The San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce is standing firm in its statements, as well as petitions, regarding a reopening of the border ports from Mexico to the United States. In its most recent publication, it argues that a Mexican tourist can fly from any part of Mexico to the United States, but restrictions continue to exist at land border crossings.

But, why the difference between airports and checkpoints? As Jennifer Goudeau, president of the board of directors of the San Ysidro Chamber of Commerce writes, a meeting is in the works with CBP's San Diego Field Operations Director for CBP to discuss this issue.

She stated that they are advocating for the total lifting of the border as it "kills border communities" because as a result of the restrictions many businesses located between the U.S. and Mexico have had to close and hundreds of families have been affected. However, if the total reopening of checkpoints is not possible, they do hope that, at least, there will be at least at the same level as airports.

For his part, Executive Director M-B Wells stated:

Because of the sheer number of people crossing and the difference in reasons for entry, many times land borders have (and should have) security measures that are less intrusive than airports. For some reason, we are currently in a reverse situation with respect to COVID procedures.

Border News: First week of March 2021