WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) sent a letter to President Biden urging him to open our northern border as the current border restrictions expire today.
“Canada is beginning to reopen cross-border travel to Americans, and there’s no reason why our country needs to continue to keep the border closed,” said Rep. McClain. “Our northern border has been closed for well over a year, separating families and hindering small businesses in our border communities from the economic recovery they need to survive.”
The letter is available online here. The full text of the letter is below.
Dear President Biden,
In light of Canada’s announcement on July 19, 2021, to allow fully vaccinated U.S. citizens to cross the border, I urge you to reciprocate opening our northern border by allowing the border restrictions to expire on July 21, 2021.
With 67% of American’s fully vaccinated, and low infection rates, it is safe for international travel into the U.S. to resume. Prior to the pandemic, the cross-border traffic, such as tourism, contributed over $20 billion per year to the U.S. economy.[1] We must take action to capitalize on the growing demand for travel and tourism by opening our border crossing to non-essential travel.
By allowing the restrictions on our Canadian border to expire on July 21st, not only will our economy begin to recover, but families will be grateful for the opportunity to reunite. Families in border communities have faced unique hardships, such as missed funerals and special occasions over the last year and a half which they have not been able to share with loved ones on the other side.
The U.S. and Canada share one of the closest partnerships in the world and have a long history of working together to ensure the efficient flow of goods and people across the border vital to both countries. In light of our close relationship, I hope this can lead to swift action to restore the crossing so that both countries may continue their economic recoveries and reunite families.
I appreciate your consideration and stand ready to assist you in your efforts.
