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The Department of State (DOS) issued a press release announcing that it plans to expand the existing network of 21 passport agencies and centers nationwide by opening new passport agencies in the following locations:
- Vermont
- Buffalo, New York
- El Paso, Texas
- Atlanta, Georgia
- San Diego, California.
DOS will also establish public counters at two existing locations, the National Passport Center in Portsmouth, NH, and the Arkansas Passport Center in Hot Springs, AR.
The Press Release notes that "These new agencies will be open to the public and will provide the citizens of these communities with easy access to the full range of passport services. These agencies will have the capability to issue passports onsite and provide same-day service to qualified applicants."
DOS opened a new apssport agency in Detroit in March, and plans to open facilities in Dallas and Tucson later this summer.
On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI (Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative). Everyone traveling by air must now have a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. The proposed rules require most US citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Those other documents include: - Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)
- State Issued Enhanced Driver's License (when available)
- Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)
- U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
- U.S. Merchant Mariner Document when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business
- Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
- Form I-872 American Indian Card
US citizen children under the age of 16 will be able to present the original or copy of their birth certificate, or other proof of US citizenship such as a naturalization certificate or citizenship card.
The US passport card costs $45 and is valid for 10 years. It cannot be used for international air travel. Information on the card is here. DHS states that it has issued 1 million cards so far and is taking 4-6 weeks for approval.
More information on the WHTI and documentary requirements is available at the DHS website here and here and on the Customs and Border Protection website here.
Photo by Mohan S.
The USCIS Office of Community Relations issued a reminder that certain people must get Advance Parole before traveling outside the US for the holidays. Martin Immigration Law circulated a "Holiday 2008 Travel Guidelines" document to clients and friends a few weeks ago, and you can review this on our website. It is always a good idea to make sure that you have the correct documents to return to the US well before making any international travel plans.
