On June 1, 2009, passport requirements will change, impacting many Americans.  The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will require that all U.S. citizens ages 19 and older must provide a valid passport book, passport card, or other travel document that denotes identity and citizenship to enter the U.S. upon returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean or Bermuda.  U.S. citizens will no longer be able to prove identity and citizenship by relying on an oral declaration alone. 

The goal of the WHTI is to strengthen U.S. border security while facilitating entry for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing standardized documentation that enables the Department of Homeland Security to quickly and reliably identify a traveler.

This change makes having a valid passport more important for all citizens.  The requirements to obtain a passport, and the differences between a passport book and passport card, are described in the form available on my website. 

If you are interested in obtaining more information, the Los Angeles Passport Agency is holding a “Passport Day in the USA” on March 28, 2009 from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at the Los Angeles Passport Agency at 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1000, Los Angeles, CA 90024. 

I hope this information is helpful to you.  Even if you do not have an international trip planned, it is a good idea to have a passport ready for future use.  You may find more details about the WHTI program on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website at http://www.getyouhome.gov/

Sincerely,

Barbara Boxer
United States Senator