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Under the umbrella of the Homeland security, the move will allow the government to effectively track the movement of all US international travelers. It will provide little security against an actual threat, as it is unlikely a terrorist will enter the US through legal means. Between 10,000 and 30,000 people per day cross illegally into the United States. A huge source of non-tax revenue.
Since 9/11 the passport fees have nearly doubled. Obtaining a passport
in 2001 cost $55. Additional fees, a $12 security fee and a $30 execution
fee (previously, the $55 was to 'execute' the passport) have been added,
bringing the total to $97 for an adult.
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Although many other countries require passports for all international travel, the open door policy between Caribbean Islands, Mexico and Canada has spurred tourism between the neighboring countries. This is expected to have a profound impact on travel to Mexico, particularly in border towns, which enjoy throngs of day visitors and weekend vacationers. Less than 20% of Americans hold passports. The remaining 80+% will be required to pay $97 for a passport or remain at home The United States leads the way with the fewest number
of international travelers per capita of any industrialized nation. Tomas |
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Canadians
will be required to present a passport to enter the United States, said
the officials. Canadians have been the only foreigners allowed to enter the
United States with just a driver's license. The US administration has
criticized Canada's open door emigration policy with peoples of countries
the US has declared threats to US national security.
"It
will make it more difficult and expensive for foreign retirees to remain
in touch with family in the US." Many Americans are moving to Mexico to
retire where the their Social Security checks go further. This economic
outflow of tax dollars and the dramatic growth of retirement communities
in Mexico has worried the current administration which has amassed a 7
trillion dollar deficit in four years.
