see also: in Travel:   CBP Officers Welcome Dalai Lama to Seattle   CBP Officers Welcome Olympic Torch to USA   CBP Meets the Press in National Effort to Spread Word on Travel Document Change   Department of Commerce Reports Rise in Foreign Travel, Spending   Bringing It Home on cbp.gov:   Border Crossing PSA   Ready, Set... Go!   Border Crossing PSA – French Version on the web:   Shirley Myers

Country Music Artist Sets Travel Document Message to Song

(01/30/2008)Shirley Myers is a Canadian country music artist based in Nashville, Tenn. She knows what it takes to cross the border efficiently.

So it was a natural for her to volunteer to produce a short public service announcement to remind citizens on both sides of the border that providing the proper documents will speed the inspection process when entering the U.S. ( Border Crossing PSA )

"I cross the border a lot," Myers says during the 30-second announcement meant for radio play. "The rules are changing and you should know the documents you’ll need."

Listeners are encouraged to visit CBP.gov for comprehensive information on the changes. ( Ready, Set... Go! )

Tomorrow marks the beginning of a transition where U.S. and Canadian citizens crossing into the U.S. from either Canadian or Mexican, via land or sea, will be asked to provide proof of identity and citizenship. This can be as simple as a driver’s license and a birth certificate, but a complete list of options is posted to cbp.gov, and is also being distributed to travelers at ports of entry. As early as June, 2009, all who enter the U.S. will be required to present secure documents. This will help make the border crossing process secure and more efficient.

"We are thrilled that Shirley agreed to help CBP and our counterparts in Canada get the word out," said Jeffrey Robertson, CBP’s assistant commissioner for public affairs. Robertson said he was particularly grateful that Myers was able to record the song in French as well as English. ( Border Crossing PSA – French Version )

"We are distributing this to radio stations on both sides of the border," Robertson said. "We’ve done a lot of work to make sure travelers are aware of how best to speed the inspection process when crossing the borders, but this by far was the most fun."

The lyrics for the jingle were written by William Anthony of CBP’s public affairs office.

For more information on Shirley Myers, visit her Web site. ( Shirley Myers )