Passport Rule Pushed Back to 2008

The Bush administration will delay a rule that Americans must present passports when crossing the U.S. border by land or sea, the Associated Press reported.

The government's decision Wednesday marks the second time in a month officials have scaled back security plans in response to complaints, AP said.

Starting in January, land and sea travelers returning from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda will be allowed to present a birth certificate and driver’s license in lieu of a passport.

The modification is expected to last at least until next summer, when officials may require passports or similar documentation at all land and sea border crossings, AP said.

The rules had come under fire because of backlogs at passport agencies in recent months.

Under a post-9/11 security law, U.S. citizens were to be required to show passports at land and sea crossings beginning in 2008, AP said.

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