Crowley Offers Constituents Aid In Obtaining, Updating Passports

In light of new air travel rules requiring U.S. citizens to present a passport to re-enter the United States, Congressmember Joseph Crowley is offering assistance to his constituents in obtaining new passports or updating old ones.

Crowley (D-Queens/The Bronx) said in a release that on Jan. 7, 2007, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) will be instituted for people traveling to and from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, Central America, the Caribbean and South America.

WHTI will require that all passengers arriving in the United States by air, including U.S. citizens, present a valid U.S. passport.

Previously, U.S. citizens were able to use birth certificates for documentation. But, Crowley emphasized, under the WHTI program, only passports will be accepted for re-entry. The WHTI was one of the Homeland Security improvements recommended by the 9/11 Commission to better track people entering and exiting the United States, Crowley explained.

"With these requirements, almost all Americans travelling by air returning to the United States will need to present a passport to re-enter the country," Crowley explained. "For my constituents who are planning to visit their families or travel outside the United States next year, these changes should be duly noted.

"My staff and I will make sure that individuals wishing to obtain a new passport, or update an old one will be assisted by providing the necessary help. Anyone planning to travel on vacation or to visit family in the Western Hemisphere (from Canada to South America) should apply for a passport."

For information and assistance regarding updating or obtaining passports, constituents can call Congressmember Crowley's district offices in Jackson Heights at 718-779-1400 or The Bronx at 718-931-1400. Those seeking additional information can also visit the Congressman's Web site at www.crowley. house.gov and find a link to the new regulations as well as a link to specific information for U.S. citizens about how to apply for a passport.

U.S. citizens may also obtain information on applying for passports by visiting www.travel.state.gov or by calling 877- 487-2778.

Crowley added that by January 2008, all citizens traveling via boat or land to the United States will have to present a passport to re-enter the U.S. -John Toscano