U.S. to Require Passport To Re-Enter Country

[Flatlander]

But, to suggest we will somehow be safer because of it...I doubt it.

No kidding. I recently saw a news special on the CBC wherein they described one border crossing, I believe up through Quebec, whre there is no border station at all. The best they have there is a camera. On the Canada side, there was an RCMP detatchment in the next town that was responsible for that crossing. It was closed down due to detatchment cutbacks ans consolodations. On the US side was the camera. If a vehicle went through, the authorities may or may not pursue, depending upon whether or not the camera was being monitored at the time.

Beyon that one spot, there are numerous Indian reservations that straddle the border. The only authority is the local Band, and they don't seem to be held to the same standards as other crossings.

IMO, if someone really wanted to get into the US, they could. They'll find a way.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

How to secure the US Border:
1 - Build 2 big walls, 1 across the north, 1 across the south.
Walls must be wide enough to allow 2 lane vehicle traffic along the top.
Roads passing through the wall will have the appropriate customs/BP setup.
Wall should have manned watch towers within easy line of sight of each other.
Rapid Deployment units should be stationed accordingly.
The approach fore and rear of the walls should be clear and flat for 100 yards to allow easy viewing of any approaching individuals.
Said approach should also be well lit day and night to allow maximum visibility.
Persons passing through the wall must present correct papers or be barred entry.

Where it is impossible to build a wall (shorelines for example) manned fortified watchtowers should be built within line of sight of each other, and employ the latest in night watch technology.

To compliment these, the following should also be used.

- Line of sight naval and air patrols along all borders day and night.

- Shore Walkers to walk the shorelines and watch for suspicious activities.

- Fully fund, man, equip and educate the border patrol in the US, Canada and Mexico. (Canada and Mexico fund themselves.)

- Educate the populace to understand that free and easy travel is now gone, and that they must carry their ID at all times and present it whenever demanded.



and the final step.

Realize that regardless of what we do, what we spend, and what liberties we lose, a determined foe will still manage to get in and do damage, regardless of how many men he loses, and how much it costs him. But we will have done his work for him, having destroyed everything we ever stood for in the process of "saving it".

 

[Bammx2]

Do we get our own "check point charlie"?


Ya Vohl! do you heve your......pepers?!
:uhyeah:

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Privacy Advocates Criticize Plan To Embed ID Chips In Passports

Author: Sara Kehaulani Goo, Washington Post Source: Yahoo

Title: PRIVACY ADVOCATES CRITICIZE PLAN TO EMBED ID CHIPS IN PASSPORTS

A government plan to embed U.S. passports with radio frequency chips starting this summer is being met by resistance from travel and privacy groups who say the technology is untested and could create a security risk for travelers.

The embedded chips are designed to make passports work more like employee ID cards that can be passed over an electronic reader to gain access to a building. State Department officials said the new technology, commonly known as radio frequency identification (RFID), would allow customs agents to quickly process passengers at airports and borders. The passports are to be issued to diplomats starting in August, and then the program would expand to applicants for new passports over the next year.

State Department officials said the chips are part of a global effort to prevent passport fraud. Each chip will contain a digital record of all information printed on the passport, including the holder's name and document number. The chip will also contain the passport holder's photograph, enhanced by facial recognition technology. That way, even if the paper passport is altered, customs agents would be able to compare the information on the chip with the person presenting it. Options: [Read Full Story]

 

[Tgace]

Actually, I believe the boarder situation we have with Canada and Mexico is fairly unusual in regards to the lack of paperwork we need when compared to most other countries.

As far as sneaking across boarders, yes it can be done, but if you are in a terrorist cell attempting to "blend in" and "act normal" you dont want to be caught by the border patrol and questioned. "Sleepers" attempt to maintain as low of a profile as possible and that means entering in a normal manner. Yes if we harden the border they will attempt other methods, but that doesnt mean you dont make any effort to plug what holes you can. Why should any of us bother getting drivers licenses when you can just drive without one? Simple? because when you are caught driving without one it gives people (like me) the ability to look at you a little closer to see what else you may be up too.

That all being said. I will miss the "friendly neighbor" feeling I used to have just being able to go back and forth to Canada. Living as close to the border as I do its a bigger issue than to somebody who lives in a state like Texas.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Actually, I believe the boarder situation we have with Canada and Mexico is fairly unusual in regards to the lack of paperwork we need when compared to most other countries.

...

That all being said. I will miss the "friendly neighbor" feeling I used to have just being able to go back and forth to Canada. Living as close to the border as I do its a bigger issue than to somebody who lives in a state like Texas.

Yep. I'll miss it too. Growing up in Buffalo, visiting Ft Erie was often no more unusual than visiting Niagara Falls. Just zip over the bridge and hit the beaches.

 

[Tgace]

Will Mexico be facing the same thing??

 

[loki09789]

Yep. I'll miss it too. Growing up in Buffalo, visiting Ft Erie was often no more unusual than visiting Niagara Falls. Just zip over the bridge and hit the beaches.

I listen to a lot of Canadian radio (because I am hooked on groups like Bare Naked Ladies and the Tragically Hip and Great Big Sea.....) and I have noticed much more "We are Canadien" type stuff in the commerical programming the government announcements and such. This change from the Canadian side may also be part of an attempt to solidify a stronger "Canadien" identity that is more unique to the "American" Identity that Canada can get from other countries by 'hardening' the borders.'

I have heard the standing joke that Canada is just the USA with better beer as an example of the National confusion.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Since requiring everyone thinking of crossing the border to posses a valid passport is problematic, and since the intent is to be certain that the person coming in, is a US citizen, here is a thought.

If you do not have a passport, when you exit the country, you present what ID you do have. A finger print and photo is taken and stored on site. An aproximate reentry date is also listed.

You must reenter at the same point you exited.

When you return, you are again finger printed. Your face is compared against the photo on file, your finger prints are also compared. If it matches, youre in, if not......


All information is stored on location, encrypted, then destroyed after you return.

Wrong reentry date, no reentry, etc. can all be 'flagged' for further inspection.

Charge a small fee for the service.

This way, the casual traveler, or the relative visiting from "down south" or "out west" can do the spur of the moment travel, while the professional or regular can obtain a passport, which will minimize their delays and expenses.

 

[Tgace]

Good suggestion. However passport systems are already in place and that system isnt. So I wouldnt hold my breath....its all about the Benjamins.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

True.
I wonder how much the system would cost, considering fingerprint ID is in use on some laptops today. I think the system could easily be built using off the shelf parts for under $500 US per setup.

Then again, how many crossings are we really talking about? WNY has what, 4, 5?

 

[Tgace]

A "national ID card" could be another option. But the way things go you would probably wind up paying more for that than the passport.

 

[Feisty Mouse]

I listen to a lot of Canadian radio (because I am hooked on groups like Bare Naked Ladies and the Tragically Hip and Great Big Sea.....) and I have noticed much more "We are Canadien" type stuff in the commerical programming the government announcements and such. This change from the Canadian side may also be part of an attempt to solidify a stronger "Canadien" identity that is more unique to the "American" Identity that Canada can get from other countries by 'hardening' the borders.'

I have heard the standing joke that Canada is just the USA with better beer as an example of the National confusion.

I think the confusion lies with Americans (not all, but some) - every Canadian I have met is well aware of the often large differences between the two - which often comes out with the waves of Americans seeks drugs and healthcare up north, for example.

 

[Tgace]

True.
I wonder how much the system would cost, considering fingerprint ID is in use on some laptops today. I think the system could easily be built using off the shelf parts for under $500 US per setup.

Then again, how many crossings are we really talking about? WNY has what, 4, 5?

Come on Bob. Off the shelf technology?? We are talking about the same government here right??

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Well....I have been called a dreamer.

 

[Andrew Green]

I have heard the standing joke that Canada is just the USA with better beer as an example of the National confusion.

You got ber down there? I don't know if you can call that kool-aid beer

Plus health care

 

[Tgace]

Quick..lets tax them before they figure out the difference.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Well, if it wasn't for the requirements of living in an igloo, and having polar bears as neighbors....I'd be a canuck! (Heck, half my models are Canadian Gals.)

(I'm kidding. Please don't attack me with your Zamboni Death Squadron!)

 

[Tgace]

Most of our invasion troops wouldnt get past the strip bars they have strategicaly placed all along the border. **** smart move there.

 

[Bob Hubbard]

Only until they see the cover (or is that un-cover) charge.