarding passport application processing may be obtained through the U.S. State Department’s official travel website at www.travel.state.gov or by calling the National Passport Information Center at 1-877-487-2778.