TIJUANA.- A pilot program put in place by Mexico's National Immigration Institute (INM) at the Otay Mesa border crossing charging foreigners an entry tax caused quite a controversy amongst residents in the border region this week. Today, the INM has clarified some of the many questions that locals were asking, and have assured that the announced requirement has many exceptions.

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Representatives of the National Chamber of Commerce and the Tijuana Conventions and Tourism Committee expressed their frustration at the new program, stating that this federal requirement will impact regional tourism and the entire tourism industry.

The INM indicated that those that enter Mexico for less than seven days will not have to pay the entry tax, and that the 306 pesos tax (approx. $24 U.S. dollars) will only apply to those that intend on staying between 8 days and six months. This tax is somewhat similar to the fee that Mexicans have to pay for I-94 visas (a visa required if you plan on staying in the U.S. for more than 30 days and/or travel beyond 25 miles from the border). The INM states that this measure is intended to gain a better understanding of who is entering the country and where they are going.

U.S. citizens of Mexican origin will be not have to pay this tax if they have some sort of document identifying them as Mexicans. For students living in Mexico, they will also not require the permit so long as they have a permit, visa, or legal resident.

The INM is testing the program out at the Otay border crossing, where signs have already been posted to route traffic to special lanes for U.S. vehicles and Mexican Vehicles.

Brenda.Colon@sandiegored.com