CALEXICO PORT OF ENTRY TO PROCESS I-94 PERMITS FOR MEXICAN HOLIDAY TRAVELERS IMMEDIATELY
December 12, 2007

Calexico, Calif. – Mexican border crossing card (or “laser visa”) holders who plan to make an extended visit to the United States during the December holiday season will be able to obtain an
essential visit document faster and more conveniently by applying now rather than waiting until the holidays, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials announced today.

Beginning immediately, travelers seeking I-94 documents will be allowed to apply in advance rather than waiting in line during the busy holidays when hundreds of visitors apply daily for the permit.

The essential permit, which costs $6, allows visitors to travel further than 25 miles from the border and to stay up to six months in the U.S.

Permit seekers may apply in advance at either the Calexico West (downtown) port or at the Calexico East (“new”) port facilities. Those applying at the downtown port should plan to leave their vehicles in Mexico and to walk to the pedestrian entrance at the Calexico West port crossing. Because the pedestrian entrance is located prior to the inspection area, travelers will not need to make formal entry into the U.S. at that time and can conveniently walk back to Mexico, said Port Director Billy Whitford.

"This is a service during the most popular Mexican holiday season of the year to reduce traffic
congestion at the port and to offer improved processing that is more convenient and faster,"
Whitford said.

Because Calexico East and West combined comprise the third busiest land border port in the nation with 23,000-27,000 vehicles and 18,000 pedestrians daily entering the U.S. through its gates, the Calexico facilities are impacted by heavy holiday I-94 processing.

CBP will launch a similar program at the San Ysidro and Otay Mesa ports of entry to facilitate travelers seeking permits in the San Diego-Tijuana area.

In the past, travelers typically applied on the day of their planned trip to the U.S. and pedestrians at Calexico West stood up to an hour or more in a line during sometimes inclement weather. Permit-related vehicles in the Calexico East vehicle secondary inspection area cause safety problems and parking congestion, Whitford said.

Whitford cautioned that all family members who plan to apply for the documents need to be present during the application process. Those requesting the permits also must be able to establish financial solvency and proof of residency outside the U.S., he said.

The hours for permit issuance are the same as the port operating hours: 24 hours at Calexico West and 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Calexico East.

Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and
between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

Contacts For This News Release

610 Ash Street
Suite 1200
San Diego, CA 92101
Vincent Bond, Press Officer
Phone: (619) 744-5224
Fax: (619) 645-6641

CBP Headquarters
Office of Public Affairs
1300 Pennsylvania Ave., N.W.
Room 3.4A
Washington, DC 20229
Phone: (202) 344-1770 or (800) 826-1471
Fax: (202) 344-1393