DOS Addresses Expired Border Crossing Cards

O 270305Z SEP 01
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO ALL US CONSULATES IN MEXICO COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE

UNCLAS STATE 167603


E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: CVIS, CMGT
SUBJECT: BCC PROCEDURES AFTER 9/30/01 DEADLINE

1. As posts are well aware, all Border Crossing Cards
(BCC) issued before April 1, 1998 are scheduled to expire
on September 30, 2001. Legislation to extend the deadline
is not likely to be passed before October 1. INS has
orally informed us that the following procedures are
tentatively scheduled to be implemented effective October
1, 2001:

- Those persons who have been approved for new laser visas
before October 1, but have not received them by the
deadline, will be permitted to use the old BCCs as entry
documents, provided the old BCC has been clipped and
stickered by post. INS will not require these applicants
to complete an I-94 or pay a fee as long as their visit is
confined to the border area.

- Those persons who have been approved for new laser visas
after October 1 will also be permitted to present the old
BCCs as entry documents, provided the old BCC has been
clipped and stickered by post. INS will not require these
applicants to complete an I-94 or pay a fee as long as
their visit is confined to the border area. Posts should
continue to sticker these cards after September 30 until
further notice.

- Holders of combination B1/B2/BCC visas will be permitted
to enter if they present a valid passport, complete an I-
94 form, and pay the six dollar I-94 fee. The BCC portion
will no longer be valid after September 30.

- All other holders of old BCCs will not be permitted to
enter, except under exigent/emergency circumstances. INS
will provide these persons a handout that explains how to
apply for a laser visa.

- Old BCCs will not be lifted by INS, except in cases
involving fraud or other misuse, since these applicants
can still use these cards as part of the application
process for a laser visa after September 30.

2. The Department will inform posts should these
procedures change. Any questions should first be
channeled through Robyn Bishop in Mexico, who will then
consult with the Department as needed.
POWELL