The U.S. government said Tuesday it would require U.S. citizens to present a passport upon reentry from Canada, Mexico, Panama and Bermuda starting in 2008, and also require Canadians to present a passport if they wish to enter the country. "Our goal is to strengthen border security and expedite entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate foreign visitors," said Randy Beardsworth, acting under secretary for border and transportation security of the Department of Homeland Security. (DHS). "By ensuring that travellers possess secure documents, such as the passport, Homeland Security will be able to conduct more effective and efficient interviews at our borders." Added Maura Harty, assistant secretary of state for consular affairs, "We recognize the implications this might have for industry, business and the general public, as well as our neighbouring countries, and they are important partners in this initiative." Harty said it is important to facilitate "the movement of persons and goods" while tightening security. ---SP 2321 Local Time 2021 GMT
