The U.S. Chamber and a coalition of businesses and associations are calling on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency to delay a new rule that could slow down business and tourism on both sides of the border. The new rule, which went into place today (Jan. 31), requires U.S. and Canadian citizens to present a passport or two forms of identification to cross the border into the United States.

In a letter to CBP Commissioner W. Ralph Basham, the Chamber-led Americans for Better Borders coalition called for "rational and measured" implementation of the new border crossing requirements. The coalition warned that "most Americans are unaware that this change is set to take place and further border delays are of grave concern to the business community."

The CBP should continue to allow for oral declarations as proof of citizenship until an aggressive public relations campaign is completed and more reliable alternatives to birth certificates are in use, according to the coalition. "Securing our nation's borders is something that needs to be done correctly–rather than expeditiously," the coalition wrote.

Learn more about the coalition.