New passport cards that American travelers can use to make frequent cross border transfers are expected to be issued in April. The Los Angeles Times is reporting that these cards are part of efforts to tighten border security, and will be valid on land and sea travel transfers from Mexico, Canada, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Previously, U.S. travelers needed passports while arriving by air from these regions, but not for land and sea transfers.
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The card contains a computer chip that can be read by scanners, much like a passport. Once issued, the card – which costs $45 for adults – will be valid for a period of 10 years.
The cards have not been issued yet, and there are already doubts about security features. Some experts claim the card chip isn’t secure enough to rule out the possibility of cloning. But with the Department of Homeland Security at the helm, I’m sure we’ve nothing to worry about.