Regular travel across the border by both U.S. and Mexican citizens has dropped dramatically since the pandemic began. There’s grave concern about how that’s affecting the economy.
But there’s an effort underway to loosen restrictions.
The Texas Border Coalition is asking the federal government to allow nonessential travel through the Southern border.
The coalition of city and county leaders sent a letter to the Department of Homeland Security on Monday.
The restrictions started in April because of the coronavirus and were renewed last month until June 22nd. They prevent foreign tourists and shoppers from crossing U.S. borders. The coalition says they’re hurting small businesses and trade along the Southern border, even as both Texas and Mexico reopen.
Texas began reopening in May and has seen a recent spike in COVID-19 hospitalizations. Mexico began lifting its restrictions later in May and has continued to see high case reports this month.