I despair of our idiot government ever understanding the real world.
Under the new system, citizens will have two options. They can present one document that proves both identity and citizenship, such as a passport; U.S. military identification; or a government-issued Trusted Traveler Card such as the SENTRI pass.Alternatively, they can present a driver's license and proof of citizenship, which can take the form of a birth certificate (a photocopy is OK) or certificate of naturalization.
Those rules go into effect today. Here is the full set of rules.
I note that a current passport fulfills the single-document requirement, "proving" both citizenship and identity. (Let's not go into the possibility that someone might get a forged passport.) If you're planning a trip to El Paso or San Diego, do you carry your passport? If not, forget going over to Ciudad Juarez or Tijuana. And that two-document alternative? A driver's license fulfills the ID portion, but a birth certificate is the recommended proof of citizenship.
How many of us can even lay their hands on a copy of their birth certificate?
I hate what this government is doing to us in the name of protecting us.
Oh, and what the hell is a SENTRI pass? Ah.
SENTRI is the Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection, Customs and Border Protection’s trusted traveler program for approved frequent border crossers. SENTRI allows members access to a dedicated commuter lane that expedites crossing between the U.S. and Mexico.Posted by Linkmeister at January 31, 2008 09:14 AM | TrackBack