CROSSING THE BORDER

In the five years since the Sept. 11 attacks, Maine has grown accustomed to the idea that its traditionally relaxed border crossings have changed, if not permanently than at least for a long time. But that does not mean that high-cost and multiple forms of ID are necessary. The Department of Homeland Security, with a push from senators, including Maine’s, recently delayed requirements that Americans crossing the border from Canada and Mexico show a passport. The department will use the time to look for lower-cost alternatives.

A pilot project in Washington could provide some answers. The state has asked the department to authorize a three-month test of handheld scanners to read driver’s licenses at a major crossing between the state and British Columbia. Information from the bar codes on the back of licenses in the United States and Canada can show that a license has been faked or that the holder is on a terrorist watch list. The devices already are being used at some U.S. military installations.

The department should authorize this test. If it is successful, it may provide a better solution than the passport requirement, although issues such as citizenship determinations for those who are issued driver’s licenses and improved tamper-resistance still need to be addressed.

As passed in 2004, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative required a passport of anyone crossing the U.S. border with Mexico and Canada. Passports cost $107 and only a small portion of the population currently has one. The original deadline was Jan. 1, 2008.

Sen. Susan Collins added language to the Homeland Security Department’s appropriation bill to delay implementation until June 1, 2009, to allow the department time to develop alternatives.

“I feel strongly that the initiative must balance the need to strengthen border security with the needs of people living on the border,” said Collins, chairwoman of the Senate’s Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. “It is imperative that Mainers who need to travel frequently back and forth across the border be able to do so – to do their jobs, go to church, visit family and friends, and get the essential services they need.”

In a letter sent this week to Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Sens. Collins and Norm Coleman encourage the departments to find ways to make the identification requirements less burdensome and disruptive to businesses and border communities. One of their suggestions is to test a driver’s license option. Given requirements that states develop secure, standardized driver’s licenses under the Real ID Act, this may be a good alternative.

Coupled with the equipment to be tested in Washington, this could lead to the reasonable alternative sought by the department and Congress.