From the Niagara Falls Review:
The head of the Department of Homeland Security hinted he might be softening his stance on the requirement to show a passport to enter the U.S., during a visit to the Buffalo side of the Peace Bridge Monday.
Michael Chertoff said enhanced driver’s licences might be an acceptable alternative after all.
“We want to work with state authorities to get that underway early next year,” Chertoff told reporters, after touring the bridge property. “This is about finding a way forward that is reasonable, but also secure.”
Until now, he has strongly supported the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, announced in 2005, which would have required everyone – including Americans – to show a passport to gain entry to the U.S. by 2008.
Chertoff also said he would be willing to work with provincial officials so Canadian driver’s licences could also be considered as an acceptable form of identification at the American border.