Are Immigration Checkpoints Legal in Texas? – 10 Facts
What you have heard about the US-Mexican border is not all true. In fact, until a short while ago, it was possible to cross the border without a photo Id and with an undeclared rifle. Here are interesting facts about the checkpoints on the Mexican American border in Texas.
- You Do Not Need a Passport to Cross into Mexico
It may seem like you do, but you do not need a passport to cross into Mexico. Some of the officials on the Mexican and US checkpoints may tell you otherwise. Also, many people use them when going to Mexico. However, the truth is that the law says you do not need one. If you have a birth certificate or an ID, you can cross. It is important for people who do not like the passport offices inquiring from the IRS about them.
- Two Check Points are Head into Mexico
At the first border, the Mexican border guards only do a slight check. They do not want to inconvenience any Americans headed into Mexico. The reason for this is that they would like Americans to spend in the economy. However, there is another checkpoint south of the border cities. At this checkpoint, a much thorough check is done on Americans crossing into Mexico.
- Mexicans are Strict About Guns
Even having passed the US officials, the Mexican officials are still wary about guns. It applies in particular when a non-commuter vehicle is passing through the border. If they find an American car with guns, it could lead to serious jail terms.
- Bribery is Almost Impossible
On the American side, bribing the officials is almost unimaginable. If caught it could result in major fines and even jail sentences. On the Mexican side, bribing is hard since guards do not receive payment of fines. In short, do not try to bribe Mexican border officials.
- American Officials Can be quite Relaxed about Returning Americans
In the case of an expired passport or if you are having other issues with your papers, do not be afraid to use the checkpoints. The US officials can be quite relaxed about returning Americans. If they are in a good mood, they may even wave you through. It is never that serious.
- Movement at the Checkpoints has gone Up
Since the NAFTA deal was approved, movement at the US checkpoints has gone up a big deal. Movement of processed goods towards both sides of the border is the main reason thatfuels this movement at the checkpoints. More people legally work in the US and go back to their homes on the Mexican side. Movement is expected to grow even more with time as the deal continues to boost trade between the US and Mexico.
- More Cubans are Crossing into the US through Mexico
The move came after the US moved to removed sanctions with Cuba. With restrictions reduced, Cubans are feeling quite confident about crossing the border legally. Now they do not have to try to sneak into the US like in the past. Besides that, there are also more Cubans crossing into Mexico through the Texas checkpoints. With an easing of restrictions, they feel confident that they will not be denied entry back into the US if they go to Cuba for a visit.
- Fewer Mexicans are Moving into the Us to Live there
There has been a significant decrease in the number of Mexicans seeking to settle into the US legally. The main reason for this is that the Mexican economy is improving. Immigration had peaked during the great depression, which had nearly destroyed the economies of North America. In fact, Mexicans are moving back to Mexico. Most of those that do that cite family as their main reason. With their families unable to settle into the US, they feel obliged to move back to live with their families.
- More Mexicans Think Life is the Same in US and Mexico
In the past, Mexicans would move to the US to find a better life. However, that sentiment is changing. The figure of those who think being in the US is the same as Mexico has risen to 33 percent. It has thus led to a slowdown in the number of Mexicans whose primary goal in life is to move to the US. We can see this from the kind of traffic received at checkpoints.
- Cross Border Trade Has Grown
The trade between Mexico and the US averages $60 million a day. About a third of this trade goes along the land checkpoints in Texas. Thus, the border crossings in Texas are an important part of the US economy. The trade is only going to continue growing with time. All of this trade takes place without any Tariffs. That means Mexicans can bring in as many goods into the US as they want as long as they meet standards.
Summary
There is a summary of facts about the US border crossing with Mexico. While you may have imagined a high wall, it is not the case.