Are you tired of always being late to work due to the long lines at the Tijuana-San Diego border crossings? Fortunately, the Otay Chamber of Commerce has proposed a solution if you’re a legal resident of the United States.

Those with a resident card, better known as a green card, who also live in Tijuana or any other location on the Mexican side of the border don’t have access to the SENTRI program. In fact, it is illegal to live in Mexico while being a resident.

However, as previously mentioned, the Otay Chamber of Commerce has proposed a solution so that you can enroll in SENTRI or any other Global Entry card program. You will have the option of changing your green card for a commuter card.

“Many employers and workers don’t know they can change their resident alien card to a commuter card, which would then allow them to apply for Global Entry,” the Otay Chamber of Commerce said in a statement to the press.

Benefits of getting a commuter card

1. It allows you to protect your status as a permanent resident without residing in the United States
2. It allows you to enroll in SENTRI
3. You can continue accumulating employment credits
4. It allows you to easily change back to legal permanent resident status
5. It allows you to petition tourist visas for your relatives

Disadvantages of getting a commuter card

1. You are not eligible for naturalization
2. You cannot petition immigration benefits for your relatives.
3. If you're out of regular employment for six months, you automatically lose your commuter status.
4. Commuter status may prevent you from accessing Medicaid and MediCal benefits.

The cost for filing a commuter card is $540 dollars. We recommend that you assess these advantages and disadvantages and take the decision that is best for you.

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