Passports

So far 98 percent of folks passing through customs in  Eastport have complied with a new law that requires passports.

Tish Lagerwey, area port director, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said when the new passport law went into effect on June 1, it was a somewhat non-event.  The law requires that all people who travel across the Canadian and Mexican borders present a valid passport, passport card or valid travel documents when entering and reentering the United States.

The new law has not slowed down the process of crossing the border and people have not complained to them about the change.

 “We were geared up for it, but getting the word out early seemed to work,” said Lagerwey.  “We reached out to the Bonners Ferry Visitors Center, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce and casino to get the word out.”

According to Lagerwey, 100,000 cars and trucks pass through Eastport customs annually.

Lagerwey shared a quote from Jayson P. Ahern, acting deputy commissioner for U.S. Customs and Border Protection. “For terrorists travel documents are as important as weapons,” Ahern said.

This is a fact recognized by the 911 commission and is how the new passport requirement law was born.  Pre 911 the United States officials really didn’t know who was crossing their borders, according to Lagerwey. 

On Jan. 25, 2007, The Department of Homeland Security voted on the passport requirements.  The delay in implementing the requirements was because people were not ready and had to get used to the idea, according to Lagerwey.

“Most of them are in the process of getting a passport, but it just takes time,” said Lagerwey. Some are still trying to get birth certificates.  People are carrying proof that they have applied, but don’t have to have it at this point.”

People who are considered non-compliant receive “informed non-compliance” handout, which explains why they are not in compliance and what steps need to be taken to become compliant, however they are not turned back.  They can still go across the border.

“We are still in the informational stage and we want to be real flexible and real practical with what  we are doing at the border,” said Lagerwey.

Lagerwey said passports have made it easier at the border  because people carrying the new passports, which are scanned and eliminates agents having to type information and makes things a lot quicker.

 A traditional passport can be purchased for $100.  An alternative to a traditional Passport is the card passport.  This passport is about the size of a driver’s licesne and costs $45.  It is good only for travel across the border and not for overseas travel.

Applications can be picked up at the clerk of courts office at the Boundary County Courthouse.   Bring official proof of identification including a certified copy of a birth certificate and picture identification.

For information, call the county clerk’s office at 267-2242.