Border crossingCBP to open new border crossing point in Texas

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) hopesto open a new border crossing point in a remote portion of Texas by next year.

The agency hopes to create a border checkpoint in Boquillas, Texas in Big Bend National Park. The crossing point would be designated as a Class B port of entry – the first of its kind in the entire history of the agency. 

As a Class B port of entry, only U.S. citizens, awful permanent residents, Mexican border crossing card holders, Canadians, and others exempt from certain documentary requirements would be allowed to cross. The goal of the crossing point would be to facilitate travel and trade within the Big Bend and Rio Bravo area, which currently lacks a point to cross. 

In a statement, Alan Bersin, the head of CBP, said, “This next step toward the opening of the Boquillas border crossing is a testament to what a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to a shared goal of increased security, travel, and trade can accomplish.”

CBP said the crossing point would also help bolster the Big Bend National Park, Rio Grande Wild and Scenic River, and the protected areas of Maderas del Carmen, Cañón de Santa Elena, and Ocampo by allowing scientists, park workers, emergency services, and tourists to study, protect, and enjoy the area.

The decision to begin the process of opening a new border crossing comes after extensive analysis as well as consultations with Mexican border agencies.

CBP is working in conjunction with the Department of Interior and hopes to open the new crossing in the spring of 2012.

The proposed bordering crossing proposal is open to public comment until the end of December.