FINAL RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE U.S. SECTION OF THE
NORTH AMERICAN COMPETITIVENESS COUNCIL (NACC)

NACC is part of SPP

http://www.americas-society.org/coa/NACC/indexNACC.html

WESTERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INTIATIVE
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) should also be implemented with
serious consideration given to how it will affect trade, tourism and travel. Current law
requires the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of State to
promulgate regulations requiring travelers— including American citizens—entering or
re-entering the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean to present a document or
combination of documents denoting both identity and citizenship by January 1, 2008.
Since most U.S. citizens do not own a passport and they are relatively expensive, it is
imperative that the departments seek workable alternatives, preferably using existing
documentation. A non-discretionary state issued document, such as an enhanced
driver’s license or identity card developed in coordination with the federal government,
is an alternative to consider which will meet the statutory requirements. However,
current law also gives DHS and the Department of State discretion to develop low-cost
and easily obtainable federally issued documents for travelers, allowing for safe travel
without over-burdening border communities, international trade, and the travel and
tourism industry. The impending deadline of WHTI could pose problems with
implementation—there will be no time for pilot programs, and there is currently a lack
of awareness among the public. A delay in implementation should be enacted
legislatively.
Recommendations
• Implement alternative, genuinely low-cost, and easily attainable documents to
the passport.
• Waive or reduce fees for children.
• Run an outreach campaign in regions that will be the most affected by WHTI,
partnering with the private sector, including:
• Written notifications at or near public facilities, including border crossings,
schools, libraries, Amtrak stations, and United States Post Offices near the
border,
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• Consent to post such notifications on commercial property, such as offices of
state departments of motor vehicles, gas stations, supermarkets, convenience
stores, hotels, and travel agencies;
• An analytical study to measure the success of the public promotion plan
• Execute an economic analysis on WHTI implementation.
• Extend the implementation deadline of WHTI for land border crossings.
• Implement a pilot program in states with the highest traffic volume to test the
processes required for the new restrictions.
• The Secretaries of State and DHS should work with appropriate Mexican and
Canadian authorities to certify their IDs, including driver’s licenses, meet
security requirements and include a citizenship verification mechanism. Such
licenses may be used for travel to the U.S.
• The Secretary of DHS should set up a limited short-term pass program or
otherwise facilitate people who come to the border without documents.
• A reasonable grace period should be established at border crossings, during
which time people lacking documents are educated about their options and
allowed to pass.

• Appropriations should be authorized to implement new technology
infrastructures and support to states for implementation of the enhanced drivers
license.