Update on New Government Rules On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.

Update on New Government Rules On Passport Cards and Entry to U.S.
First: New regulations go into effect on January 31st that require all persons entering or re-entering the U.S. to show proof of citizenship. Prior to that date, persons can continue to prove citizenship verbally.
Proof of citizenship can be accomplished by presenting a valid passport, an original or certified copy of a U.S. birth certificate, or an original copy of your certificate of citizenship or naturalization. We recommend a passport because it is the only document that proves both your citizenship and your identity.
Second: The Department of State, the agency of the Federal Government that issues passports, issued new rules regarding the new passport card on December 31, 2007. Here is a summary of everything covered in the new regulations. As you will see, there are more rules to be issued in the future telling citizens when and how the State Department will begin issuing passport cards. When and how the State Department will begin issuing the passport cards is not yet known.
1. The State Department will issue passport cards. The official name of the document will be "passport cards." State will continue to issue "passport books" which up until now we have known as a "passport."
2. A new DS 11 passport application form will be issued between now and February 1st. On the form, applicants will be given an option to apply either for a passport card or a passport book.
3. The passport card is valid only for passage through land and sea ports between the U.S. and Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The passport card cannot be used for flights into or out of the U.S.
4. The passport card will be issued to citizens in all 50 states but it is exclusively for use for land and sea entrance to the U.S. Passport cards cannot be used for international air travel.
5. Passport cards can be used for identification for domestic flights. Remember: the passport card can be used as government-issued proof of identity and proof of citizenship. So, if you do not have a driver's license and need identification for passing through security for domestic travel, you can use your passport card for proof of identity instead of presenting your driver's license.
6. Passport cards have the same validity as passport books � 10 years for adults 16 and over and 5 years for children under 16.
7. Citizens will be able to apply for a passport card at any acceptance agent on the same basis as a regular passport.
8. Passport books must be signed on the signature page by the passport holder to be valid. Passport cards do not have to be signed to be valid.
9. The passport cards will be able to be scanned at U.S. borders when a person is in the vicinity of an electronic reader that will be operated by U.S. border control officials. The chip in the card contains only one item of information � a unique identifying number that has meaning only inside the secure database of the State Department and Homeland Security Department. There is no personal information such as name, date of birth, social security number, etc. stored electronically on the chip. So, if someone did pick up the signal, they would not be able to use the data to learn anything about the holder.
10. The execution fee for applying for a passport card is $25. The execution fee for applying for a passport book is $30.
11. The fees for obtaining a passport card for persons without a passport are as follows:
Adults: Total $45 ($20 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
Children under 16: Total $35($10 application fee, plus $25 execution fee)
12. Persons who have a valid passport book (Remember: a "passport book" means a person who has a "passport") and who are applying for a passport card (in addition to holding a valid passport) are not required to pay the execution fee. Thus, persons with a valid passport who also want a passport card can apply for $20.
13. The government may permit alternative documentation for land crossings such as driver's licenses issued by states that have established methods for determining citizenship acceptable to the Federal government. Several states have already submitted proposals to the Federal government. This matter will be addressed in subsequent regulations issued by the Federal government.

Business Travel Tips

It's that wondreful time of the year, when we get to spend time with our families and take that well deserved vacation. While some of you may be able to get completely unplugged while you are away, some of you may need to bring you laptop or PDA along for the ride. For those of you that simply cannot leave technology behind, here are a few tips to ensure that your information remains safe while you check your e-mails, fine-tune that business proposal or just browse around the web either at the airport, your hotel room or an internet café.

Security Software: this may seem like common sense, but do not forget to update your anti-virus before you travel. Make sure your computer is password protected. Even a basic password can help protect your information if your device is lost or stolen.
While most wireless networks have some level of security, the more protection you have on your device, the better.

Keep it Simple: Take only what you need. Sometimes security can get very complicated at the airport and you may have to check you laptop. An alterante idea is to make sure that the hotel or the place that you are visiting has public computers and internet access. You can log onto your home or office computer using a remote server and a third party vendor, such as gotomypc.

Protect Yourself: Back up your data in case your laptop is stolen. Copy your essential files in a flash drive.
Hotspots: Software programs called packet sniffers can allow people to look at wireless transactions and capture the information being transmitted between the laptop and wireless access point. To avoid having someone hack into your system, turn off your bluetooth device and make sure your soft firewall is turned on.
Beware of Public Computers: Just as you need to protect your privacy on your own hardware, take extra precautions if you use a public computer. Remove all traces of your work by deleting any documents you have viewed, clear the browser cache and the history file, and empty the computer's recycling bin before you walk away. There is also a risk that a password-capturing program may have been loaded onto the computer. If you check your e-mail using hotmail, yahoo etc make sure you log out or sign out before you leave the computer.

If you leave your laptop at the hotel room or in any way unattended, use a cable lock, and be sure to lock your computer bag in the trunk rather than leaving it in the front or back seat. Taping your business card to the laptop helps ensure your computer can be easily returned to you in the case that it is lost.