You just *know* there will be thousands and thousands of American tourists who don't know - and who show up at the border checkpoint in Vancouver, Windsor, San Ysidro with ... their drivers license.
So what in the world is going to happen to them?
Just have been wondering this - and figure it wouldn't hurt to remind FReepers the new requirements are here.
It's no longer "some time in the future".
The new requirements are here now.
I take your point: the hassle-free crossing between Canada and the US are a thing of the past, and requiring this added piece of documentation is going to cause havoc at places like Douglas/Blaine, at least for the first wee while.
(presumably they will phase it in?)
It has been a long time coming, but it is a manifestly more sensible scheme of arrangement during a time of war. Hassle-free crossing is an ill-afforded luxury during a time of war when the Enemy has shown, in the past, a willingness to use such conveniences to his advantage.
(I’m not thinking of 9/11 here, but rather the Y2K bomber who crossed at Port Angeles)
The new requirements are here now.
Didn't they say the same thing about Digital Broadcast Television?
I wonder how that will affect the people on Point Roberts (connected only to Canada, but part of the U.S.), right next to Tsawwassen?
I went there one time just to see what it looked like... LOL... (and to say I had been there... :-) ... )
The bags of hammers would have to have been buried under a rock not to have heard about this. It is been in the works for more than a year, and I must have seen several thousand TV ads telling people about it. I am sure they will have a “trial period” where you get one pass, that is, they’ll still let you in with your DL, but after that you will be superly screwed, because they will have a record of you not complying the first time. Last time I renewed my passport I got a passport card, too.
My question,exactly. I suppose we will be “Beneath the streets of Boston” forever, stuck on that fine line between Mexico and the USA. I hope they have “border” service
I am really all in favor of thousands upon thousands of pissed off Americans who want back into their country and are told they can’t come because they don’t have some federal paper.
The expression “THE HELL YOU SAY!” comes to mind.
What’s going to happen the first time an American citizen is arrested for illegal entry, having been observed crossing the border “illegally”?
“No, sir! I have my State driver’s license, which shows that I am a legal American citizen. You gonna try and deport me?”
“We saw you cross illegally!”
“Nope, wasn’t me. Must have been somebody who looks like me. I’m an American citizen. Y’all keep looking, now. This is the State of Arizona, and I have an Arizona driver’s license. I’m here, and if you touch me I’ll have *you* arrested for false arrest.”
etc. etc. etc. Americans can be pestiferous, if teased or annoyed.
Just try being in Canada or any other country ‘’illegally’’, if you’re lucky they’ll show you to the nearest Amer. consulate or embassy. If not so lucky,,, nice knowing you.
Just say “No hable engles!
They’ll let ya in.