News Update - May 30, 2009
By Alan Lee, Esq.†‡
- Warning to Travelers to Canada and Mexico of Stricter Document
requirements to Return as of 6/1/09;
- Last on the H-1B Cap Count
A reminder to potential U.S. citizen travelers to Canada and Mexico
that reentry to the United States as of June 1st will require more
than a driver's license and birth certificate. Under the Western
Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), land crossings at the borders
will require a U.S. passport, U.S. passport card, enhanced drivers
license, or a SENTRI , NEXUS or FAST card. Both SENTRI and NEXUS
are trusted traveler cards, SENTRI for travel between the U.S. and
Mexico and NEXUS for travel between the U.S. and Canada. The FAST
card, used by commercial truck drivers, is acceptable at both borders.
The enhanced drivers licenses (EDL) issued by New York, Vermont,
Washington, and Michigan are acceptable. Children under the age
of 16 can present the original or copy of their birth certificate,
naturalization certificate, or consular report of birth of a U.S.
citizen.
The enhanced documentary requirements will have no effect upon
green card holders who will continue to present their green cards
upon reentry.
On the H-1B cap count, as of May 22nd, the count stood at approximately
65,700 of approximately 85,000 numbers to be allocated.
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