More than 2,500 people applied for Tijuana’s fast-track border crossing program during its first two weeks, but most did not meet the requirements initially established by authorities. The high number of unsuccessful applications has prompted authorities to consider changes that could open the program to more people who regularly cross the border for work.
Pedro Alejandro Montejo, Tijuana’s secretary of economic development, said authorities are reviewing both the eligibility criteria and the program’s schedules. Some of the proposed changes could eventually be included in the city’s new Revenue Law.
The schedule is also being reconsidered because the current hours overlap with those assigned to the fast-track crossing program for students.
Medical passes are also under review
At the same time, authorities are taking a closer look at companies that use medical passes to facilitate crossings from Tijuana into San Diego.
Around 900 medical-sector companies currently have access to the passes. Their participation is reviewed every week, with companies removed from the program when authorities identify misuse or noncompliance with its requirements.
The review is intended to keep the benefit available while addressing irregularities in how participating companies use the passes.
Who currently has access?
The existing fast-track programs cover several groups.
Approximately 300 to 400 young people currently have access to student-related crossing options, while around 100 beneficiaries belong to the tourism sector.
Combined with the roughly 900 medical-sector companies, authorities estimate that about 1,400 beneficiaries currently participate in these fast-track arrangements.
The changes under consideration would therefore serve two purposes: potentially expanding access for cross-border workers while continuing to review how existing border-crossing benefits are being used.
