Dan

Hi all,

Is the actual green card (valid, unexpired form I-551) enough for re-entry
into the US after a short trip to Canada? Is a passport required?

If it is, is this going to be affected by the new regulation we hear about
on the news requiring passports from US citizens in the near future?

Thanks

Ingo Pakleppa

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dan wrote:
    | Hi all,
    |
    | Is the actual green card (valid, unexpired form I-551) enough for
re-entry
    | into the US after a short trip to Canada? Is a passport required?

It is my understanding that a GC is enough. GC holders are not required
to have their foreign passports, and are not eligible for US passports.
As long as Canada allows the GC holder into the country without a
passport, you should not have a problem.

    | If it is, is this going to be affected by the new regulation we hear
about
    | on the news requiring passports from US citizens in the near future?

Of course, nothing certain is known, and this seems to be quite a way
off (my understanding is that this won't be implemented until 2008). But
my understanding is that certain other documents can be substituted for
a passport, and a GC would almost certainly be among them. US citizens
apparently will also be able to get Laser Visas, similar to what
Mexicans use right now.

That said, I'd be surprised if this regulation was ever implemented. It
would probably spell the economic death of many border communities,
including Tijuana and Niagara Falls.

- --
Remember, I am strictly a layperson without any legal training. I
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Please visit my new FAQ at http://www.kkeane.com (always under
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See my Web site for information on how to contact me.

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http://www.ingopakleppa.com ! Comments are welcome.
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Jonathan McNeil Wong

dan wrote:
    > Hi all,
    >
    > Is the actual green card (valid, unexpired form I-551) enough for re-entry
    > into the US after a short trip to Canada? Is a passport required?
    >
    > If it is, is this going to be affected by the new regulation we hear about
    > on the news requiring passports from US citizens in the near future?
    >
    > Thanks
    >
    >

Info on the new requirements here:

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2225.html

--
Above intended as general commentary, not specific legal
advice. Your mileage may vary.

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Jonathan McNeil Wong Voice: 510-451-0544
Donahue Gallagher Woods LLP Facsimile: 510-832-1486
P.O. Box 12979 URL: http://www.donahue.com
Oakland, CA 94604-2979 E-mail: [email protected]
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