Fewer than two months remain before arriving international passengers at U.S. airports will be required to show passports as the only acceptable proof of citizenship. The rule applies to American citizens too, even though only about one in four has a valid passport.With the holiday shopping season, winter weather, and the $97 fee standing in the way, the betting line on people meeting the deadline is not favorable. Making matters more difficult is that the usual six-week waiting period will coincide with the holiday-card crush for those who prefer to acquire passports by mail.
Even arrivals from Canada, Bermuda, and Mexico will be subject to the new regulations.
According to Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff, strengthening the rules reduces the chances of a terrorist entering the country. "We're always better off when we build higher levels of security," he said. "The ability to misuse travel documents to enter this country opens the door for a terrorist. "None of these steps is foolproof and none of them is perfect. But each of them raises the bar to an attack."