Check points requirements by Claudia Sonea

Starting Thursday new rules went into effect and U.S. and Canadian citizens entering the country are no longer allowed to simply declare to immigration officers at border crossings that they are citizens, but they must show proof of citizenship, such as a passport or a "trusted traveler" card issued to frequent border crossers if they are over 19 years old. For many people the new regulation was a surprise and caught them unprepared at the border, still the customs officers let them pass with just a warning this time. In spite of the new rules and the fact that your papers of identification must be checked before passing the border, the delays were minimal across the country and that most of the drivers had the documentation required, according to customs officials. U.S. Customs and Border Protection spokeswoman Kelly Klundtn said that it means more work, but the people are very compliant and things will go smoother in time. Many travelers were ready for the new rules, or say they've grown accustomed to carrying citizenship documents since security tightened after what happened on September 11. Those entering Buffalo, N.Y., from Fort Erie, Ontario, through Peace Bridge had proper documentation, while smooth travel was reported at many crossings along the northern and southern borders. At the borders on water people who were unaware of the changes after their identities were confirmed were allowed to pass, while in and many points the customs officers offered a grace period and handing out fliers explaining the changes. These rules were introduced due to Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, which Congress approved in 2004 and eventually they will get tougher for U.S. citizens entering the country from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean. Only until June 2009 the driver's license-birth certificate combination will be allowed on land and sea crossings, but it will not be void anymore after the law is fully implemented. Mexican citizens will continue to have to present valid passports and visas, while Canadian citizens will need one only after next year. Some businesses and lawmakers are afraid that the new rules might discourage people into making the trips between the countries. Stay connected to see if they were right or not.

related story: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080131/ap_on_re_us/border_security;_ylt=AiukVX3FqbbVbToWlrxmJ46s0NUE

by Claudia Sonea for PocketNews (http://pocketnews.tv)

PocketNews is a new real-time news broadcaster delivering the latest and hottest news right to your pocket ! With global clients who want to be kept up to date, PocketNews is everyone's way of keeping in touch with the World.

These news are brought to you by CantellTV, its technology partner SigEx Telecom and its founder Chris Cantell. CantellTV is the fastest growing provider of digital broadcasting coupled with enhanced communications, allowing people to easily control, view, upload and share digital content through proprietary interface. CantellTV has relationships with a growing network of international clients delivering millions of videos per day with more than 50,000 new videos uploaded and 200 hours of new TV shows broadcasted daily to a wide range of viewers, from 5 to 7 year olds of LiveCartoons; to 16 to 24 year old active social users of MyJumps; to fortune 50 corporate clients utilizing enhanced broadcasting services. CantellTV is committed to delivering infinite choices to your world of entertainment at the tip of your fingers. Chris Cantell retains consulting arrangements with several pre-IPO companies.

Edited by Federica Paddeu