[Federal Register: April 3, 2008 (Volume 73, Number 65)] [Rules and Regulations] [Page 18383-18420] From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov] [DOCID:fr03ap08-19] [[Page 18383]] ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Part III Department of Homeland Security Department of State ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 CFR Parts 212 and 235 22 Parts 41 and 53 Documents Required for Travelers Departing From or Arriving in the United States at Sea and Land Ports-of-Entry From Within the Western Hemisphere; Designation of an Enhanced Driver's License and Identity Document Issued by the State of Washington as a Travel Document Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Institute; Final Rule and Notice [[Page 18384]] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY [USCBP 2007-0061] RIN 1651-AA69 8 CFR Parts 212 and 235 DEPARTMENT OF STATE 22 CFR Parts 41 and 53 Documents Required for Travelers Departing From or Arriving in the United States at Sea and Land Ports-of-Entry From Within the Western Hemisphere AGENCIES: U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Department of Homeland Security; Bureau of Consular Affairs, Department of State. ACTION: Final rule. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: This rule finalizes the second phase of a joint Department of Homeland Security and Department of State plan, known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, to implement new documentation requirements for U.S. citizens and certain nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States. This final rule details the documents U.S. citizens\1\ and nonimmigrant citizens of Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico will be required to present when entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere at sea and land ports-of-entry. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \1\ ``U.S. citizens'' as used in this rule refers to both U.S. citizens and U.S. non-citizen nationals. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- DATES: This final rule is effective on June 1, 2009. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Department of Homeland Security: Colleen Manaher, WHTI, Office of Field Operations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, 1300 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Room 5.4-D, Washington, DC 20229, telephone number (202) 344-1220. Department of State: Consuelo Pachon, Office of Passport Policy, Planning and Advisory Services, Bureau of Consular Affairs, telephone number (202) 663-2662. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Table of Contents I. Background A. Documentation Requirements for Arrivals at Sea and Land Ports-of-Entry Prior to This Rule 1. U.S. Citizens 2. Nonimmigrant Aliens From Canada and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda 3. Mexican Nationals B. Statutory and Regulatory History 1. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act 2. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking 3. Rules for Air Travel From Within the Western Hemisphere 4. Amendments to Section 7209 of IRTPA 5. Other Relevant Legislation 6. Passport Cards 7. Certifications to Congress II. Documentation at the Border III. Summary of Document Requirements in the Proposed Rule IV. Discussion of Comments A. General B. Implementation 1. General 2. Timeline 3. Security/Operational Considerations 4. Technology 5. Cruise Ships 6. MODUs/OCS C. Passports 1. General 2. Cost of Passports 3. Obtaining Passports 4. DOS Issuance Capacity 5. Passport Cards D. Alternative Documents 1. General 2. Driver's License and Birth Certificate 3. Trusted Traveler Documents 4. Children/Groups of Children/Alternative Approaches/Parental Consent 5. State Enhanced Driver's License Projects 6. Mexican/Canadian/Bermudian Documents 7. REAL ID Driver's Licenses E. Native Americans and Canadian Indians F. Outside the Scope of This Rulemaking 1. General 2. Air Rule 3. IBWC 4. Lawful Permanent Residents 5. Dual Nationals G. Public Relations 1. General 2. Outreach H. Regulatory Analyses 1. Regulatory Assessment 2. Regulatory Flexibility Act V. Final Document Requirements A. U.S. Citizens Arriving by Sea or Land B. Canadian Citizens and Citizens of Bermuda Arriving by Sea or Land C. Mexican Nationals Arriving by Sea or Land D. State Enhanced Driver's Licenses and Identification Documents E. Future Documents VI. Special Rules for Specific Populations A. U.S. Citizen Cruise Ship Passengers B. U.S. and Canadian Citizen Children 1. Children Under Age 16 2. Children Under Age 19 Traveling in Groups C. American Indian Card Holders from Kickapoo Band of Texas and Tribe of Oklahoma D. Members of United States Native American Tribes E. Canadian Indians F. Individual Passport Waivers G. Summary of Document Requirements VII. Regulatory Analyses A. Executive Order 12866: Regulatory Planning and Review B. Regulatory Flexibility Act C. Executive Order 13132: Federalism D. Executive Order 12988: Civil Justice Reform E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act Assessment F. Paperwork Reduction Act G. Privacy Statement List of Subjects Amendments to the Regulations Abbreviations and Terms Used in This Document ANPRM--Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking BCC--Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing Card CBP--U.S. Customs and Border Protection CBSA--Canada Border Services Agency DHS--Department of Homeland Security DOS--Department of State FAST--Free and Secure Trade FBI--Federal Bureau of Investigation IBWC--International Boundary and Water Commission INA--Immigration and Nationality Act IRTPA--Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 LPR--Lawful Permanent Resident MMD--Merchant Mariner Document MODU--Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit MRZ--Machine Readable Zone NATO--North Atlantic Treaty Organization NEPA--National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 NPRM--Notice of Proposed Rulemaking OARS--Outlying Area Reporting System OCS--Outer Continental Shelf PEA--Programmatic Environmental Assessment SENTRI--Secure Electronic Network for Travelers Rapid Inspection TBKA--Texas Band of Kickapoo Act UMRA--Unfunded Mandates Reform Act USCIS--U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services US-VISIT--United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program WHTI--Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative I. Background For a detailed discussion of the document requirements for travelers entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere before January 31, 2008, the statutory and regulatory histories through June 26, 2007, and the applicability of the rule related to specific groups, please see the NPRM published at 72 FR 35088. For the document requirements which went into effect on January 31, 2008, please see the Notice ``Oral Declarations No Longer Satisfactory as Evidence of Citizenship and Identity'' which was published in the Federal Register on December 21, 2007, at 72 FR 72744. [[Page 18385]] A. Documentation Requirements for Arrivals at Land and Sea Ports-of- Entry Prior to the Effective Date of This Rule The following is an overview of the documentation requirements for citizens of the United States, Canada, British Overseas Territory of Bermuda (Bermuda), and Mexico who enter the United States at sea and land ports-of-entry prior to the effective date of this rule. 1. U.S. Citizens Generally, U.S. citizens must possess a valid U.S. passport to depart from or enter the United States.\2\ However, U.S. citizens who depart from or enter the United States by land or sea from within the Western Hemisphere other than from Cuba have historically been exempt from this passport requirement.\3\ U.S. citizens have always been required to satisfy the inspecting officers of their identity and citizenship.\4\ Since January 31, 2008, U.S. citizens ages 19 and older have been asked to present documents proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and government-issued documents proving identity, such as a driver's license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports-of-entry. Children under the age of 19 have only been asked to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.\5\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \2\ Section 215(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1185(b). \3\ See 22 CFR 53.2(b), which waived the passport requirement pursuant to section 215(b) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1185(b). \4\ In lieu of a passport, travelers claiming U.S. citizenship long have been permitted to enter on an oral declaration or to present a variety of documents to establish their identity and citizenship and right to enter the United States as requested by the CBP officer. A driver's license issued by a state motor vehicle administration or other competent state government authority is a common form of identity document. Citizenship documents generally include birth certificates issued by a United States jurisdiction, Consular Reports of Birth Abroad, Certificates of Naturalization, and Certificates of Citizenship. \5\ 72 FR 72744. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Nonimmigrant Aliens From Canada and the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda Each nonimmigrant alien arriving in the United States must present a valid unexpired passport issued by his or her country of nationality and, if required, a valid unexpired visa issued by a U.S. embassy or consulate abroad.\6\ Nonimmigrant aliens entering the United States must also satisfy any other applicable admission requirements (e.g., United States Visitor and Immigrant Status Indicator Technology Program (US-VISIT)). However, the passport requirement is currently waived for most citizens of Canada and Bermuda when entering the United States as nonimmigrant visitors from countries in the Western Hemisphere at land or sea ports-of-entry.\7\ These travelers have been required to satisfy the inspecting CBP officer of their identities and citizenship at the time of their applications for admission. Since January 31, 2008, these nonimmigrant aliens also have been asked to present document proving citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and government-issued documents proving identity, such as a driver's license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports-of-entry.\8\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \6\ Section 212(a)(7)(B)(i) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(7)(B)(i). \7\ 8 CFR 212.1(a)(1) (Canadian citizens) and 8 CFR 212.1(a)(2) (Citizens of Bermuda). See also 22 CFR 41.2. \8\ 72 FR 72744. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Mexican Nationals Mexican nationals are generally required to present a valid unexpired passport and visa when entering the United States. However, Mexican nationals arriving in the United States at land and sea ports- of-entry who possess a Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 Visa and Border Crossing Card (BCC) \9\ currently may be admitted without presenting a valid passport if they are coming by land or sea from contiguous territory.\10\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \9\ A BCC is a machine-readable, biometric card, issued by the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs. \10\ 8 CFR 212.1(c)(1)(i). See also 22 CFR 41.2(g). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- B. Statutory and Regulatory History This final rule sets forth the second phase of a joint Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Department of State (DOS) plan, known as the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), to implement section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004, as amended (IRTPA) on June 1, 2009.\11\ A brief discussion of IRTPA, amendments to IRTPA, and related regulatory efforts follows. For a more detailed description of these efforts through June 26, 2007, please refer to the NPRM at 72 FR 35088. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \11\ Pub. L. 108-458, as amended, 118 Stat. 3638 (Dec. 17, 2004). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act On December 17, 2004, the President signed IRTPA into law.\12\ IRTPA mandates that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, develop and implement a plan to require travelers for whom the President had waived the passport requirement to present a passport or other document, or combination of documents, that are ``deemed by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be sufficient to denote identity and citizenship'' when entering the United States. WHTI thus requires U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada, Mexico, and Bermuda to comply with the new documentation requirements. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \12\ Pub. L. 108-458, 118 Stat. 3638 (Dec. 17, 2004). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking On September 1, 2005, DHS and DOS published in the Federal Register an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) that announced that DHS and DOS were planning to amend their respective regulations to implement section 7209 of IRTPA. For further information, please see the ANPRM document that was published in the Federal Register on September 1, 2005, at 70 FR 52037. Comments to the ANPRM related to arrivals at sea and land ports-of-entry are addressed in this final rule. 3. Rules for Air Travel From Within the Western Hemisphere On August 11, 2006, DHS and DOS published an NPRM for air and sea arrivals. The NPRM proposed that, subject to certain narrow exceptions, beginning January 2007, all U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant aliens, including those from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico, entering the United States by air and sea would be required to present a valid passport or NEXUS Air card; U.S. citizens would also be permitted to present a Merchant Mariner Document (MMD). The NPRM provided that the requirements would not apply to members of the United States Armed Forces. For a detailed discussion of what was proposed for air and sea arrivals, please see the NPRM at 71 FR 41655 (hereinafter, Air and Sea NPRM). The final rule for travelers entering or departing the United States at air ports-of-entry (hereinafter, Air Final Rule) was published in the Federal Register on November 24, 2006. Beginning January 23, 2007,\13\ U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico entering and departing the United States at air ports-of-entry, which now includes from within the Western Hemisphere, are generally required to bear a valid passport. The main exceptions to this requirement are for U.S. citizens who present a valid, unexpired MMD [[Page 18386]] traveling in conjunction with maritime business and U.S. and Canadian citizens who present a NEXUS Air card for use at a NEXUS Air kiosk.\14\ The Air Rule made no changes to the requirements for members of the United States Armed Forces. Please see the Air Final Rule at 71 FR 68412 for a full discussion of documentation requirements in the air environment. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \13\ DHS and DOS determined that delaying the effective date of the Air Rule to January 23, 2007, was appropriate for air travel because of operational considerations and available resources. See id. \14\ The Air Rule did not change the requirements for lawful permanent residents. Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States continue to need to carry their I-551 cards and permanent residents of Canada continue to be required to present a passport and a visa, if necessary, as they did before the rule came into effect. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the Air Final Rule, DHS and DOS deferred a final decision on the document requirements for arrivals by sea until the second phase. Complete responses to the comments relating to sea travel that were submitted in response to the Air and Sea NPRM are presented in this final rule. 4. Amendments to Section 7209 of IRTPA On October 4, 2006, the President signed into law the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2007 (DHS Appropriations Act of 2007).\15\ Section 546 of the DHS Appropriations Act of 2007 amended section 7209 of IRTPA by stressing the need for DHS and DOS to expeditiously implement the WHTI requirements no later than the earlier of two dates, June 1, 2009, or three months after the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State certify that certain criteria have been met. The section required ``expeditious[]'' action and stated that requirements must be satisfied by the ``earlier'' of the dates identified.\16\ Congress also expressed an interest in having the requirements for sea and land implemented at the same time and having alternative procedures for groups of children traveling under adult supervision.\17\ However, on December 26, 2007, the President signed into law the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act of 2008 (``Omnibus Bill'', Pub. L. 110-161) which amended section 7209(b)(1) of IRTPA to require that WHTI ``may not be implemented earlier than the date that is the later of 3 months after the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security make the certification required in subparagraph (B) or June 1, 2009.'' (Section 545, Omnibus Bill). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \15\ Pub. L. 109-295, 120 Stat. 1355 (Oct. 4, 2006). \16\ Id. at 546. See Congressional Record, 109th Cong., 2nd sess., September 29, 2006 at H7964. \17\ Id. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. Other Relevant Legislation On August 4, 2007, the President signed into law the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (9/11 Commission Act of 2007).\18\ Section 723 of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 called on the Secretary of Homeland Security to begin to develop pilot programs with states to develop state-issued secure documents that would denote identity and citizenship. Section 724 of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 called on the Secretary of State to examine the feasibility of lowering the execution fee for the proposed passport card. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \18\ Pub. L. 110-53, 121 Stat. 266 (Aug. 4, 2007). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6. Passport Cards On October 17, 2006, to meet the documentation requirements of WHTI and to facilitate the frequent travel of persons living in border communities, DOS, in consultation with DHS, proposed to develop a card- format passport for international travel by U.S. citizens through land and sea ports-of-entry between the United States and Canada, Mexico, or the Caribbean and Bermuda.\19\ The passport card will contain security features similar to the traditional passport book. The passport card will be particularly useful for citizens in border communities who regularly cross the border and will be considerably less expensive than a traditional passport. The validity period for the passport card will be the same as for the traditional passport--ten years for adults and five years for minors under age 16. The final rule on the passport card was published on December 31, 2007 at 72 FR 74169. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \19\ 71 FR 60928. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 7. Certifications to Congress In Section 546 of the DHS Appropriations Act of 2007, Congress called for DHS and DOS to make certain certifications before completing the implementation of the WHTI plan. The Departments have been working toward making these certifications since October 2006. In Section 723 of the 9/11 Commission Act, Congress required the submission of a report to the appropriate congressional committees regarding the state enhanced driver's license pilot program required by a separate provision of the Act. Congress has asked for the following certifications: 1. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Certification. Acquire NIST certification for the passport card concerning security standards and best practices for protection of personal identification documents. On May 1, 2007, NIST certified that the proposed card architecture of the passport card meets or exceeds the relevant standard and best practices, as specified in the statute. 2. Technology Sharing. Certify that passport card technology has been shared with Canada and Mexico. DHS and DOS continue to share information and meet regularly with both Mexican and Canadian officials regarding the radio frequency identification (RFID) technology for the passport card. 3. Postal Service Fee Agreement. Certify that an agreement has been reached and reported to Congress on the fee collected by the U.S. Postal Service for acceptance agent services. DOS and the Postal Service have memorialized their agreement on the fees for the passport card set by DOS, including the execution fee which the Postal Service retains. 4. Groups of Children. Certify that an alternative procedure has been developed for border crossings by groups of children. The final rule contains an alternative procedure for groups of children traveling across an international border under adult supervision with parental consent as proposed in the land and sea NPRM. 5. Infrastructure. Certify that the necessary passport card infrastructure has been installed and employees have been trained. WHTI is a significant operational change in a series of changes that are aimed at transforming the land border management system. DHS will utilize the technology currently in place at all ports-of-entry to read any travel document with a machine-readable zone, including passports and the new passport card. CBP Officers have been trained in use of this infrastructure. In addition, CBP will deploy an integrated RFID technical infrastructure to support advanced identity verification in incremental deployment phases. CBP Officers receive ongoing training on WHTI policies and procedures and that will continue as we approach full WHTI implementation, including technology deployment, technology capability, and documentary requirements. CBP will develop training requirements and plans, perform the required training, provide on-site training support and monitor its effectiveness through assessment and ongoing support. Initial training was completed in January 2008. [[Page 18387]] 6. Passport Card Issuance. Certify that the passport card is available to U.S. citizens. DOS has developed an ambitious and aggressive schedule to develop the passport card and is making progress toward that goal. DOS issued the final rule on December 31, 2007. DOS has accepted applications for the passport card since February 1, 2008, and expects to issue cards in spring 2008. 7. Common Land and Sea Implementation. Certify to one implementation date. The final rule provides for one implementation date for land and sea travel. 8. State Enhanced Driver's License Projects. Certify to agreement for at least one voluntary program with a state to test a state-issued enhanced driver's license and identification document. On March 23, 2007, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Governor of Washington signed a Memorandum of Agreement to develop, issue, test, and evaluate an enhanced driver's license and identification card with facilitative technology to be used for border crossing purposes. On September 26, 2007, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Governor of Vermont signed a similar Memorandum of Agreement for an enhanced driver's license and identification card to be used for border crossing purposes; on October 27, 2007, the Secretary and the Governor of New York also signed a Memorandum of Agreement. On December 6, 2007, the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Governor of Arizona also signed a similar Memorandum of Agreement to develop, issue, test, and evaluate an enhanced driver's license and identification card.\20\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \20\ For more information on these enhanced driver's license projects, see http://www.dhs.gov. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Departments have worked very closely to update the appropriate congressional committees on the status of these certifications and will continue to do so until final certifications are made. DOS and DHS believe that these certifications will be made well in advance of the June 1, 2009, deadline for implementation. In the unlikely event that the Departments are unable to complete all the necessary certifications by June 1, 2009, the Departments will provide notice to the public and amend the date(s) for compliance with the document requirements for land and sea border crossings as necessary. II. Documentation at the Border In the Land and Sea NPRM, the Departments announced that, separate from WHTI implementation, beginning January 31, 2008, CBP would begin requesting documents that help establish identity and citizenship from all U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the United States. This announcement was made to reduce the well-known vulnerability posed by those who might illegally purport to be U.S. or foreign citizens trying to enter the U.S. by land or sea on a mere oral declaration. A person claiming U.S. citizenship must establish that fact to the examining CBP Officer's satisfaction, including by presenting documentation as necessary. Historically, a U.S. citizen has had to present a U.S. passport only if such passport is required under the provisions of 22 CFR part 53. Since January 31, 2008, DHS has expected the evidence of U.S., Bermudian, or Canadian citizenship to include either of the following documents or groups of documents: (1) Document specified in CBP's regulations as WHTI-compliant for that individual's entry; or (2) a government-issued photo identification document presented with proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. CBP retains its discretionary authority to request additional documentation when warranted and to make individual exceptions in extraordinary circumstances when oral declarations alone or with other alternative documents may be accepted. As of January 31, 2008, CBP has required proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or other similar documentation as noted in the final rule for U.S. and Canadian children under age 19. III. Summary of Document Requirements in the Proposed Rule In the June 26, 2007, NPRM, the Departments proposed new documentation requirements for U.S. citizens and nonimmigrant aliens from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico entering the United States by land from Canada and Mexico, or by sea \21\ from within the Western Hemisphere. The proposed document requirements are summarized below; for a full discussion of the proposed requirements, please refer to the NPRM at 72 FR 35088 (hereinafter Land and Sea NPRM). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \21\ In some circumstances under this rule, it is important to distinguish between types of sea travel. Those circumstances are so noted in the discussion of the final requirements. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Departments proposed that most U.S. citizens entering the United States at all sea or land ports-of-entry would be required to present either: (1) A U.S. passport book; (2) a U.S. passport card; (3) a valid trusted traveler card (NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI); (4) a valid MMD when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or (5) a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders or permit. The Departments proposed that Canadian citizens entering the United States at sea and land ports-of-entry would be required to present, in addition to a visa, if required: \22\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \22\ See 8 CFR 212.1(h), (l), and (m) and 22 CFR 41.2(k) and (m). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. A passport issued by the Government of Canada; or 2. A valid trusted traveler program card issued by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) or DHS, e.g. FAST, NEXUS, or SENTRI.\23\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \23\ Canadian citizens who demonstrate a need may enroll in the SENTRI program and currently may use the SENTRI card in lieu of a passport. To enroll in SENTRI, a Canadian participant must present a valid passport and a valid visa, if required. Other foreign participants in the SENTRI program must present a valid passport and a valid visa, if required, when seeking admission to the United States, in addition to the SENTRI Card. The proposed rule did not alter the passport and visa requirements for other foreign enrollees in SENTRI (i.e., other than Canadian foreign enrollees). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the Land and Sea NPRM, DHS and DOS also noted that they had engaged with the Government of Canada in discussions of alternative documents that could be considered for border crossing use at land and sea ports-of-entry under the proposed rule. DHS and DOS pledged continued engagement in discussions of alternatives and welcomed comments suggesting alternative Canadian documents. Under the proposed rule, all Bermudian citizens would be required to present a passport issued by the Government of Bermuda or the United Kingdom when seeking admission to the United States at all sea or land ports-of-entry, including travel from within the Western Hemisphere. In the Land and Sea NPRM, the Departments proposed that all Mexican nationals would be required to present either: (1) A passport issued by the Government of Mexico and a visa when seeking admission to the United States or (2) a valid Form DSP-150, B-1/B-2 visa Border Crossing Card (BCC) when seeking admission to the United States at land ports- of-entry or arriving by pleasure vessel or by ferry from Mexico. The Departments proposed that BCCs alone would no longer be acceptable by a Mexican national to enter the United States from Canada; instead, a Mexican national would need to present a passport and visa when entering the United States from Canada. The Departments proposed that Mexican nationals who hold BCCs would be allowed to use their BCCs for [[Page 18388]] entry at the land border from Mexico and, when arriving by ferry or pleasure vessel from Mexico. For travel outside of certain geographical limits or for a stay over 30 days, Mexican nationals who entered the United States from Mexico possessing a BCC would also be required to obtain a Form I-94 from CBP as is currently the practice.\24\ The BCC would not be permitted in lieu of a passport for commercial or other sea arrivals in the United States. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \24\ See 8 CFR 212.1(c)(1)(i); also 22 CFR 41.2(g). If Mexicans are only traveling within a certain geographic area along the United States' border with Mexico; usually up to 25 miles from the border but within 75 miles under the exception for Tucson, Arizona, they do not need to obtain a form I-94. If they travel outside of that geographic area, they must obtain an I-94 from CBP at the port-of- entry. 8 CFR 235.1(h)(1). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Departments also proposed continuing the current practice that Mexican nationals may not use the FAST or SENTRI card in lieu of a passport or BCC. Mexican national FAST and SENTRI participants, however, would continue to benefit from expedited border processing. The Departments also proposed to eliminate the exception to the passport requirement for Mexican nationals who enter the United States from Mexico solely to apply for a Mexican passport or other ``official Mexican document'' at a Mexican consulate in the United States located directly adjacent to a land port-of-entry and who currently are not required to present a valid passport. This type of entry generally occurs at land borders.\25\ --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \25\ See 8 CFR 212.1(c)(1)(ii). --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the Land and Sea NPRM, DHS and DOS encouraged U.S. states to consider participation in enhanced driver's license pilot programs and the Government of Canada to propose acceptable WHTI-compliant documents that it would issue to its citizens. DHS proposed to consider, as appropriate, documents such as driver's licenses that satisfy WHTI requirements by denoting identity and citizenship. These documents could be from a state, tribe, band, province, territory, or foreign government if developed in accordance with enhanced driver's license project agreements between those entities and DHS. In addition to denoting identity and citizenship, these documents will have compatible technology, security criteria, and respond to CBP's operational concerns. On January 29, 2008, DHS published in the Federal Register a final rule concerning minimum standards for state-issued driver's licenses and identification cards that can be accepted for official purposes in accordance with the REAL ID Act.\26\ In the January 29, 2008 rule, DHS indicated its intent to work with states interested in developing driver's licenses that will meet both the REAL ID and WHTI requirements. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- \26\ See REAL ID Final Rule at 73 FR 5272. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the Land and Sea NPRM, the Departments also proposed special circumstances for specific groups of travelers permitting other documents: U.S. citizens on cruise ship voyages that originate and end in the United States may carry government-issued photo identification (IDs) and birth certificates, consular reports of birth abroad or certificates of naturalization; U.S. and Canadian citizen children under age 16 and children age 16 to 18 traveling in groups may carry originals or certified copies of birth certificates; U.S. citizen children may also carry consular reports of birth abroad or certificates of naturalization; Members of the Kickapoo Band of Texas and Tribe of Oklahoma may carry the Form I-872, American Indian Card; The Land and Sea NPRM indicated that document requirements for Lawful Permanent Residents (LPRs) of the United States, employees of the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) between the United States and Mexico, workers on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), active duty alien members of the U.S. Armed Forces, and members of NATO-Member Armed Forces would remain unchanged. The Departments also outlined certain approaches with regard to Native Americans and Canadian Indians, as well as alternative approaches to children and requested comments on the proposed alternatives for inclusion in this final rule. A discussion of those approaches and the comments received follows in the comment response section. IV. Discussion of Comments In the ANPRM, the Air and Sea NPRM, and Land and Sea NPRM, DHS and DOS sought public comment to assist the Secretary of Homeland Security to make a final determination concerning which document, or combination of documents, other than valid passports, would be accepted at sea and land ports-of-entry. DHS and DOS received 2,062 written comments in response to the ANPRM and over 1,350 written comments in response to the Land and Sea NPRM. The Departments also received several comments to the August 11, 2006, Air and Sea NPRM that addressed sea or land travel or the WHTI plan generally, which have been included and addressed in these comment responses. The majority of the comments (1,910 from the ANPRM) addressed only potential changes to the documentation requirements at land border ports-of-entry. One hundred and fifty-two comments from the ANPRM addressed changes to the documentation requirements for persons arriving at air or sea ports-of-entry. Comments in response to both the ANPRM and the Land and Sea NPRM were received from a wide range of sources including: Private citizens; businesses and associations; local, state, federal, and tribal governments; members of the United States Congress; and foreign government officials. The comments received in response to the ANPRM and the Land and Sea NPRM regarding arrivals by land and sea are addressed in this rulemaking. A summary of the comments from the ANPRM, the Air and Sea NPRM, and the Land and Sea NPRM follows with complete responses to the comments. A. General DHS and DOS received thirty-nine comments to the Land and Sea NPRM expressing general agreement with the proposed requirements. DHS and DOS received several comments to the August 11, 2006, Air and Sea NPRM for implementation of WHTI in the air and sea environments that opposed any requirements for land-border crossings. DHS and DOS received thirty comments to the Land and Sea NPRM expressing general disagreement with the proposed rule. One commenter requested more stringent document requirements than proposed. B. Implementation 1. General Comment: One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM noted that a U.S. citizen cannot be denied entry to the United States. Response: U.S. citizens cannot be denied entry to the United States; however, the documents that this rule requires are designed to establish citizenship and identity. Travelers without WHTI-compliant documents who claim U.S. citizenship will undergo additional inspection and processing until the inspecting officer is satisfied that the traveler is a U.S. citizen, which could lead to lengthy delays. Comment: Two commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM expressed concern that the manner by which DHS is certifying itself as being ready to implement WHTI does not allow [[Page 18389]] Congress to exercise the necessary oversight of the WHTI program. Response: DOS and DHS disagree. The Departments are in the process of taking the necessary steps to be able to make all certifications to Congress as required by statute. WHTI is a significant operational change in a series of changes that are aimed at transforming the land border management system. DHS will utilize the technology currently in place at all ports-of-entry to read any travel document with a machine- readable zone, including passports and the new passport card. CBP Officers have been trained in use of this infrastructure. In addition, CBP will deploy an integrated RFID technical infrastructure to support advanced identity verification in incremental deployment phases. CBP Officers receive ongoing training on WHTI policies and procedures and that will continue as we approach full WHTI implementation, including technology deployment, technology capability, and documentary requirements. CBP will develop training requirements and plans, perform the required training, provide on-site training support and monitor its effectiveness through assessment and ongoing support, with initial training having been completed in January 2008. The Departments have worked very closely to update the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the certifications and will continue to do so until final certifications are made. Moreover, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) certified on May 1, 2007, that the architecture of the passport card meets or exceeds the relevant standard and the best practices for protection of personal identification documents as specified in the statute. DOS and DHS are on track to make all certifications well in advance of the June 1, 2009 implementation date. Comment: Approximately two hundred commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM requested that the Departments commit sufficient resources to fully implement WHTI, including technology, staffing, funding, training, and marketing. Response: DOS and DHS are fully committed to providing the necessary resources to implement WHTI, including technology, staffing, funding, training, and outreach to the traveling public. Comment: Several commenters raised concerns about requiring passports or other forms of documentation during emergency situations. One commenter stated that the passport waiver for U.S. citizens during unforeseen emergencies or for humanitarian or national interest reasons should also extend to Canadian and Mexican citizens. One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM requested that DHS consult with local emergency responders so that WHTI does not compromise their ability to protect American and Canadian communities. Response: Pursuant to IRTPA, this final rule provides for situations in which documentation requirements may be waived for U.S. citizens on a case-by-case basis for unforeseen emergencies or ``humanitarian or national interest reasons.'' Similarly, CBP has authority to temporarily admit non-immigrant aliens into the United States on a temporary basis in case of a medical or other emergency, which is not changed by this final rule. Finally, local emergency responders routinely consult with local CBP offices regarding entry procedures into the United States during emergency situations. Comment: One commenter stated that the Land and Sea NPRM would be contrary to U.S. obligations under international human rights law, free trade agreements, and U.S. statutes, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Charter of the Organization of American States, the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and the NAFTA Implementation Act because the rules restrict free movement of people in the Western Hemisphere. Response: DHS and DOS are not denying U.S. or non-U.S. citizens the ability to travel to and from the United States by requiring an appropriate document for admission. Pursuant to 8 U.S.C. 1182(a)(7)(A) and 1185, DHS and DOS have authority to require sufficient proof of identity and citizenship via presentation of a passport or alternative document when seeking entry to the United States. By requiring a valid passport or other alternative document for entry to the United States from within the Western Hemisphere, DHS and DOS are eliminating a historical exemption of the requirement that all U.S. citizens and other travelers must posses a passport to enter the country. 2. Timeline Comment: DHS and DOS received one hundred and ten comments to the ANPRM regarding the timeline for implementation of WHTI. Ten of the ANPRM commenters believed that WHTI should be implemented sooner than proposed. Nine of these commenters approved of the timelines proposed, and ninety-four commenters believed that the timeline should be extended. Several comments to the Air and Sea NPRM and to the Land and Sea NPRM asked for an extended implementation timeline. One commenter stated that WHTI in the land and sea environments should be implemented as soon as possible. A few commenters urged that the Departments give the public ample opportunity to prepare for the final implementation. Twenty-four commenters recommended delaying implementation until pilot projects and field trials had been completed. Two hundred and six commenters recommended that DHS should set a clear implementation date of June 2009. Six commenters requested a flexible and phased implementation approach for WHTI. Thirty-six commenters recommended ensuring that there is a critical mass of WHTI-compliant documentation (i.e., passports, NEXUS, FAST, and enhanced driver's licenses) in circulation prior to WHTI implementation at land and sea ports-of-entry. One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM requested that key benchmarks relating to document availability and installation of required infrastructure be developed to determine the timeline for full implementation. Response: Since the publication of the NPRM, Congress has amended section 7209 by the 200 Omnibus Bill, to prohibit WHTI from being implemented before June 1, 2009, at the earliest. DHS and DOS will transition toward WHTI secure document requirements over the next 16 months, with implementation on June 1, 2009. This allows ample time for the public to prepare for the change. Comment: Two commenters stated that ending oral declarations on January 31, 2008, without a plan would cause substantial delays at ports-of-entry and suggested a single implementation date of 2009 rather than a phased implementation. Three commenters were concerned about how the elimination of the practice of accepting oral declarations of citizenship and how processing of travelers without documents in the transition phase will impact the flow of traffic at busy border crossings. Response: In the Land and Sea NPRM, the Departments announced that, separate from WHTI implementation, beginning January 31, 2008, CBP would begin requesting documents that evidence identity and citizenship from all U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the United States at land and sea ports-of-entry. This change was made to reduce the well-known vulnerability posed by those who might illegally purport to be U.S. or foreign citizens trying to enter the United States by land [[Page 18390]] or sea on a mere oral declaration. As of January 31, 2008, a person claiming U.S. citizenship must establish that fact to the examining CBP Officer's satisfaction, generally through the presentation of a birth certificate and government-issued photo identification. CBP retains its discretionary authority to request additional documentation when warranted and to make individual exceptions in extraordinary circumstances when oral declarations alone or with other alternative documents may be accepted. CBP has relied on its operational experience in processing travelers entering the United States by land to ensure that the elimination of oral declarations is implemented in a manner that will minimize delays while achieving the security benefit underlying WHTI. The changes that took place January 31, 2008, have gone smoothly. Compliance rates are high and continue to increase. There have been no increases in wait times attributable to the end of accepting oral declarations alone at the border. Comment: One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM stated that WHTI implementation should be delayed until a study underway at the Government Accountability Office (GAO) is completed. Another commenter called upon DHS to conduct a more comprehensive economic impact analysis before the proposed rule is promulgated. Response: The Departments welcome congressional oversight and have cooperated with several GAO engagements that have directly or indirectly touched on WHTI. The Departments intend to fully implement WHTI on June 1, 2009, the earliest possible date, which the Departments believe is in the best interests of national security. Additionally, the Departments are providing ample time for robust communication efforts to and preparation by the traveling public. While the Departments will consider the findings of these GAO engagements with regard to WHTI implementation, it is not necessary, nor would it be appropriate, to delay implementation of WHTI until any particular GAO report is completed. Moreover, CBP has also conducted a robust economic analysis of the proposed rule, as detailed in the Land and Sea NPRM and elsewhere in this document, in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies. 3. Security and Other Operational Considerations Comment: DHS and DOS received approximately thirty-five comments to the ANPRM stating that the implementation of WHTI at the land borders would result in travel delays at the ports-of-entry. Ten commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM recommended that the ``border crossing agencies'' implement a plan to anticipate and mitigate longer waits at key border crossings. Response: DHS has analyzed the potential for travel delays at the ports-of-entry in the document ``Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative in the Land and Sea Environments: Programmatic Environmental Assessment.'' The public was invited to comment on this analysis. DHS has concluded that implementation of WHTI in the land environment will not have an adverse impact on wait times. By using documents that contain an MRZ or employ RFID technology, the Departments anticipate that wait times will decrease. The final Programmatic Environmental Assessment is available at http://www.cbp.gov. 4. Technology Comment: Eight commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM stated that WHTI should not be implemented until RFID technology has been deployed. These commenters also stated that RFID technology should be deployed at all land-border crossings. Six hundred and thirty-eight commenters stated that appropriate infrastructure and personnel should be in place for a program of this magnitude. Response: DHS is committed to ensuring that infrastructure and fully trained personnel are in place to successfully implement WHTI in the land environment. DHS believes that deploying new RFID technology at certain land ports-of-entry, in combination with existing technology, is the most cost-effective way to enhance security while ensuring the efficient flow of trade and travelers. DHS believes that RFID deployment to low-volume land-border ports-of-entry in the near future is unnecessary given the current traffic volumes. Comment: Two commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM stated that DHS and DOS should reconsider the use of vicinity RFID technology in the passport card because of the substantial privacy and security risks. Four commenters stated that the implementation of WHTI should protect the personal privacy of travelers. Response: Based on experience to date with the use of RFID technology, DHS is confident that existing and future vicinity RFID- enabled documents can be used at the border in a manner that safeguards personal privacy. RFID technology is currently used as part of existing trusted traveler programs. The RFID chip contained in the passport card issued by DOS will not contain any personal information. The vicinity RFID technology to be deployed would act as a pointer to a secure CBP database and does not transmit personal information. The information is presented to CBP officers as the traveler pulls up to an inspection booth, thus facilitating faster processing of the individual. 5. Cruise Ships Comment: Four commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM stated their appreciation that passports will not be required for those cruise passengers departing and returning to the United States. One commenter disagreed with the proposed alternative document requirement for certain U.S. citizen cruise ship passengers. Response: DHS and DOS appreciate these comments, and have decided to adopt in the final rule the NPRM provision addressing U.S. citizens on round-trip cruises. Thus, U.S. citizens traveling entirely within the Western Hemisphere may present a government-issued photo ID along with an original or a copy of a birth certificate instead of a document designated in this final rule if they: (1) Board a cruise ship at a port or place within the United States and (2) return to the same U.S. port or place from where they originally departed. In addition, DHS and DOS added a new provision that clarifies that U.S. citizens under the age of 16 are required to present either an original or a copy of his or her birth certificate without having to provide a photo ID. Regarding the comment opposing alternative document requirements for cruise ship passengers, because of the nature of round trip cruise ship travel, DHS has determined that when U.S. citizens depart from and reenter the United States on board the same cruise ship, they pose a low security risk in contrast to cruise ship passengers who embark in foreign ports. Therefore, under certain conditions, U.S. citizen cruise ship passengers traveling within the Western Hemisphere will be permitted to present alternative documentation as described in section V.A. of this document. 6. MODUs/OCS Comment: One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM supported the clarification on document requirements for workers returning to and from Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) within the United States Outer Continental Shelf (OCS). [[Page 18391]] Response: DHS and DOS appreciate this comment. DHS and DOS clarified in the Land and Sea NPRM that offshore workers who work aboard Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODUs) attached to the United States Outer Continental Shelf (OCS), and who travel to and from MODUs, would not need to possess a passport or other designated document to re-enter the United States if they do not enter a foreign port or place. Upon return to the United States from a MODU, such an individual would not be considered an applicant for admission for inspection purposes under 8 CFR 235.1. Therefore, this individual would not need to possess a passport or other designated document when returning to the United States. DHS and DOS note that, for immigration purposes, offshore employees on MODUs underway, which are not considered attached to the OCS, would not need to present a passport or other designated document for re-entry to the United States mainland or other territory if they do not enter a foreign port or place during transit. However, an individual who travels to a MODU directly from a foreign port or place and, therefore, has not been previously inspected and admitted to the United States, would be required to possess a passport or other designated document when arriving at the United States port-of-entry by sea. C. Passports 1. General Comment: Thirty-one commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM stated that increasing the number of documents in circulation will increase the number of documents that are lost, stolen or misplaced, and thus individuals in these circumstances will need expedited replacement. One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM expressed concern about how to enter the United States if his passport had been lost or stolen. Response: U.S. citizens whose passports are lost or stolen can apply for replacements and request expedited service if necessary. Individuals who are abroad and have an urgent need to travel are generally issued a one-year, limited validity passport that will enable them to continue their trips. That passport will be replaced within the year for no additional fee either domestically or abroad. Individuals who are within the United States and have an urgent need to travel may pay a fee for expedited processing as defined in 22 CFR 51.56. Comment: One commenter to the Land and Sea NRPM raised concerns about the security of U.S. and foreign passports, stating that passports are easily falsified or altered. One commenter stated that passports can be intercepted in the mail and falsified. Response: A primary purpose of the passport has always been to establish citizenship and identity. It has been used to facilitate travel to foreign countries by displaying any appropriate visas or entry/exit stamps. Passports are globally interoperable, consistent with worldwide standards, and usable regardless of the international destination of the traveler. As such, we recognize that false passports are valuable assets for dangerous people. We take precautionary measures to verify passports and share information with international partners regarding lost and stolen passports. U.S. passports incorporate a host of security features. These security features include, but are not limited to, rigorous adjudication standards and document security features. The adjudication standards establish the individual's citizenship and identity and ensure that the individual meets the qualifications for a U.S. passport. The document authentication features include digitized photographs, embossed seals, watermarks, ultraviolet and fluorescent light verification features, security laminations, micro-printing, and holograms. An application for a U.S. passport is adjudicated by trained DOS experts and issued to persons who have documented their identity and United States citizenship by birth, naturalization or derivation. Applications are subject to additional Federal government checks to ensure the applicants are eligible to receive a U.S. passport under applicable standards. U.S. passports are delivered by priority mail with delivery confirmation providing proof of receipt at the addressee's zip code. Mail carriers are instructed to scan the Priority Mail piece at the time it is delivered to the address indicated on the envelope. Priority Mail envelopes also help protect the passport from loss or theft. The envelopes are sturdy and less likely to become damaged or unsealed during mail processing. Foreign passports accepted for admission to the United States must meet the standards set out in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) 9303, and a CBP inspecting officer verifies and authenticates such passports presented for admission to the United States. 2. Cost of Passports Comment: In response to the Air and Sea NPRM and Land and Sea NPRM, DHS and DOS received many comments stating that passports are too expensive for routine cross-border visits and that the cost of the passport book should be reduced or eliminated. Several commenters requested that DOS offer lower rates for families, the elderly, and children under 18. One commenter was concerned about the eventual cost of the passport card. One commenter stated that the cost of the passport card should be reasonable and it should remain less expensive than a passport. One commenter to the Land and Sea NPRM requested a no- cost passport card for travelers who cross international borders at unique geographical locations. One commenter urged the State Department to provide expedited passport service to truck drivers at no additional charge. Five commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM suggested that U.S. passport fees be waived for Indian tribal members. One commenter stated that the cost of obtaining a passport would cause people not to travel, negatively affecting commerce. Response: Title 22 of the United States Code mandates that DOS charge a fee for each passport application and a fee for executing each application, where applicable. The law and implementing regulations provide for certain exemptions from passport fees, but the law does not provide DOS the discretion to create additional exemptions or a reduced fee category based on the personal circumstances of the individual. Children do benefit from a lower application fee but it reflects the reduced validity period of the passport rather than a concession based on age. Please see the passport card final rule () for more information on the cost structure of the passport card. See 72 FR 74169. 3. Obtaining Passports Comment: DHS and DOS received seven comments to the Land and Sea NPRM asking why a birth certificate had to be submitted with the passport application or an old passport had to be submitted along with a renewal application, thus potentially leaving travelers without a passport or a birth certificate to use for international travel. Response: To prevent fraud, original birth certificates must be examined by passport examiners who are trained in fraud detection before they are returned to the applicant. For the same reason, a person is not permitted to hold two valid passports of the same type except on DOS authorization. DOS physically cancels current passports when it issues new passports, therefore, current or old passports have to be submitted during the renewal process. If a passport is [[Page 18392]] needed for urgent travel, the traveler can request expedited service. 4. DOS Issuance Capacity Comment: DHS and DOS received one hundred eighty-four comments to the Land and Sea NPRM that expressed concern that DOS would not be able to timely process the increased numbers of passport applications that will result from implementation of the rule. One commenter stated that standard applications should be processed in six weeks and expedited applications in one week. One commenter stated that with the increase of passport applications, adjudicators within DOS are not given enough time to thoroughly check them. One commenter stated that the wait time in applying for the passport card should be less than thirty days. Response: Prior to the implementation of the first phase of WHTI in January 2007, DHS and DOS conducted a successful campaign to alert the traveling public and stakeholders in the private sector to the new document requirements implemented in the air phase, particularly in the aviation and travel and tourism industries. DOS has taken numerous measures in response to the increased demand resulting from the implementation of WHTI. DOS has created hundreds of new positions and is currently producing more than 1.6 million passports per month. DOS anticipates increasing passport issuance to 500,000 documents a week. DOS is also planning to open additional passport facilities around the country. Through these efforts, DOS expects to be able to meet the increased demand resulting from the implementation of WHTI in the land and sea environments. 5. Passport Cards Comment: DHS and DOS received four comments to the Air and Sea NPRM for implementation of WHTI in the air and sea environments requesting that the passport card be designated as an acceptable document in the air environment. Two commenters to the Land and Sea NPRM did not support the issuance of passport cards because the cards cannot be used for international travel beyond Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. Response: The passport card is intended as a lower cost means of establishing identity and nationality for U.S. citizens in two limited situations--for U.S. citizens crossing U.S. land borders and traveling by sea between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda. The passport card is not designed to be a globally interoperable travel document as defined by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). In fact, designating the card format passport for wider use, including by air travelers, would inadvertently undercut the broad-based international effort to strengthen civil aviation security and travel document specifications to address the post 9/11 threat environment because it would not meet all the international standards for passports and other official travel documents. Moreover, in its consideration of the 2007 Appropriations Act for the Department of Homeland Security, Congress, while allowing for the use of the passport card by citizens traveling by sea between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, or Bermuda, did not make parallel changes regarding international air travel. Comment: DHS and DOS received five comments to the Land and Sea NPRM stating that the implementation of WHTI should not take place until the passport card is available. One commenter suggested that the passport card should be issued in conjunction with existing state licensing agencies with federal support. Four commenters stated that the passport card could not possibly be designed, tested, publicized, and be readily obtainable by the summer of 2008. One commenter stated that the issuance of a passport card would not facilitate spontaneous travel. Response: As stated in the Land and Sea NPRM, in which the Departments jointly announced the next phase of WHTI addressing entry into U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry, DHS and DOS