(February 7, 2008)

In an effort to beef up Homeland Security, there are some new, tougher requirements for driving into the United States at Mexican and Canadian border crossings.

Since lots of folks in this part of Texas routinely cross into Mexico for shopping and other reasons, we felt it would be helpful to present this special report.

Americans entering the U.S. from Mexico and Canada face new rules. Citizens now must present proof of citizenship. These new rules are part of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiaitive passed by Congress, aimed at keeping terrorists out.

"Yes, we will be able to perhaps to weed out those people that maybe shouldn't be in the U.S. or maybe prevent people that shouldn't enter the U.S. from entering," said Felix Garza, who works as Public Affairs Officer for U. S. Customs in the Rio Grande Valley. 

During the implentation phase, agents said Americans can either bring a passport or a passport card or a state i-d with a birth certificate. Children must have a birth certificate. Authorities said this will simplify the job for agents at the border.

"Hundreds of types of documents, id's are in circulation," Garza said. "Some were good and some were not as good, but under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, the documents have been limited about twelve. "

Now if you don't have the proper documents to enter the United States, agents said you will be referred to the secondary inspection area, but they emphasize one other thing, if you are a U.S. citizen, you will not be denied entry during this implementation phase.

"It's going to cause the traveler a loss of time," said Garza. "He's going to have to sit in one of our offices while we do the checks that we do to verify his citizenship and his identity."

Folks crossing the border support the new regulations.

"I think it's better.I think it's somewhat inconvenient for us as citizens, but I think it's the correct measure to take," said Jorge Elizondo, who lives in McAllen. 

Agents are even handing travelers a document, that explains the new rules.

"It is very good. It tell you exactly what documents you have to have with you," said Linda Bove, a San Antonio resident. "It's a very good document they have."

Not everybody is happy with the new requirements. Valley merchants said business is down more than a quarter over the last two years from its Mexican customers. They blame border security measures.

"The fact is there are a lot of people who don't want to wait too long on the line," said Pablo Hernandez, a McAllen merchant. "I think it's inconvenient for them to come and shop with us and bring us their money."

Across the border in Nuevo Progreso, the small town is normally booming with tourists, but with these new rules, businesses, dependent on American dollars, are suffering too.

"I have seen a considerable decrease in the number of Americans coming because of the new rules," said Francisco Pulido, who is a merchant in Progreso, Mexico. They don't think the passport would be enforced this quickly and people didn't get ready for it so it's costing us money."

These new rules will go into strict effect in 18 months, allowing only passports or passport cards. Agents said they'll do their best to keep the lines moving while keeping the homeland safe.

--Manuel De La Rosa, 3 News, mdelarosa@kiiitv.com

For Information on Rules for Crossing the Border on Land and Sea, please go to http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacation/ready_set_go/land_travel/

For more information on applying for a U.S. passport card or passport, please visit: travel.state.gov