New Passport Rule!
by Elma Gonzalez
When a person crosses the border from Mexico to the United States, he/she isrequired to present a passport. For years this has not been the case when crossing the border from the United States to Mexico. However, recently Mexico's National Migration Institute stated that US citizens who cross the border to Mexico “by air, land or sea" must present a passport.
Does this mean travelers will have to wait even longer to cross the border to Mexico? Actually, despite this new law, which will come into effect March 1, the Baja California migration department has assured the public that this rule will not apply to the San Ysidro and Otay borders. Lines are slow as it is with the new technology that was implemented recently, and public officials are worried that if this law were to take effect here, it would have a negative effect on the tourism of both countries. Therefore, the Mexican government has agreed to leave these ports as they are.
Why would Mexico want to implement such law all of a sudden? Throughout his presidency, President Calderón has aimed to lower crime rates in Mexico. According to the Mexican government, bringing about this new law will "increase security at its ports of entry." This will hopefully lower traffic of weapons and drugs.
In response, James Clark, director of the Mexico Business Center of the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, states they respect Mexico's decision, but they believe the borders, "...should be secured with the minimum interruption of commerce in both directions.”
In the end, this "rule" does not change much for SOH students. Just remember, although you may not need your passport to cross the border to Tijuana, if you travel south of our neighboring city, you may be required to show some documentation.
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