Anchorage Daily News

Fears of stalled commerce and travel didn't materialize at U.S. border crossings Monday as people stayed home or were gently warned on the first day of stricter identification requirements for Americans returning from Mexico and Canada.

Jerry McGee, chief Customs and Border Protection officer for Alaska, said the two highway crossings in the state -- along the Alaska Highway and in Skagway -- have not seen any unusual delays because of the passport requirement.

McGee attributed the smooth transition to people knowing in advance passports would be required.

Those crossing the Hidalgo-Reynosa International Bridge in South Texas described the light traffic Monday morning as normal, with cars and pedestrians facing short lines.

The new security rules for land and sea border crossings require U.S. citizens to show a passport, passport card or enhanced driver's license, which use a microchip to store a person's information. Some citizens may also use trusted traveler documents, which require background checks and are generally used by people crossing the border regularly for business.

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