Enrollment

Enhanced Tribal Identification Card Program

On May 27, 2009, the Pascua Yaqui Tribe entered into a Memorandum of Agreement between the Tribe and the Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Protection regarding the acceptance of a Pascua Yaqui Enhanced Tribal Identification Card “ETC” for border-crossing purposes meeting the federal mandate of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative known as “WHTI”.  

We are proud to announce that the Pascua Yaqui Tribe is the first Federally Recognized Indian Tribe in the Nation to bring forth a WHTI compliant document “ETC”. With the full support of our Tribal Leadership, the Tribe remains committed to working with the United States to ensure that our rights are protected and impacts to our families, religion, and culture are avoided while ensuring our Nation’s security.


Chairman Yucupicio Signing MOA

In this article, we are providing you with the necessary information you will need to furnish when applying for an ETC. All tribal members interested in obtaining an ETC will be required to make an appointment with the Enrollment Office and priority will be given to tribal members traveling for religious and cultural purposes and tribal business. The Enrollment Office will begin issuing ETCs on August 2, 2010. Appointments can be made by calling the ETC Information Line:(520) 879-6275.

What is WHTI?
The tragic aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks required thoughtful and immediate improvements to United States border security. WHTI implements a Congressional requirement that all United States citizens and other travelers entering the United States from within the Western Hemisphere present a passport or other accepted documents that establishes the bearer’s identity and citizenship to enter or re-enter the United States. The goal is to strengthen border security, standardizing travel documents while facilitating entry into the United States for U.S. citizens and legitimate international travelers.

The WHTI requirement for land and sea border crossing from the Western Hemisphere are set out in the land and sea WHTI Final Rule published on April 2, 2008, and available at 73 Fed. Reg. 18,384.

As of June 1, 2009 when U.S. citizens enter the United States from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land and sea (including ferries), will be required to present a valid U.S. Passport or other document designated by the Secretary of Homeland Security, which is Pascua Yaqui’s Enhanced Tribal Card. 

Overview of ETC Requirements:

  • An ETC will be available to qualifying enrolled tribal members on a voluntary basis who are not in a dual enrollment status with another tribe, band or community; and
  • Who are a U.S. Citizen by birth or naturalization; and
  • Who by way of source documents can establish his/her identity and principal address; and
  • Who can take part in ETC application/interview in person (by appointment only)
  • An ETC is valid only for international travel by land or sea between the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Bermuda. It is not globally interoperable and is not valid for travel by air to or from any foreign destination.

What to submit with your ETC application:

  • Two or more of the following to establish identity and citizenship;
  • Certified State issued birth certificate
  • Hospital issued birth certificate
  • PYT- accepted baptismal certificate issued by a recognized church
  • Certificate of Naturalization/Citizenship
  • A valid (unexpired) US Passport
  • Department of State Consular Report of Birth Abroad
  • US Military identification card
  • Pascua Yaqui Tribal Identification card
  • Federal, State, or municipal government-issued identification card, including Social Security Card
  • A valid State-issued drivers license or identification card (excluding temporary or learner permits)
  • Federal, State, or municipal government-issued document depicting marriage, divorce and/or other name changes; temporary or altered documents are not acceptable.

Special Requirements for Minors:

To submit an application for a minor 17 years and under both parents or the minor’s legal guardian(s) must appear and present the following:

  • Evidence of the minor’s U.S. Citizenship,
  • Evidence of the minor’s relationship to parents/guardian(s); AND
  • Parental/guardian valid identification

If only one parent appears you must also submit the following:

  • Second parent’s notarized written statement consenting to ETC issuance for the minor,
  • Primary evidence of sole authority to apply, OR
  • A written statement (made under penalty of perjury) explaining the second parent’s unavailability

Each minor child applying for an ETC must appear in person.

ETC Replacement Fees:

Your ETC is valid for 8 years for adults and minors from the date card is issued.

  • $30 for adults and $20 for minors (17 and under) Members 55 yrs and older are exempt from paying one replacement fee
  • A replacement is required due to a change of legal name or principal address
  • All fees should be made payable in the form of a money order, cashier’s check or cash to be paid in full at the PYT Finance Dept. Cashier Window.
  • Fees subject to change.

Reasons to Revoke and Invalidate an Issued ETC:

  • A member is dually enrolled and suspended from the tribal roll (2 PYTC § 6-1-340)
  • Relinquishment of membership by way of Tribal Council resolution (2 PYTC § 6-1-310,320)
  • Involuntary Disenrollment (2 PYTC § 6-1-330, 340)

Protect Yourself Against Identity Theft Report Your Lost or Stolen ETC:

You must notify the Enrollment Office immediately in person or by telephone. A tribal member may not bear more than one valid or potentially valid ETC at a time.

Any questions regarding the Tribe’s ETC Program please contact the Pascua Yaqui Tribe Enrollment Department at 520.879.6231 or 1.800.572.7282 ext. 6231, or you may visit our office at 7474 S. Camino De Oeste Tucson, AZ 8575

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