Title: Lukeville Border Crossing Shutdown Impacts Arizona Businesses as Migrant Influx Continues
Word Count: 358
The Lukeville, Arizona border crossing, a popular route for tourists and family members, has remained shuttered since December 4th due to the increasing number of migrants seeking to cross the U.S. border. The closure has been carried out by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in order to redeploy officers to tackle the daily influx of over 500 migrants in this remote area.
While the closure was implemented to address the growing border crisis, it has had an unintended consequence on local businesses, leading to a significant drop in customers. Several business owners are now faced with the difficult decision of potential staff cuts or even the risk of closing their doors permanently.
Recognizing the negative impact, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has called upon President Joe Biden to address the closure and suggested mobilizing National Guard members to assist the CBP in reopening the port of entry. Governor Hobbs recognizes the urgency of the situation, especially considering the economic strain faced by the local community.
The processing centers in the Tucson sector are currently overwhelmed, operating beyond their capacity. Migrants from various countries, including Mexico, Venezuela, Central America, and even outside the Western Hemisphere, continue to arrive seeking entry into the United States. The rise in border crossings is partly attributed to the shortage of funding within Mexico’s National Institute of Migration (INM), resulting in understaffing and a decrease in interdiction efforts at the southern border.
Mexico has been handling much of the migration strain from Latin America in recent years due to U.S. policies such as “Remain in Mexico” and Title 42. However, the decline in funds has left Mexico less equipped to accept migrants who are pushed back from the U.S., exacerbating the situation further.
Despite the border crossing closure, migrants continue to arrive in Lukeville undeterred, braving challenging conditions including rugged terrain and cold temperatures. Another nearby crossing near San Diego has also closed recently for similar reasons, with no specified timeline for reopening.
As the crisis persists, it is crucial for federal authorities to consider the impact on local communities and address the issue of border security. Restoring the Lukeville border crossing and providing adequate resources to handle the influx is essential not only for the well-being of the region’s economy but also for humanitarian reasons as migrants continue to embark on perilous journeys in search of a better life.
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