Cuellar: It's time to re-open the border to Mexican shoppers and tourists

LAREDO, Texas - U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar says it is time to reopen the international bridges so that Mexican shoppers and tourists can cross in the United States.He said this could be done safely by testing all visitors at the bridges for COVID-19. He said advances in technology mean the results of the tests could be known within five minutes.“I stand in support of employees, owners, and customers of retail and tourism-based businesses that are in dire economic circumstances due to COVID-19,” Cuellar said, at a news conference in downtown Laredo on Friday.“Along with essential businesses, those deemed “non-essential” should have the right to reopen their doors immediately and continue serving their community.”Although Cuellar and local business owners want Mexican shoppers and tourists to travel north, the congressman cited data on the drop-off in travel going south.According to Texas A&M International University’s Texas Center for Border Economic and Enterprise Development, southbound pedestrian crossings in Laredo have declined by 65.7 percent, while southbound vehicle crossings in Laredo have declined by 48 percent. Southbound truck crossings in Laredo have declined by 2.5 percent.On March 21, 2020, the United States temporarily limited inbound land border crossings from Canada and Mexico to “essential travel.” Cuellar pointed out that “non-essential” travel includes travel that is considered retail or tourism in nature. However, reflecting the views of local business leaders at the news conference, Cuellar said all shoppers and tourists from Mexico are essential.Among those to speak at the news conference were Edelmiro Martinez, owner of Emex Financial Services Casa de Cambio, Miguel Inclan, owner of La Sabrosita Paleteria & Snacks, Jerry Schrewel, executive director of IBC Bank, and Mike Marasco, owner of local McDonald’s franchise.Editor's Note: To read the full story go to the Rio Grande Guardian website.Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.