Changes Coming at Canadian Border

It's an effort to keep would-be terrorists out of the United States. Starting next month, cross...  More »

It's an effort to keep would-be terrorists out of the United States. Starting next month, crossing the international border back into the U-S will require a bit more identification. Shaun Sipma has the details... With a call for better security at our borders, Homeland Security is getting set to tighten up the reins on exactly who is crossing back into the United States starting January 31st. No longer will a driver's license and oral declaration be enough for U.S. citizens to get back into the country. (Brent Beeter, Area Port Director - Portal, ND) "The only thing that's different is we went, quit going from an oral declaration to us needing an ID. We've always had to have an ID in the past but now we want something that proves your citizenship, birth certificate, passport something like that." Area Port Director in Portal, North Dakota Brent Beeter says the change is to ensure the safety of the country and to ensure the identity of those who are traveling across the border. (Brent Beeter, Area Port Director - Portal, ND) "It's a security issue for us. If we get the right kind of documentation proving who you are or what your citizenship is it makes our job easier it makes your job in the future easier to get across the border." Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff says he is predicting longer lines at the border because of the change, but Beeter says those lines are expected at major ports like those in Buffalo, New York and Tacoma, Washington and not so much at smaller Ports of entry. (Brent Beeter, Area Port Director - Portal, ND) "It should go pretty much the same as it always has in the past." Beeter says the other form of identification either Birth Certificate, passport, military ID or other official document will be required after the 31st and those under the age of 18 will have to have either a passport or birth certificate. (Brent Beeter, Area Port Director - Portal, ND) "Most the time if you have a birth certificate or something like that, that's all we need." The rule change comes in advance of the passport requirement for everyone traveling back land, sea, or air that is set to go into effect in June of 2009. At Portal, North Dakota Shaun Sipma, KX News.  « Less