Bid to Delay Border Rules Dropped

(Embassy – Lee Bethiaume)

The government has largely given up on trying to secure another delay of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative and is instead counting on the Obama administration showing flexibility in implementation of the new rules.

This has prompted concern from opposition critics and business groups, who worry the new regulations will exacerbate the effects of the current economic recession, and create problems during the Vancouver Olympics.

In an interview Monday, Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan said the issue of pushing for a delay became “moot” after Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said the U.S. is WHTI-ready. “That decision’s done,” Mr. Van Loan said. “So there is no mechanism for further extensions. We are thus working with them on implementation.” Read more here.