Abby, Terenz, and Sweet Willie:

Thanks for the information. It is really helpful. I must admit, though, that I am dismayed by the (assumed) necessity to patrol this border so strictly.

My mom (who will be 76 this summer) has not been outside the US since 1963, and it's unlikely that she will travel outside the US, other than this proposed trip to Canada. I feel certain that she has a voter registration card. If that would work, it would be grand.

I wanted to run another thought past those of you with border crossing experience. My stepdad is a retired federal magistrate, and I suspect that he could get a court declaration that my mom is a citizen. Do you think that would work?

Again, thanks for your help.