U.S. Customs and Border Protection has published a final rule to extend
the border zone up to 55 miles for Border Crossing Card (BCC) holders
who are crossing from Mexico to New Mexico. This change will allow
individuals with BCCs entering the U.S. by land to travel to Deming and
Las Cruces, New Mexico, which, the CBP hopes, will stimulate commerce,
trade and tourism in that region.
“Increasing the border zone in New Mexico will allow CBP to better
allocate its resources by reducing unnecessary paperwork burdens
associated with the Form I-94 process for both travelers and CBP
officers,” said Thomas S. Winkowski, CBP Acting Commissioner.
Current regulations state that nonimmigrant Mexican nationals who
present BCCs are not required to complete a Form I-94 if they stay
within 25 miles of the border. This new law will extend that area up to
55 miles in New Mexico.
