New passport legislation has caused confusion among many, due to lack of communication about the 18-month grace period.

Some college students have made alternative plans for spring break, in order to avoid the hassle of this confusing law.

The law, which requires U.S. citizens to produce proof of identification, and citizenship when traveling to Mexico, went into effect on Jan. 28. However, many people are unaware of the 18-month grace period that accompanies it.

Margaret Gueffroy of the U.S. Passport Agency says that even she herself is unsure of the details of the measure.

“A lot of people don’t know what’s going on,” Gueffroy said. “They hear things about it on television and the radio, but most people don’t really understand it. There needs to be better communication to the public.”

Along with the new requirement, passport prices have increased. A pre-recorded message at the U.S. Passport Agency informs callers that fee changes were made just a week before the legislation went into effect, causing setbacks. The price of an adult passport (ages 16 and over) is now $100, and takes about 6 to 8 weeks to process.

“We have no idea where the money goes,” Gueffroy said. “We’re just told what to charge. They don’t give us any reasons.”

Both the law and the price of passports have agitated students who plan to travel to Mexico during spring break this year. Many abandoned the traditional vacation destination altogether.

Ashley Descisciolo, 20, a political science major at the University of Arizona, has gone to Mexico for spring break for the last two years but changed her plans this year because of the law. Descisciolo did not know about the grace period.

“I heard the passport law was passed,” she said. “I don’t have a passport, and I don’t have the time or money to get one before spring break.”

Descisciolo expressed her discontent with the way the new legislation was communicated.

“I wish there would have been more on the news about the grace period,” Descisciolo said. “Maybe I would still be going to Mexico.”

Chief Public Information Officer of Customs and Border Patrol Brian Levin’s primary concern is raising public awareness for the legislation, which will be installed completely in June 2009.

Although many may not be at ease with the new legislation, Levin assures that it is a necessary border security precaution.

“The verbal declaration of citizenship left room for exploitation by terrorists or illegal immigrants,” Levin said. “It was an easy means to enter the U.S. and a giant loophole in the system.”

Citizens like Jenafer Fahey, 21, are content with Levin’s justification and don’t mind the extra hassle.

“I got my passport last year when I heard all this was going to happen,” Fahey said. “It’s really no problem. Whatever I have to do to protect the country.”

Fahey will be traveling to Cancun, Mexico this year, passport in hand.

Luckily for other spring break travelers, Levin ensures a smooth crossing into Mexico since the Jan. 28 change.

“So far, we have seen little-to-no impact on travel as far as delays and reduction of crossers goes,” Levin said. “I really don’t foresee a decrease in spring break travel to Mexico this year.”


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