By Associated Press
Washington, DC – The Bush administration will delay -- for at least six months -- a rule that Americans must present passports when crossing the U-S border by land or sea.
Wednesday's announcement marks the second time in the past month that officials have scaled back security plans -- in response to complaints about processing delays.
Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff announced the changes after new passport rules led to months of delays in processing applications.
Beginning 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.
Starting next year, travelers also will no longer be able to make a verbal declaration of U-S citizenship to re-enter the country.
The modification is expected to last at least until the summer of 2008.
(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)