EL PASO, Texas - The Border Trade Alliance wants Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas to quickly open a dialogue with his counterpart in Mexico to address what it describes as a worsening situation at the US-Mexico border.
The BTA, a grassroots, non-profit organization, says a recent surge of migrants has resulted in closures of critical trade arteries.
“The BTA is deeply concerned that cross-border trade and commerce will be severely delayed unless both governments come together to restore order and security at the border,” BTA President Ms. Britton Mullen said. “Closures of international bridges and ports of entry result in tremendous economic harm to businesses on both sides of the border and degrade the quality of life throughout the region.”
Mullen and BTA Chairman Lance Jungmeyer have penned a joint letter to Mayorkas to express their concerns. In letter, Mullen and and Jungmeyer say disruptions have far-reaching negative consequences, undermine the binational relationship.
They point out that Customs and Border Protection on Wednesday closed cargo operations at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso to process migrants, and closed an international bridge in Eagle Pass due to an influx of migrants. They also note that CBP last week temporarily closed a pedestrian crossing at San Ysidro south of San Diego.
“We cannot allow bridge and port closures to become a regular occurrence at one of the world’s most important borders for international trade,” Mullen said. “On multiple occasions we’ve urged DHS not to close crossings. Action and cooperation between the two countries is required now to ensure our shared border is safe, secure, and can process trade and travel in an efficient and orderly manner.”
Founded in 1986, the BTA serves as a forum for participants to address key issues affecting trade, travel and security in North America. Working with entities in Canada, Mexico and the United States, the BTA advocates on behalf of policies and initiatives designed to improve border affairs and trade relations among the three nations.
According to its website, BTA is North America’s premier authority on issues affecting the U.S. northern and southern borders, representing a large grassroots network of over 4.2 million public and private sector representatives, including business leaders, chambers of commerce and industry, academic institutions, economic development corporations, industrial parks, transport companies, customs brokers, defense companies, manufacturers and state and local government agencies.
Here is a copy of the BTA letter to Mayorkas:
September 21, 2023
The Honorable Alejandro Mayorkas
Secretary of Homeland Security
Washington, DC 20528
Dear Secretary Mayorkas:
On behalf of the Border Trade Alliance, we write to urge you to quickly collaborate with your counterpart in Mexico to seek a solution to the ongoing disruptions at the United States-Mexico border caused by recent migrant surges that are placing significant strain on staff resources and infrastructure.
The BTA, an organization dedicated to promoting and facilitating cross-border trade between the United States and Mexico, recognizes the critical importance of maintaining a secure, orderly, and efficient border. However, the current situation is a matter of grave concern as the disruptions are having far-reaching negative consequences on binational trade, which has long been a cornerstone of our economic prosperity and a testament to our strong partnership with Mexico.
As you know, cargo operations at the Bridge of the Americas in El Paso, Texas have been closed to accommodate migrant processing, and migrant surges have prompted a closure at an Eagle Pass, Texas international bridge, raising concerns of similar service interruptions at international bridges and ports of entry border wide. The BTA reiterates its position that bridge and port of entry closures should be avoided at all costs. Such actions lead to shipping delays, increased costs, and an overall degradation of the powerful binational trade relationship between our two nations.
Furthermore, recent technical breakdowns in Mexico’s ability to process trade have only exacerbated the concerns of the cross-border trade community. We would urge binational consultations should this problem continue.
The disruptions are felt deeply by businesses, workers, and communities on both sides of the border, and they threaten the livelihoods of countless individuals who rely on the efficient movement of goods and services. The types of goods run the gamut, from automotives to electronics to consumable food and agriculture goods, in which the U.S. and Mexico each week trade in the billions of dollars. Any disruption harms U.S. farmers, produce distributors, and numerous small businesses.
We acknowledge the complexities of addressing the migration challenges faced at the border, and we appreciate the efforts made by DHS to address these issues in a humane manner. However, we believe that it is crucial to engage in a constructive dialogue concurrently and swiftly with your counterparts in Mexico to find a collaborative solution that ensures the orderly flow of both people and goods across the border.
The BTA stands ready to support your efforts however possible to achieve a resolution to the current border disruptions that maintains the flow of trade and commerce that is essential to the prosperity of our nations.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent and critical matter. We look forward to the opportunity to engage in discussions with you and contribute to a lasting solution that benefits both countries.
Sincerely,
Lance Jungmeyer
Chairman
Britton Mullen
President
