After the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks,
changes at Maine’s border crossings were not subtle. More officers were added
at ports of entry, inspectors became more vigilant and, in some cases, new
ports were constructed.
Although less visible, the division
of cross-border communities is one of the long-lasting impacts of the attacks
and the heightened security and border restrictions that resulted.
Before 9/11, the border between
Maine and Canada was more a line on a map than a barrier. Border agents from
both countries often simply waved through the familiar faces they saw
frequently crossing the international boundary. Residents of Aroostook County
attended churches in New Brunswick. Canadians bought cheaper gas in The County.
Socializing with friends and family on the other side of the border was
routine.
Reports shortly after 19 hijackers
flew planes into the World Trade Center and Pentagon said some of the men had
entered the U.S. through Canada. Although not true (the hijackers flew into the
U.S. from Europe, Asia and the Middle East and had visas issued by the U.S.
government), work to better secure the border soon was under way.
While millions of federal dollars
have been spent on improving infrastructure — such as building new crossing
facilities in Calais, Van Buren and Forest City — the change that has most
affected Aroostook County residents is the requirement for a passport, passport
card or NEXUS card, an alternative offered through U.S. Customs and Border Protection,
to cross the border.
