|
WASHINGTON - Congressman Charles Rangel has reiterated his opposition to aspects of the Bush Administration's Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), due to inequities in the Initiative's implementation.
The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will require all travelers to and from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Bermuda to have a passport to enter or re-enter the United States. It is argued that the stricter policy will strengthen border security. However, the Initiative is to be implemented in region specific phases, with travel to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central and South America being affected by the end of 2005. Travel to Canada and Mexico will not be affected until the end of 2007- two full years later.
Congressmen Rangel believes the early implementation date for the Caribbean is unfair.
"If this is a Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, it needs to be applied to the Western Hemisphere equitably and fairly. Imposing these early requirements on the Caribbean creates additional burdens for the region, at time when they can least afford it."
Indeed, the Caribbean was devastated by destructive hurricanes and extreme flooding late last year. The region incurred billions of dollars in damage, and is only now starting to recover. In particular, the vital tourism sector is just starting to get back on its feet. Large percentages of US tourists currently do not utilize passports when traveling to the Caribbean.
With passport processing times of up to 2 months, and processing fees which can approach $100.00, scores of US tourists may choose vacation options that entail less hassle. As such, implementing new travel requirements on the Caribbean before other regions clearly warrants further examination.
In addition, the Advanced Notice for Proposed Rulemaking (ANPRM) process -- where the public and industry are provided the opportunity to give their input and concerns on the proposal -- has yet to be initiated by the appropriate government authorities. This is the case despite the fact that the new travel requirements for the Caribbean are set to go into effect in little more than 6 months.
Congressman Rangel is urging the Department of Homeland Security to reconsider the implementation schedule of the Initiative. "Until DHS can give an adequate justification for why it is using this inequitable implementation schedule, current travel rules should be kept in place. It is my hope that they will work to implement a policy which is fair to all our neighbors- a policy which not only protects us, but also the interests of the region."
### |
