SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Students who live in Tijuana but attend school in San Diego now have access to a “fast lane” that allows them to cross the border much faster in the morning.
This expedited access will only be available between 6 and 10 a.m. at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
Tijuana Mayor Montserrat Caballero Ramírez said the pilot program will include passes for the first 500 students who sign up and pay a fee of 800 pesos, or about $47.
“We hope this is a benefit for many young people who suffer daily at times when having to get in line by two in the morning,” she said.
To sign up for the pass, U.S.-born students must have a valid birth certificate issued in the U.S., proof of residency in Tijuana, student I.D. and official transcripts from their schools.
Students born in Mexico must have F1 and M1 student visas.
Caballero was asked about the likelihood of forged or altered passes.
“Citizens are also capable of corruption, but we’re appealing to them to be honest,” Caballero said. “This is public policy aimed at helping many families, parents who have to get up early in the morning to cross the border into the United States, it’s a big sacrifice for many.”
The mayor said with the pass, students should be able to cross the border in 20 to 30 minutes instead of having to wait in line for up to three hours each morning.
While applauding the program, the Smart Border Coalition says most Tijuana students will be left out considering 10,000 cross the border daily.
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