Originally published June 26, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 26, 2007 at 2:00 AM
Editorial
So near, so far with a passport
The Homeland Security Department granted a reasonable reprieve for travelers worried a huge backlog of passport applications...
The Homeland Security Department granted a reasonable reprieve for travelers worried a huge backlog of passport applications would foil their plans for foreign travel. But it's only a reprieve.
To re-enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and some Caribbean nations, you won't need a passport until summer 2008 — about a six-month break on the deadline that spurred the rush of passport applications. Congress should resist those who would push the requirement back even further — to mid-2009. That kind of delay is excessive, especially considering the passport requirement is a key recommendation of the 9/11 commission to improve border security. Consider, the sixth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks approaches and the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C., is less than three years off.
Starting Jan. 31, travelers wanting to get into the United States without a passport still will need to show some other form of government-issued picture identification, such as a driver's license, and proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. That's something border agents already recommend.
No longer will you be able to get back into the United States by vouching verbally for your own citizenship.
The deferral of the passport requirement is a reasonable compromise to ease the passport crunch. Still, some travelers bound to other foreign destinations and needing a passport have been snared in the backlog that has increased wait times from six weeks to as much as four months.
Six months is a reasonable delay. The agency should take full advantage of this reprieve and increase its ability to process what will continue to be a rapid clip of applications.
Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company
NEW - 07:24 PM
Editorial: Some guidance for Seattle City Council in 2009
NEW - 04:01 PM
Editorial: Seattle Thunderbirds are dropping the puck in Kent's new ShoWare Center

Snoqualmie flooding
Early flooding in the Snoqualmie Valley from the Snoqualmie and Tolt Rivers.
AP's News Minute
All of today's news in one minute.
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
nwhomes

Find a new home or condo that fits your lifestyle.
Search New Developments
Builder Directory
- 20 miles of I-5 closed in Lewis County; possible closure near Fife
- 11 gay bars get letters threatening ricin attacks
- Pelicans fall out of sky from Mexico to Ore.
- Steve Kelley | UW football is "a sleeping giant" and Nick Holt plans to inject adrenaline
- Issaquah Creek spills onto streets
- Federal racketeering trial begins for Washington Hells Angels
- UW Basketball | Players, coaches move beyond Caleb Forrest incident
- Eating certain foods together helps with nutrient absorption
- Kirkland's Jason Mesnick spills about "The Bachelor"
- Prep Basketball | KingCo 4A: Tony Wroten has finishing touch in 59-54 Garfield win
- Israeli forces bisect Gaza, surround biggest city
529 - 11 gay bars get letters threatening ricin attacks
170 - 2009 starts...slowly
90 - Did Holt make a difference on USC defense?
82 - UW football is "a sleeping giant" and Nick Holt plans to inject adrenaline
67 - Budget deficit looms largest
56 - City never responded to Metro's request to plow routes, bus chief says
52 - Donatell to USC? More Wednesday morning links
49 - Pelicans fall out of sky from Mexico to Ore.
45 - Family sues Tukwila schools over alleged bullying of autistic boy
41
- 11 gay bars get letters threatening ricin attacks
- Chew on this: We'll soon be able to grow replacement teeth
- Happy Hour | A taste of Hawaii on Queen Anne at Genki Sushi
- Homemade version of Buffalo Chicken Wings saves on calories, not on taste
- Pelicans fall out of sky from Mexico to Ore.
- Eating certain foods together helps with nutrient absorption
- 20 miles of I-5 closed in Lewis County; possible closure near Fife
- Mystery solved: Gov. Gregoire visiting troops in Iraq
- Change your life in 2009 with these 52 tips
- Steve Kelley | UW football is "a sleeping giant" and Nick Holt plans to inject adrenaline








