FEBRUARY 22, 2007

Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land today delivered Michigan's perspective on new federal travel and identification laws directly to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff, and welcomed his pledge to continue the dialogue regarding her innovative dual-passport proposal.

Land met with Chertoff prior to his address at the Detroit Economic Club.

"One of our country's greatest strengths is its unity," Land said. "That's why we must move forward as one nation in addressing our security needs. My proposal to combine upcoming travel and identification requirements into a single document allows us to do just that. It eases the burden of these new laws on our citizens with a common-sense, workable solution. It also protects our economy while achieving everyone's goal of combating terrorism.

"I appreciate Secretary Chertoff's sincere interest in Michigan's viewpoint. His willingness to keep the lines of communication open is encouraging as we work together for the successful implementation of these laws."

The Real ID Act requires states to adopt federal standards for driver's licenses and identification cards by May 2008. Driver's licenses or ID cards issued by states not adopting the standards cannot be used for federal purposes such as boarding airplanes.

Under another law - the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative - all U.S. citizens and noncitizens entering the United States by land, sea or air will have to show a passport or other accepted document.

Because the impending driver's license requirements are similar to those for passports, Land proposes that an acceptable driver's license or state ID card is produced that also serves as a passport. This would eliminate the need for residents to carry multiple documents and go through the added expense of getting a passport.

Requiring a passport could have a significant impact on Michigan and other states that are neighbors of Canada. It may discourage spontaneous, short-term travelers who cross between Michigan and Canada for recreation. It also could jeopardize the $70 billion a year trade relationship between Michigan and Canada.

Land proposed the dual-passport concept in June 2005, which continues to receive tremendous support from state and federal lawmakers and business organizations.

RELATED LINK
> Details of Land's proposal