DHS launches passport information campaign

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- An information campaign addressing new security policies set for implementation at U.S. entry checkpoints began a new phase Thursday.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Thursday launched an initiative designed to inform travelers of the new passport and security rules along U.S. borders and other entry checkpoints as a result of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative, set to go into effect on June 1, 2009.

The DHS planned to launch the new campaign to coincide with the National Football League season kickoff game Thursday with national television, print and Internet advertising.

The information campaign is drawing praise from the head of the Travel Industry Association, Roger Dow, who announced his support for the DHS effort to inform travelers to counter disruptions to cross-border commerce and other traffic, the TIA reported.

"America's travel community applauds DHS Secretary Michael Chertoff and Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Ralph Basham for launching this much-needed national campaign," Roger Dow, TIA president and chief executive officer, said in a statement.

"Explaining changing U.S. security policies is essential to avoiding disruption in cross-border travel and sustaining America's travel economy."