Wicker Applauds Change in Passport Policy

Press Release

Wicker Applauds Change in Passport Policy

U.S. Representative Roger Wicker welcomed the Department of State and the Department of Homeland Security's decision to temporarily suspend the documentation requirements for U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean.

"This is good news and will relieve a bureaucratic nightmare that has disrupted the travel plans of thousands of Americans," Wicker said.

The change allows U.S. citizens who have applied for but not yet received passports to temporarily enter and depart from the U.S. with a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

The accommodation for air travel is being made because of the record-breaking demand for passports required by the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI was mandated in 2004 by Congress in an effort to strengthen border security and facilitate entry into the U.S. for citizens and legitimate international visitors. The requirements for air travel went into effect on January 23, 2007.

Representative Wicker has been actively involved in trying to find relief for travelers who have been affected by the backlog of passport applications and was pleased to learn of the temporary change in requirements. Wicker recently succeeded in including language during Committee consideration of the FY 2008 Homeland Security Appropriations bill urging Homeland Security to coordinate with the State Department in anticipating and planning for increased passport demand resulting from implementation of the Initiative. He also joined a large group of Members in sending a letter to Secretary of State Rice highlighting the problems being faced by citizens and requesting immediate action to remedy the situation.

"Solving this problem has been a priority, and I am encouraged to see the Administration respond. Border security remains an important issue, and we will continue to work to ensure the safety and security of Americans. I applaud the Departments of Homeland Security and State for their efforts on this issue," Wicker said.

According to the Department of State, adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application. Travelers who have not applied for a passport should not expect to be accommodated. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov.

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