U.S. Unveils Plans for Border-Crossing Identification Cards
Americans will be able to use a small, relatively inexpensive identification card featuring radio-frequency identification technology when re-entering the United States from Canada, according to new plans from the Homeland Security Department.
Americans will be able to use the new card, which costs $45 at most, in lieu of a passport, which costs $97. Machines installed at border crossings will read the cards and compare the cards to a government database containing information about travelers. The card will not display personal data.
Canada has not yet decided whether it will introduce a similar card for its own citizens.
Abstracted by the National Law Enforcement and Corrections Technology Center (NLECTC) from Globe and Mail (CAN), (10/18/06) ; P. A18; Gorham, Beth.
