it appears that the US and canada are trying to discourage crossing the border; vacationing, sight seeing, will become a rarity ; CANADA is a BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY . the reason for this  new law seems more vague then written . what are trying to prevent. drugs has to be the reason for this new law. THE WAR ON DRUGS; id say we lost this war too. itstarts at birth ; its in peoples mind and heart; this country has failed big time in this war. these new border laws are benign and moot. one blogger out there who reads government and state manuals would disagree with me. the proof of our failures is todays crime and addiction  [drug related] ; tripled since REAGAN WAR ON DRUGS. GOOD JOB REPUBLICAN PARTY[CONSERVATIVE] ; MY LIFE IS FUFILLED THANKS TO THE WONDERFUL CONSERVATIVES IN TODAYS SOCIETY.

WHAT IS A NEXUS CARD AND WHERE DO YOU APPLY FOR ONE.  THIS INFORMATION WOULD BE VERY HELPFUL.  SEEMS LIKE THEY MAKE RULES BUT NEVER GIVE YOU THE PROPER INFORMATION TO FOLLOW THE RULES.  ANYBODY KNOW WHERE AND WHEN WE CAN GET A CARD???

Sandy, my apologies for being dumb and not including something on NEXUS. Bottom line, its not available at any local border crossings at this time.

To read about the program, check out their website: http://www.getnexus.com/

I have been crossing the border a lot for years now and I have always given them my birth certificate and license so this really doesnt affect our family travel any at all.

Nothing like good old freedom to ring in the new year. I know this will change the amount of times I travel to Canada from now on. Two free countries, so close together, with similar laws.  Why so strict to cross the border ? It doesn't make any sense to me at all.

What about grandchildren under 10 traveling with grandparents? They have no driver's licence or photo ID? What is required for them to cross the border?

I don't think these new restrictions have anything to do with drugs at all.  It's about Homeland Security giving the impression that they are doing something to make the northern border safer after 9/11.  Now only if they would give the impression that they are doing something with the southern border.

I've been crossing the border into Canada (mostly T.I. Bridge) for years. Since 9/11 I've carried a copy of my birth certificate,and have never had a problem. I am curious to know if a "copy" of a birth certificate will still be acceptable,or might you now need an original ? I do find it rather ironic,that us law abiding Americans will now need to take these measures to enter the country,yet our so called representatives continue to do little about the illegals streaming into this country daily!

Do any of you people understand the need to screen individuals who cross the border into our country.  I know you’re not a terrorist so it shouldn’t apply to you.  Any body can get a drivers license, just ask Spitzer.  
All you are really being asked to do is verify your identity once and get a card.  It will take a little of your precious time and might cost a couple of bucks but you will be helping keep America safe for the rest of us.  My guess is that you will actually end up saving time in your future crossings into Canada with an ID card in your hand instead of a driver’s license.

To: Whoever moderates the comments on this site.

You are not doing a very good job.  The comments that are only links to drugs, porn or gambling don’t belong here.  Please remove them and don’t allow them in the future.

If you need your Birth Certificate to get your NYS License, then why do you need to show it again?  Maybe other states aren't so strict, but New York is, so why isn't your drivers license with your photo enough proof?  If you can create a fake NYS license, then creating a fake birth certificate is much easier.  I used to visit Canada every summer, but I have not been there since they started being so strict, they don't even run the TV commercials anymore to visit Canada, they have to be losing tourist income.

Why are you people so bent on trying to avoid a national identity system?  Are you all illegal aliens and don’t want to try and get new fake documents?