New Border Crossing Rules Subject of IBOC Lecture Feb. 25

The Western Hemispheric Travel Initiative (WHTI) goes into effect June 1, 2009. Find out from two experts how it affects you at the next Texas A&M International University A. R. Sanchez Jr. School of Business Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade International Bank of Commerce 2009 Keynote Speaker Series scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHTC) Fernando A. Salinas Lecture Room (WHTC 111).

This lecture is free and open to the public.

David Stone, United States consul general, Nuevo Laredo, México, and Eugenio Garza Jr., director, U.S. Customs Port, Laredo, Texas, will present “Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative” at the next installment of the Speaker Series.

On June 1, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security.

The next scheduled speaker for the Series is Dr. Eric Swanson with “The World Bank and Western Hemisphere: Developmental Challenges in Global Context” Wednesday, March 25 at 7:30 p.m. in the Fernando A. Salinas Lecture Room.

For more information, please contact Amy Palacios at the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade at 326.2820, visit offices in WHTC 222E, e-mail amy@tamiu.edu or visit freetrade.tamiu.edu

University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Relations, Marketing and Information Services at prmis@tamiu.edu