What do you think about the passport rules?

Starting January 23, new passport rules will change the face of travel.

On Tuesday, all air travelers entering the United States will be required to have a passport — including American citizens returning from Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Are you confused or irritated by the new regulations? Do you think the regulations are necessary? Are you bummed about having to spend the cash for a passport?

We asked you, our readers, to share your thoughts. Below are some of your responses.

Unconstitutional restriction
It's just another government restriction on the American citizen's right to travel, as well as the constitutional rights to enter and leave the U.S. Add this to the "backdoor" national ID method espoused by the government in the name of "security" and you have a very chilling combination."

When you leave this country you leave your "constitutional rights" at the border.  When you arrive back home you must be examined by a customs official at the border before you are allowed to re-enter and reclaim your rights.

Major international airports are considered extended borders. A passport is not a national ID.  You don't have to carry it around in the U.S. and any proposed law to make it so would be rejected by the people and the courts.  The vast majority of people don't want to leave the U.S. anyway so I doubt they will get a passport. ...   Read the full entry

Love it or go away!
The new passport regulations are very simple, really. At the dawn of the early 21st century there is only one exception to the rule that true Americans have no need to leave our great nation. Specifically, all our great warriors have plenty of reasons to leave our great nation, and all the reasons involve destroying and killing our enemies.

FACT FILE Passport rule changes What travelers need to know about new regulations

Our soldiers do not need passports, because they wear helmets which are clearly labeled. This is not the case with everyone else, so the rule truly is very simple!

If you have a clearly labeled helmet and are traveling to destroy and kill our enemies, then (a) have a great and successful trip and (b) come and go as you desire.  Otherwise, if you leave without a passport, then have fun in your new country. Out of sight, out of mind!  We were glad for you to join us while you were here, but since you decided to leave, well ... "Hasta la vista, baby!"

If you think it is so wonderful someplace else, then stay there. Save us the trouble of kicking you out!

This is America! Love it or go away! ...   Read the full entry

Just a travel tax
This is yet another way for the government to force us to pay for a hidden tax. This is a travel tax and it's ridiculous! If people want to get in and out of this country with stolen passports it seems as if they have no problem doing so but the people who live here will now have to pay the government for the right we have always had to visit certain countries ...   Read the full entry

Americans are paranoid
I just finished reading Rob Lovitt's travel article ("Passport rules get more confusing") and I'm astounded at how stupid and paranoid my fellow Americans have become. Quit your whining and get a freakin passport if you want to travel outside the U.S! DUH! If you were so worried about the government tracking your information you should have gotten off your duff and got one sooner (before RFID).  I don't have any particular trust in our government either, but I would rather everyone show some sort of ID at our borders ... it sounds as though some of you want to get through with a note from your mommy ... that would make me uncomfortable to say the least.  What makes you think that the government even gives a squat where you go??  Besides, when you return to the U.S. the only thing they actually know is the place you entered from ... period ... end of story! ...   Read the full entry

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