U.S.-Mexico Border to Reopen November 8th to Non-Essential Travelers, City Officials Thrilled
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2021
President Joe Biden announced that the non-essential travel restrictions between the United States, Mexico, and Canada borders that were implemented initially on March 20, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be lifted on Monday, November 8, 2021, resuming non-essential travelers such as tourists and business people to cross into the United States from Mexico provided they are vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine and proof of said vaccination.
The non-essential travel restrictions were implemented by President Donald J. Trump and continued by the Biden Administration until November 7, 2021, a period of almost 20 months. This long, arduous 20 months has wreaked financial chaos on U.S.-Mexico border cities and counties who rely heavily on Mexican tourists and consumers to support their economies and businesses. For example, the City of Eagle Pass estimated a loss of $350,000 to $450,000 monthly in general revenue funds from its two City-owned International Bridges since the implementation of the controversial non-essential travel restrictions, a potential loss of $7-9 million. A Rice University Baker Institute United States-Mexico Border Center study estimated financial losses over $9 Billion among U.S.-Mexico border cities during this period.
Eagle Pass Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. stated the City of Eagle Pass was thrilled and pleased that the non-essential travel restrictions are finally going to be lifted on November 8, 2021, returning local businesses and economy to normal after suffering significant financial losses for the past 20 months. The City of Eagle Pass anticipates the flow of travelers to almost double once the non-essential travel restrictions are lifted on November 8, generating much needed and welcomed general revenues to the City’s coffers from its two International Bridges. The City of Eagle Pass fiscal year budget normally relies up to 40% on revenues generated by its two International Bridges.
Among the hardest hit businesses in Eagle Pass are the downtown retail businesses who rely up to 70-80% of their annual sales revenues on Mexican retail consumers who purchase all types of goods, groceries, and clothing. Unfortunately, several downtown businesses closed due to the financial impact of the non-essential travel restrictions. Those who survived are ecstatic the restrictions are finally going to be lifted and are anxiously looking forward to having strong retail sales, particularly during the Christmas holiday season.
Eagle Pass Port of Entry Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Director Paul Del Rincon stated CBP is expecting international bridge traffic to double and will have both bridges fully staffed. Del Rincon noted the almost 20 months of the travel restrictions and the Christmas holiday season will cause large number of Mexican travelers crossing into the United States in the next few months. Del Rincon added that CBP is prepared to handle the significant increase of travelers anticipated after November 8.
Maverick County Emergency Operations Center Director Leopoldo Vielma stated the county will continue to implement and monitor COVID-19 vaccines. Vielma added that the public cannot forget that we are still in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and all CDC guidelines should be followed.
