Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Pre-clearance issue


Once again, the question is being raised about allowing the U.S. Border Protection Service to formally admit the United States passengers still at Mexican airports. Pre-clearance, as it is called, is allowed in Canada and several Caribbean countries. It would facilitate direct flights to U. S. cities lacking international airports. Opponents, however, argue that the concept would trample on Mexican sovereignty and that authorization from Congress would be required. Although international travel to Mexico has been declining, observers doubt that Congress — in which no party holds a majority — will do anything to make the current administration look good. However, the airport at Los Cabos announced that next week it will be installing Global Entry kiosks to speed the processing of U. S. passengers who have paid a $100 fee to demonstrate that they are not security risks.


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Jimm Budd

Reporting from Mexico City

Member of the Society of American Travel Writers

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