False security

The other day I went to the airport in Tijuana, Mexico. I crossed back into the US at the Otay Mesa border crossing. The line wasn't real bad. It was backed up before the bridge so it should have taken about 40 minutes. It took me an hour and forty minutes. This delay was caused solely by US government policy and procedures. The purpose of the inspection is to make sure one has the right to enter the US and that nothing is being smuggled across the border. So at the gate you give the officer your identification. Now, for the first time in the history of the US, this identification has to be a passport or birth certificate and other picture ID. Mexico has just as harsh immigration laws as the US and very harsh smuggling laws, however, Mexico has a voluntary declaration program and random checking of everyone else. Entering Mexico is fast and efficient whereas entering the US is filled with delays and harassment.

There is no real reason for the delay to enter the US other than to interfere with the free flow of persons between these two countries. SANDAG, the San Diego Association of Governments, estimates that this delay at the border crossing costs the combined economies of San Diego and Tijuana EIGHT BILLION dollars a year. That is 8,000,000,000.00 AMERICAN DOLLARS.

I think this delay is supposed to make the US more secure, however, what security is it that costs the community so much? They say they are stopping illegals, drugs and most importantly terrorists from coming into the US. I don't think anyone has any problem finding drugs or illegals in the US so the delay is not effective for that. As far as terrorists, there is no evidence that any of the 9/11 terrorists crossed from Mexico, they all crossed from Canada. That is a Bush red herring.

To add insult to injury, on this crossing, FIVE gates were closed further delaying the crossing. Most people do not cross the border so you may not be aware of the problem. However, many Mexicans cross over to shop at US businesses and due to the delay, they don't do this as they used to before this border delay was created.

This situation needs to be solved and can be with a little thought and understanding of the history of the US and Mexico. Mexicans are not our enemy an their money is certainly welcome in the US.